"So you're telling me you were there because you were applying for a job? In that kind of place, really?"

I bit my lower lip and looked down. Dra. Vallero sighed deeply, and shame immediately washed over me. She used to be my classmate back in high school, now she's successful, living comfortably, while I... well, look at me.

"How about your son? How's he doing? I just came back to the Philippines, and I was planning to visit you soon. I didn't expect to see you in a place like that," she asked again.

My chest tightened, and I couldn't answer right away. Dra. Vallero was actually the one who helped deliver my baby. I had no money for the hospital and no one with me at the time. Thankfully, she happened to be on duty and helped me even though I didn't know how I'd pay for anything. She even covered part of my bills after I gave birth, so my debt didn't grow too big.

I was supposed to thank her back then, but I later heard she went abroad before I could even talk to her again. So she never found out that...

"My son's gone."

"What? What do you mean gone? Did his father take him away from you?"

I bit my lip and gave her a faint, bitter smile. "H-He died when he was two. Dengue," I said softly.

Her lips parted slightly in shock, and I quickly looked away as I exhaled deeply.

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't know," she murmured.

I pulled her coat tighter around me-the one she'd lent earlier when she saw how short my clothes were. She had also invited me to grab coffee nearby so we could talk. I was going to refuse at first; I could only afford 3-in-1 coffee anyway. But she insisted, saying it was her treat, so of course, I went along.

"It's fine. Hardly anyone from our batch even knows. The others... well, they don't care," I said quietly.

"But Lyana..."

"When did you come back, by the way?" I quickly changed the topic, looking up at her. "Are you here for work or just a vacation?"

I couldn't help feeling envious. She could just hop on a plane without worrying if she'd have something to eat the next day. Must be nice.

She gave a small smile, though I could tell it was forced. "I came back for work. My cousin hired me, he said they needed my help, so I returned even though I was busy abroad," she explained.

"What kind of work? Are you still a doctor?"

She hesitated for a moment, as if unsure whether to answer. Then she let out a nervous laugh. "N-Not exactly. I'm no longer working in a government hospital. Uh... I work for an agency. As a doctor."

"Really? What kind of agency?" I asked curiously. Maybe she knew of a job opening I could apply for. I was supposed to pick up Thirdy from Auntie's tomorrow, so I needed some assurance that I'd have work soon. Just enough to give me a little peace of mind.

She still didn't answer right away, like she was carefully choosing her words.

Finally, she sighed and leaned closer. "I work for a surrogacy agency in California," she said in a low voice.

My brows knitted in confusion. "Surro... what? What kind of job is that?"

The word sounded familiar, but since I'm no doctor, and definitely not as smart as she is, I  couldn't recall exactly what it meant. Maybe I'd heard it once at school? Or in a hospital? I wasn't sure.

"It's hard to explain, but basically... w-we look for women who can carry a baby-"

My eyes widened, and I clamped a hand over my mouth. "Is that illegal?" The words slipped out before I could stop them.

She didn't look offended, probably used to that question by now. She calmly shook her head. "It's legal in other countries. It's not illegal here either, but since the Philippines is considered conservative, it's not common," she explained.

I slowly lowered my hand and nodded. "So... what do those women do, exactly? Is it like a real job? Since you said it's an agency."

"Well, we help couples who can't have children due to infertility or medical conditions. We assist them through gestational surrogacy, meaning the egg cell of the woman and the sperm cell of the man are implanted into the surrogate mother's womb. For same-sex couples, we help them too, by finding an egg or sperm donor. The baby grows in the surrogate's womb until birth."

My mouth fell open at her explanation. Maybe I was just slow, but it took me a moment to fully grasp what she said.

"I-Is that even possible?" I asked in disbelief.

She nodded. "It is. We've helped a lot of couples already. The agency and the surrogate mother are both compensated, depending on the contract," she said.

Compensated?

"You mean... those women make money off the babies-"

"It's not like that," she interrupted quickly, making me look up at her again. "They're helping couples have children. The payment is compensation for that help. It's a fair exchange, they support you financially, and you help them start a family. But of course, it still depends on the surrogate's mindset."

I slowly nodded, finally understanding what she meant. "That's... actually amazing. I didn't know something like that was possible," I commented.

"Lyana?"

"Hmm?" I casually sipped the coffee she'd bought me. "What is it?"

"Your baby... he was healthy when you gave birth, right? No complications?"

I frowned a little but nodded. "Yeah. He was healthy. My pregnancy was fine too. I wasn't even sensitive back then. He only got sick because of... dengue." My voice trailed off as I looked down.

"You mentioned before that your relationship with the baby's father was short, right? H-How many times before you..."

"Before?"

"Before you conceived?"

I nearly spat out my drink at her question, snapping my head up to glare at her.

"I-I mean, I'm just curious. If it only happened once, then that means you... well, you get pregnant easily."

I stared at her for a moment, dumbfounded, before I managed to speak. "Why are you asking me that kind of question?"

"You need a job, right? For your brother?"

Though confused, I still nodded. I really did need one, especially now that I was getting Thirdy back. He was my only priority. "I need it badly," I said firmly.

"In that case..." She met my eyes, and I suddenly felt uneasy, sensing that whatever she was about to say would change something. I was about to look away when she finally spoke again.

"Would you like to be a surrogate?"

"H-Huh? Surrogate?" I asked in disbelief, pointing at myself. "M-Me?"

She nodded slowly and motioned for me to come closer. Though confused, I still obeyed and stepped toward her.

"It's a secret, okay? The truth is, I went to that bar because I know Mamita. I was going to ask her help in finding a surrogate-"

"But didn't you say you already have an agency?" I cut her off. "Why not just look for one there? What if the person you get has HIV or something? You'll just put yourself in danger."

She quickly gestured for me to lower my voice. We were still in a coffee shop, and anyone might overhear our conversation. I nodded in understanding.

"In our agency, the supposed parents have to be the ones to go there themselves," she explained. "But in my cousin's case, they can't leave the country. The family mustn't know. Her husband doesn't want to tell anyone that she can't get pregnant, so..."

"If they can't go abroad, then just bring the surrogate here," I interrupted again.

She shook her head and sighed heavily. "That's not allowed in our agency. So I had no choice but to come home to the Philippines and look for someone who can be their surrogate mother."

I fell silent. Not because I was considering it, but because I couldn't believe such a thing existed. The world was truly unfair, wasn't it?

Teenagers who have unprotected sex get pregnant so easily, while married couples who are ready and longing for a child can't conceive at all. Those who don't want children end up having them, and those who dream of having one... never do.

I let out a long sigh and shook my head. The world was never equal for everyone.

"Lyana?"

I blinked and returned to reality when Dr. Vallero called my name. I looked up at her, confused, and she sighed once more.

"Please, say yes," she pleaded. "I know you're still confused right now, but I'll explain everything carefully if you'll just agree-"

"W-Wait." I raised my hand to stop her from talking. "W-Why me? There are so many other women out there. Why me? And didn't you hear? My child-my child died-"

"But that wasn't your fault," she interrupted firmly, and I fell silent. "You had a healthy pregnancy, didn't you? You even said it only took one time, and you got pregnant right away. You didn't miscarry even though you were working back then. You gave birth smoothly. Everything... you would be a perfect surrogate, Lyana."

I blinked several times, unsure how to respond. Finally, I shook my head and sighed. "I'm sorry, but I'm not into that kind of thing. And pregnancy isn't easy, you know," I refused softly.

"Lyana, my cousin is rich-really rich. You'll only carry the baby for nine months, and that's it. You'll have no responsibility for the child afterward, and you'll get paid. My cousin can pay you millions just so they can have a baby. Come on, Lyana. Please say yes."

I bit my lower lip, silent. I didn't know what to say. Yes, I needed money... but not that way.

What if I couldn't let the baby go? What if I grew attached? I already knew how hard pregnancy was-that alone made me hesitate.

"You should ask someone else, Dr. Vallero. I'm sure plenty of women would accept your offer, especially since you said your cousin would pay a huge amount. But if you're asking me... I'm sorry, but no," I said, lowering my gaze.

She sighed deeply, making the air between us heavy.

"Lyana, this isn't charity. It's a job-a legal one. After nine months, you'll be free again. You can go back to college, find a better job afterward. This is a good opportunity for you."

Even with that tempting offer, I still shook my head. No amount of money could ever replace motherhood. I didn't even know if surrogates could still be called mothers.

"I'm really sorry. Please offer it to someone else," I said, standing up. "Thank you for the coffee and the offer, but I can't accept it."

"Lyana..."

I let out a deep sigh and gave her a small smile. "I hope your cousin finds a surrogate soon so she and her husband can have a baby. I'll include you in my prayers. Thank you-and I'm sorry again. I really want to repay the help you gave me when I gave birth before, but... not this way. I'm sorry. I'll go ahead."

I was about to leave when she stopped me, holding my wrist before standing up. She reached into her bag and placed something in my hand. My brows furrowed when I saw what it was.

"That's my calling card," she said. "If you ever change your mind about the offer, just call me. I'll wait for your call, okay?"

"H-Huh? But I already told you I'm not interested-"

"Just in case you change your mind," she interrupted, patting my shoulder lightly. "It would be a waste if you did and couldn't contact me, right? Lyana, I trust you. If I'm going to find a surrogate, I'd rather it be someone I know-and someone I trust."

"But still..."

"I'm not forcing you," she said gently. "I'll respect your choice. But if ever... just call me, okay?" She gave me a faint smile.

In the end, I could only nod and say goodbye. I was about to return the jacket she lent me earlier to cover myself, but she refused, saying I might get harassed on the way home. So I thanked her again and left the coffee shop.

My steps felt heavy as I walked away, my mind replaying everything she said. I still didn't fully understand what she meant by "surrogate"-maybe that was one reason I said no. I didn't even know how a baby was made in a surrogate's womb.

Maybe it's normal abroad, but here, it just isn't. Maybe I just didn't know much because I never finished school. Still, the idea felt too complicated for me.

I hailed a jeep and climbed in; my feet were aching badly. I sighed. Ten pesos gone-but I couldn't walk any farther. I just wanted to rest. Too much had happened today, and all I wanted was my bed, even if it was hard and hurt my back. Besides, I still had to pick up Thirdy from Auntie's place.

I hadn't even settled into my seat when my phone started ringing. I took out my old keypad cellphone and frowned when I saw the caller ID. It was Auntie.

That was strange-usually, I was the one who called her to check on Thirdy. Why was she calling me now? Still confused, I answered the call. "Auntie? Why?" I asked right away.

"L-Lyana, it's Thirdy... s-something happened to Thirdy..."

My heart skipped a beat. A wave of fear rushed through me. I swallowed hard. "W-What happened to Thirdy, Auntie? What's going on?"

"Th-Thirdy... he was hit by a car..."

The world stopped. It was as if someone had doused me with ice-cold water.

"W-What?!"

"What do you mean I have to pay? Excuse me, miss. I was driving carefully! Your brother suddenly crossed the road out of nowhere. It's not my fault your brother was stupid enough to-"

"Finish that sentence," I cut in sharply, my voice low and serious, "and you'll be the next one lying here beside my brother's hospital bed."

I exhaled loudly, trying to steady my breath, before glancing at Thirdy, who had just stopped crying. There was a bandage wrapped around his head from the accident, but thank God it wasn't as bad as I'd feared.

"L-Lyana, well, the thing is..." Auntie started hesitantly. "Th-Thirdy was kind of at fault. H-He crossed the road without looking, and then..."

"Oh? You heard the old lady herself," the driver said smugly, his tone dripping with arrogance. I closed my eyes for a moment, forcing myself to calm down.

When I opened them again, I lifted an eyebrow. "You're the one who hit my brother. And tell me, who's the one in the hospital right now? Your car?" I shot back.

Auntie grabbed my arm, telling me to stop, but I ignored her. How was I supposed to pay for Thirdy's hospital bills if he wouldn't take responsibility? My brother's the one who got hurt, and yet we're the ones expected to pay? No way. Especially since... I didn't even have money to begin with.

"Why don't you ask your brother instead? He doesn't look right in the head anyway, probably too dumb to lie," the man sneered.

I closed my eyes again, trying not to explode. God, what an unbearable man.

"Sir, if you were the one injured and lying here, I'd pay you even if I didn't have a single peso, if it was proven that my brother was at fault. But right now, it's him who's hurt, not your car," I said through gritted teeth.

"Your brother's an idiot, and now you're blaming me? Unbelievable. I'm the one inconvenienced here, and you still expect me to pay? Nonsense!"

My eyes widened when he suddenly turned his back on me. I jerked away from Auntie's grip and rushed after him, grabbing his arm to stop him from leaving.

"You're not going anywhere until you pay for what you did to my brother," I said firmly, tightening my grip. He glared at me coldly, but I met his eyes with the same intensity.

He couldn't just walk away. Where would I get the money for Thirdy's bills? He couldn't be discharged unless we paid, and the longer we stayed here, the bigger the hospital fees would grow. He could not leave.

I was about to speak again when he suddenly yanked his arm free. He shoved me so hard that I stumbled back and slammed into the side of Thirdy's hospital bed.

"What the-!" I groaned, clutching my arm. Damn it!

The pain made it hard to get up right away, so I stayed there for a few seconds, gritting my teeth. Two nurses came rushing over, but I shook my head, refusing help. What if they charged me for that, too?

When the pain finally subsided, I looked up, only to realize that the man was gone.

"Damn it," I cursed under my breath and stood up. I turned to Auntie, who just sat quietly in the corner. I sighed heavily. "Auntie, why didn't you stop him?"

From where I stood, I could see her throat bob slightly as she avoided my gaze. I rubbed my temples, trying to keep my composure.

Then I turned to look at Thirdy, still unconscious from the accident. His head was bandaged, and so were his right arm and leg. The sight of him made my chest tighten, and a few curses slipped out under my breath.

"Lyana?"

I looked up again. "Yes?" I asked softly as Auntie approached me from beside Thirdy's bed. She took hold of my right arm, frowning. "You did get the job, didn't you?"

Instead of answering, I just let out a long sigh and looked back at Thirdy.

She seemed to understand because she sighed too, one after another. "So you didn't get hired... I should've gone after that man, then. I didn't know," she murmured.

"Don't worry, Auntie. I'll find a way to get the money. We need to get Thirdy discharged soon; the longer we stay here, the more we'll owe."

"D-Do you even have money?" she asked. I looked at her and shook my head slowly.

"I still have two thousand pesos left. Thirdy and I made a few sales," she said.

"Auntie, if I take that, you'll lose your capital for your next round of goods," I interrupted.

"But what about the hospital bill? I'll earn it back once this is over. What's important is getting Thirdy out of here." She opened her shoulder bag, took out her wallet, and pressed a few hundred-peso bills into my palm. "Take it. You said it yourself, it'll just cost us more the longer he stays. Stay here for now, I'll try to get more money."

"Auntie..."

"Take it, Lyana. You can pay me back once you find another job," she insisted gently.

I sighed and finally accepted the money. "I'll pay you back, Auntie. I'm sorry for the trouble, again. You're already the one watching over Thirdy and now..."

She just gave me a faint smile and patted my shoulder. I looked away, embarrassed.

"I'll go home first, Auntie," I said. "I'll get some clothes for Thirdy and a few things he needs. I'll also stop by Jasrylle's place, maybe she can lend me some money."

"Alright. But come back right away, okay? You know how Thirdy is, he'll look for you the moment he wakes up."

I nodded in agreement, then looked at Thirdy again. He was still unconscious. I knew he'd throw a fit when he woke up from the pain, and Auntie wouldn't be able to calm him down alone. I had to get back quickly.

The only problem was, where would I even find money? I lived in the slums, and like me, my neighbors barely had enough for themselves. They were kind, sure, but when everyone's broke, even the kindest hearts can't always help.

After saying goodbye to Auntie, I left the hospital. I couldn't help but feel small as I walked out; everyone I passed looked rich, judging by their clothes. To make it worse, I was wearing something too short, I'd worn it earlier when I applied for a job at the bar... a job I didn't even get.

I clutched the jacket tighter around me, it was the only thing covering my skimpy outfit underneath. Thankfully, Dr. Vallero had lent it to me earlier; otherwise, I'd have been even more embarrassed walking around like this.

My head was bowed, too ashamed to look up, so I didn't notice the person walking toward me until I bumped right into him, nearly falling to the floor.

"Miss, watch where you're going," a deep, irritated voice said.

I immediately covered my chest, realizing my jacket had slipped open slightly, revealing the thin fabric of my dress beneath. I lowered my gaze and mumbled, "I-I'm sorry, sir."

The man only frowned, still talking on his phone as he walked away.

"I told you, I want to pursue it. Why are you questioning my decisions? My wife and I already discussed this. I don't care if it's dangerous or not, we want a child. End of discussion," he said, his tone firm before disappearing down the hall.

I froze where I stood, his words echoing in my head. Slowly, I turned to look back, but he was gone. My lips parted slightly as a nervous chill ran down my spine.

Then, almost without thinking, my hand reached for the pocket of the jacket. My fingers brushed against something, the calling card Dr. Vallero had given me earlier.

Dr. Vallero...

Would she... give me money?