“Joanna! Come take these snacks and serve them on the site” Aunt Marge ordered. Joanna lifted up a tray of freshly cooked macaroni soup paired with buns, while Aunt Marge carried the small kettle with a brewed coffee inside.
“Stop working first! Have some snacks to refuel your energy” Aunt Marge called the workers and served them the food that they have prepared. DK came also; he knows how good Aunt Marge’s cooking is. They all dined in a small canopy pitched near the construction site.
Aunt Marge gave a bowl of soup for Joanna to eat. “Eat up, my dear. You will surely miss my cooking” she said while handing the soup to Joanna. DK became confused by what he had heard. Jake entered the conversation. “Oh, I almost forgot! I have to drive Joanna back to the city tomorrow” he said, clearing up things for DK.
That day was a normal busy weekday for everyone. DK started receiving the furniture and other materials they will be needed. The second phase of the building is almost finished. Jake stood beside DK who carefully watched his soon-to-be resort rising. “How is it going? Work is satisfying?” Jake asked. DK smirked, “This is so good to be true” he answered.
“Alright guys, pack up. It’s almost five” Jake said, reminding the workers to go home to end the productive day. DK went out of his room, wiping his wet hair with a white towel. Jake approached him, “Sir DK, join us for dinner. Let’s eat with Joanna. She’ll return back to the city tomorrow”. DK just nodded.
He dressed himself with a simple shirt and black sweatpants, then followed Jake inside their house. The aroma of Aunt Marge’s stir-fried vegetables greeted him; it was appetizing. Aunt Marge smiled upon seeing her coming for dinner. “Sir DK! I am glad you agreed to our invitation” she said while holding a smoking pot with her mittened hands.
Aunt Marge removed her pink apron and called Joanna to come out to eat dinner. “Joanna, let’s have an early dinner so you can sleep early also. Travel will be in the morning” she called. DK sat down beside Jake; Joanna came out and sat beside Aunt Marge, facing DK.
They shared the meal with stories and laughter. But Joanna can’t be so happy as she will be the things she will leave in Isla Corale once again. Joanna stood up to clear the dining table, DK quickly helped her to get the plates off the table.
Aunt Marge commented, “Sir DK, you are a visitor! We cannot let you do the chores”. Jake agreed, “Aunt Marge is right. It has been a long day for you. Let us three clean here”. DK chuckled, “No, it’s fine. Think of this as a repayment for Aunt Marge’s free and delicious food” he replied.
He carried the plates and followed Joanna into the kitchen, who was starting to wash the dishes. He placed the used plates in the sink and gave Joanna a simple back hug. Joanna was startled by DK’s impulsive move. “Get off of me. They might see us” she said calmly while trying to let go of DK’s embrace.
“I will miss you” he whispered that made Joanna soft. “Don’t act as if we used to be together every day. Don’t act like you are really attached to my presence” she said coldly. DK tightened his back hug; his chin placed on her shoulder.
“I just cannot imagine waking up tomorrow and the next few days without you being around in the island” he answered. “DK, stop this nonsense. If you are trying to make me stay, try again, because you will never change my mind. I have studies to pursue and I have DJ waiting for me” she replied. Joanna forcefully removed DK’s clasped arms from her waist.
“Don’t forget to give me a chance to see DJ again. If possible, can I see him before this year ends? Just a glance, so I can have something good to experience this year” he reminded and left Joanna alone in the kitchen. She held back her tears, pitying DK and the roller coaster life he had during the previous months.
Joanna tightly hugged Aunt Marge. Jake opened their van’s door, waiting for Joanna to hop in. “It’s almost noon. Shall we go?” Jake asked upon placing Joanna’s bags inside the van. Aunt Marge shed few tears and reminded Joanna, “You finish your degree no matter what. Take care of your child. He only has you”. Joanna smiled, “You can count on me, Aunt Marge. I’ll bring my son here some other time” she answered.
DK glanced at them from his veranda. His feeling is more bitter than the warm coffee in his hand. He knows that nothing can stop Joanna. If he could be the one to decide, he’ll wish to have Joanna next or near to him every day. But that is not what is happening. He understands that Joanna’s sacrifices are for the sake of their child.
Joanna hopped in and Jake slid shut the van’s door. From the vehicle’s tinted window, Joanna saw DK looking at her with emotionless eyes. She sighed and sat back. She, again, needs to go back to reality to make her and her son’s life better.  The van started to move away from Isla Corale when her phone vibrated to a notification.
“Be safe. Send me a message when you get home” DK wrote in a message. Joanna closed her phone and stared at the vehicle’s window. The clear waters, the islanders, and the natural-looking environment is slowly fading from her eyes. And in a few moments, she is back to the city’s noisy and stressful environment. But in a few moments also, she will be able to see Dion again, whom she really missed.
DK opened his phone to see Joanna having read his sent message. “I really hope you will be fine without me, Joanna. If only I could say again how much I love you” he said and closed his phone. He went inside his house to continue working again.
Few months later…
DK shook hands with Mr. Hui, a foreign businessman who is interested with his resort. “Thanks for trusting my new business, Mr. Hui” DK thanked upon securing the contract of investment. “No worries, Mr. Tiueco. Your hotel and resort business are built in a good location. Many tourists will visit this soon” the investor replied. “You’ve made the right choice, Mr. Hui. We are actually fully booked for the next three weeks” DK impressed.
The investor wowed at the fast boom of DK’s business, considering that it just launched few days ago. DK sent off Mr. Hui from the resort’s exit. He looked up, seeing his sweat and dedication became a successful building loved by tourists and customers. He smiled, “Dion, I can’t wait for you to see your building” he said and went inside to manage things.