A cup of coffee arrived not long after. Ayisha wrapped both hands around it, letting the warmth settle into her palms. Simon's jacket still hung loosely on her shoulders, the sleeves slightly too long.
She took a careful sip.
"You're going to work after this?"
"I'm not sure," Simon said. "What about you?"
"Yeah. My boss is probably going to kill me if I don't show up again." She let out a quiet, tired chuckle.
"You could work at my restaurant," he said casually. "I can double your salary."
She glanced at him over the rim of her cup. "I told you. I don't want you bossing me around." She rolled her eyes.
Simon scoffed and lifted his own coffee. "You're really impossible," he muttered into the cup.
Ayisha kept talking after that about small things, petty complaints, thoughts that didn't really need answers. Simon didn't interrupt. He just listened, letting her voice fill the space as they walked back into the room.
She smiled at her mother.
"Mama, papasok na po ako."
Ayisha handed her the phone.
"Ito po yung cellphone mo. Tawagan mo po ako pag may kailangan ka."
She placed her coffee on the table, then hesitated. Slowly, she slipped Simon's jacket off her shoulders. The air felt cooler without it.
"Here," she said, holding it out. "Thanks."
Simon took the jacket. "Do you want me to drive you?"
"No, thanks." She shook her head, already picking up her cup. "Bye po, Mama."
Maricel smiled at her. Ayisha smiled back, then turned and walked out, her steps steady as the door closed softly behind her.
"Simon," Maricel called.
Simon turned. "Yes, Tita?"
"I want to tell you something."
He stayed where he was, listening.
"When I die," Maricel said gently, "please take care of my daughter."
She smiled faintly. "I know I've only just met you, but you're different from the others she brought before."
Simon pressed his lips together. "You're not going to die," he said quietly.
Maricel shook her head. "Just do it. I know my time will come."
She looked at him firmly. "Don't tell her."
Simon exhaled, the weight of it settling in his chest.
"I promise."