By around 04:45 PM, Nana Lolita started preparing for the barbecue and bonfire later. I saw her cutting and marinating almost all kinds of meat – pork, beef, and chicken. I helped her do it, and it was fun. It makes me miss my mom.

"Why the sad face, senorita?" Nana Lolita said.

I forced a smile and said, "It's nothing, Nana Lolita. What should we do after?" I replied.

"A face like that doesn't mean nothing. Are you missing your family?"

I paused and said, "Yes, I ...