After leaving the territory, Arlan didn't notice anyone tailing them. Leandro's men didn't know that he had a Subaru Forester. It was also tinted so even if there would be people watching the car, no one would know who was inside.
Victoria is a small town in Laguna with a population of roughly 43,000 people. This small town is famously known as the duck-raising capital of the country. It is also known for its bizarre yet delicious dishes including balut, a fertilized duck egg boiled and eaten in the shell while still warm. This delicacy was famous in the country of Maharlika because it was affordable to the common people and also because of its unique flavor that was well-loved by the locals.
Arlan tried eating balut before, but he didn't try it again after eating it once.
They soon arrived in a neighborhood in San Benito. His parents own a small plot of land in this area and they grew farm crops like sweet potatoes and corn for a living. It takes a long time before they could be harvested. Sweet corn needs 70 days or more to mature, while sweet potatoes take a much longer time at around 120 days. While their crops are still growing, their family had to save money and food. The process just repeats itself no matter what farm crop they planted.
A gray SUV stopped in front of a neighborhood sundry store near the main road. This store wasn't big and the items they sell are only the most common goods like eggs, cooking oil, fish sauce, and some local canned products. Stores like this are common in Maharlika and the locals call them 'sari-sari stores'. Although the prices of their goods are higher compared to grocery stores, sari-sari stores offer easier access to basic commodities since grocery stores can only be found in urban areas.
Arlan didn't wait for Karl to open the door for him. He stepped out of the vehicle and stared at the familiar place. He closed his eyes and inhaled the fresh air. "I'm finally back here after a long time." He muttered with a smile as he slowly opened his eyes.
"Boss, you live here before?" Karl asked in surprise when he heard Arlan's words.
Arlan nodded his head. "Just leave the car here." He said before he walked towards the nearby sari-sari store.
There was an old lady inside the store and she was holding a cup of coffee and a piece of bread. It looked like she was having her breakfast. "Good morning, Grandma Daisy." Arlan greeted her with a polite smile.
The old lady's eyes widened when she heard the young man calling her name. She walked closer to him and scrutinized Arlan's face. "You look familiar, young man." She muttered while putting down the cup of coffee and bread in her hands on a wooden table.
Arlan chuckled at her words. "Grandma Daisy, it's me Arlan Dominic Roa. Have you forgotten about me?"
Hearing this, the old lady's eyebrows shot upwards in shock. "It's actually you! You have grown up! I didn't even recognize you. You look like a successful person now. Life must have been good for you in the city."
This old lady was their neighbor and his family often buy something from her store.
Arlan chatted with the old lady briefly before bidding farewell to her. He then followed a steep and bumpy road.
Looking at the familiar surroundings, Arlan couldn't help but feel a bit emotional. This was where he had played before when he was still a young kid. While he was recalling his childhood memories, they soon arrived in front of a nipa hut. Its walls were made using bamboo, while its roof was made using dried palm leaves.
Arlan's lips curved upwards when he saw this humble home. This small hut contained so many memories of his childhood. He slowly and carefully walked along the muddy pathway.
Two people suddenly came out of the house. One was a woman dressed in washed-out clothes, while the other one was a man dressed in a dirty old shirt and faded denim shorts.
"Who are you people?" The man asked cautiously when he saw three men walking towards their hut. They looked intimidating especially the tanned man who was wearing a blue suit. His scarred face made him feel nervous. However, he didn't show any fear as he pulled his wife back and stood in front of her.
"Dad, even you don't recognize me anymore..." Arlan smiled as he walked towards his father. He felt all sorts of emotions when he saw his father standing up for his mom despite being sick. He was still the same proud man who refused to show any weakness.
His father's eyes widened when he heard his familiar yet unfamiliar voice. He walked closer to Arlan and examined his son's face. "Is that really you, son?" He muttered in a trembling voice.
Arlan nodded his head at his father's question. He then looked at his mother. He felt more emotional when he saw her eyes tear up. He couldn't believe that his mother's eyes had become more wrinkled and aged with the passing years. She was now getting older.
"You've grown taller again. It's good that you are back." His mother said as she pulled Arlan into a warm hug.
Arlan couldn't hold it anymore when he heard her caring voice. Tears flowed down from his eyes. He felt like he was back in the old days when he was still a young kid. Even now, his mother was still the same loving and caring person. "Mom... Dad, I'm sorry for leaving you..." He sobbed as he held his mother's body. She had become skinnier and frail.
Karl who was watching this family reunion grabbed Khalon and muttered silently. "Let's go to the side." When he grabbed Khalon's arm, he found out that he couldn't even budge the other party. In the end, he could only shake his head and turned around.
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