That day, the Santos house was filled with candle smoke and the sound of rosary beads. Miguel – Lola Nena’s only son – had died in a sudden accident. On the first anniversary of her death, relatives and neighbors came to pay their respects; everyone felt sorry for the young widow and her five-year-old daughter.

Maya sat in Lia’s mother’s lap, her big round eyes filled with tears. She did not fully understand the pain of losing her father, only knowing that from that day on, she would no longer be carried on her father’s shoulders, no longer hear him call “anak ko, be good”.

But on the anniversary, another tragedy struck. When all the guests had left, Lola Nena put her teacup on the table, her voice cold:

“My son is gone. I am so old and weak, I can no longer bear this child. This child… I cannot raise him. You two, leave here.”

Lia was stunned, hugged her daughter tightly, tears streaming down her face:

“Nanay, she is only 5 years old, too young! I will go to work and raise my child myself. Please don’t chase us away.”

But Lola Nena’s eyes were still indifferent, with a hint of irritation:

“Don’t blame me. I lost my son, now I can’t take on another burden. From now on, it’s not related.”

Maya’s heartbreaking screams rang out:
“Lola, I’m a good boy… I’m not naughty, let me stay with grandma…”

But the door slammed shut in front of the mother and daughter. On the anniversary of her father’s death, a 5-year-old child was abandoned by her own grandmother.

After that, the mother and daughter wandered. Lia did all kinds of jobs to raise her child; life was miserable, exposed to the sun and rain. Misfortune did not let her go: a few years later, Lia fell seriously ill and passed away, leaving Maya alone in the world.

Fortunately, a kind family – Tito Ramon and Tita Marites – adopted Maya. They gave her a home, sent her to school, and loved her like their own child. The wounds of her childhood were deep, but love helped Maya grow up into a strong-willed, kind-hearted girl.

Time flies. Twenty years later, Maya is a successful 25-year-old woman, working at a large corporation in Makati. She has a career, knowledge, and an aura that makes everyone she meets respect her. But deep down, she has never forgotten the old house, the altar of her father – and the grandmother who pushed her out the door years ago.

One cold autumn day, Maya decided to return.

The car stopped in front of the Santos house. When she got out, her elegant appearance and confident face surprised everyone in the house. No one recognized her right away, until she said:

“I am Maya… Miguel’s daughter.”

The whole family was stunned. Some relatives whispered:
“Oh my god… it’s her – the child who was chased away…”

Inside the house, Lola Nena was old and weak, her hair was white, her hands were shaking as she walked out with a cane. Seeing the girl in front of her, she stood still. Her eyes were blurred, tears were falling.

Maya did not look at her right away, but quietly walked straight to the altar. She lit an incense stick, bowed her head slightly:
“Dad, I’m back. It’s been twenty years, I’ve never forgotten you.”

The incense smoke billowed, childhood memories flooded back – even the bitterness of the day she was abandoned tore at her heart.

Lola Nena walked closer, her voice faltering:
“Maya… I’m sorry. That year I was selfish, blind. I was afraid of suffering, afraid of responsibility… I didn’t expect you to still live this well. I regret it so much…”

Maya turned around, her eyes bright but calm. In my heart, the old pain is still intact, but has been polished by time into resilience:
“Grandma, I have experienced many bitter things. I used to hate you, I used to wish I would never see you again. But thanks to strangers who took me in, I learned to forgive. I did not come back to blame you, but to burn incense for my father… and to let you know that I am still your grandchild. But please remember: never do to another child what you did to me. I will never forget that wound.”

The whole house was silent. Lola Nena’s tears fell; she collapsed, hugging her granddaughter, choking up. Relatives were also moved, stunned by Maya’s courageous and kind return.

At that moment, after twenty years, everyone understood that: there are wounds that cannot be erased, but tolerance can heal. And that, the abandoned child years ago has now become a source of pride – making the whole family stunned, bowing their heads in admiration