CITY ENCOUNTER SERIES #1: WHEN THE RAIN FALLS

"Every dream has an inspiration, and you need to determine how you can reach them by striving towards those inspirations. Don't just promise but fail to take even a single step toward your dreams. Dreams are like stars in the sky; they may seem too high to reach, but there are many stars, just like there are many plans you can start. Embrace failure as a part of the journey toward success, and never stop dreaming. Learn from your failures and let them fuel your determination to continue until you reach your dream.Remember your failures so that you remain determined to continue. Let failures be lessons that guide you on your journey toward your dreams. Reach for your stars. This is Aleeza Zinn Deogracia, a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and this is the beginning of me reaching my star."

After my graduation speech everyone clapped their hands. I looked at my parents, and they were almost in tears. I smiled at them and mouthed, "I already graduated!"

We returned home after graduation. We lived in the province, where the air was fresh and life was vibrant. As I awaited my examination, I decided to assist my parents on the farm. I always had a strong desire to help them, and I took great pride in the fact that my parents were farmers. Their occupation revolved around feeding people, and it was because of their hard work that I was able to pursue my education.

"Momma, I've already cooked our lunch. Let's eat!" I exclaimed with excitement.

"Sarah, you're so lucky to have a beautiful daughter like Aleeza. I bet she'll marry a billionaire someday," my momma's friend remarked, and my mother chuckled.

"My daughter has no plans for that. She will help her siblings, Anna and Arra, finish their schooling," my mom quickly defended me. I felt a deep sense of responsibility towards my younger siblings. Anna and Arra were currently studying in a public school in town as grade 10 students. They had excelled in their junior high and were determined to continue their education.

"Aleeza, we're home! Papa is waiting for us," Anna announced as we entered the house.

I had prepared *adobong manok* for lunch, and we happily enjoyed our meal together. Once we finished, our parents returned to the farm, while Anna and Arra helped with the dishes, and I cleaned the dining area.

"Which school are you two planning to enroll in next year?" I asked my siblings.

"I think we'll enroll in the same school. They offer a STEM strand, and the tuition fees are affordable," Anna replied.

"Yes, Ate Aleeza, Anna is right. Plus, we can save money," Arra added.

"I promise both of you will reach for the stars soon," I assured them with a smile.

After tidying up the house, we brought some food to our hardworking parents and decided to help them on the farm. We planted rice and various vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and onions. As I worked alongside my family, I couldn't help but contemplate my situation. The wait for the exam was tiring, and I needed to earn money for the examination fees. I knew I had to find a job, but I wasn't sure how to discuss it with my parents.

I constantly prayed for the confidence to share my plan with them. Finally, I felt that tonight was the right time to do so. It was already 6:30 in the evening, and we were having dinner. Gathering my courage, I took a deep breath and spoke up.

"I've noticed that you seem tense, Aleeza," my momma said.

I braced myself and began."I have decided to find a job in Manila," I stated directly, without wasting any time.

"Of course, you can. But remember, you also need to help your siblings," my father replied. I breathed a sigh of relief, a smile spreading across my face.

"Are you sure, Papa?" I asked, unable to believe that they would allow me."Of course, Aleeza. You're old enough to make your own decisions," my momma reassured me. I nodded gratefully, and we continued our meal.

After we finished eating, Anna and Arra washed the dishes while I cleaned the table. As soon as I finished, I hurried to my room and opened my phone to search for suitable job opportunities. That's when I came across a job posting from Gustavo Empire.

I couldn't contain my excitement. The timing was perfect. I immediately prepared my resume and sent it to their email address. To my surprise, they called me back just half an hour later, informing me that the CEO wanted to meet me on Monday.

My parents were aware of the meeting scheduled for Monday. Since it was still Saturday, I decided to travel to Manila earlier to search for an apartment to rent. After packing my things, my parents handed me some money for my allowance. I felt a twinge of embarrassment but knew I had to accept their support.

"Take care of yourself, Aleeza," my father said."Of course, Papa. The two of them also want to reach for their stars," I said, referring to my younger siblings. I bid them farewell as the tricycle arrived, and I headed to the bus terminal to embark on the long journey to Manila.

The rain poured heavily as I reached the Pasay terminal. People were scrambling to catch a jeepney, and it was already late in the evening. Hungry and exhausted, I found myself in a waiting shed, contemplating how I would find an apartment at such a late hour. Shivering from the cold, I decided to cross the road and buy some food from a nearby convenience store. Lost in my thoughts, I failed to notice the oncoming car, and it stopped just a few meters away from me.

"Why the heck didn't you watch where you were going?" a voice shouted from the car. I ignored the outburst and continued walking, not wanting to waste time arguing.

However, I couldn't shake off the feeling that someone was following me. When I turned around, I saw a man holding an umbrella. I couldn't see his face clearly because of his face mask and hat.

"Come to this address. I can sense your restlessness," he said, insisting I take the umbrella."But what about you? The umbrella is yours," I protested, feeling a sense of guilt."It's alright. It's yours now," he replied, then walked away."Thank you," I murmured, touched by the stranger's kindness. I continued on my way, walking to the store.