Raquel wore a gray shirt, black jeans, and white sneakers. A simple outfit nevertheless, she still looked amazing in it. Sitting at the bedside, she ruffled her younger sister’s short black hair. The two sisters had matching bob haircuts.

Jasmine, look at you in your pajamas. Your innocence and pure heart, sorry to cut your childhood short. We both had to grow up fast, but don’t worry. I made a promise to mom and dad. I will take good care of you no matter what.

Raquel kissed Jasmine on the forehead. “Jazzy, wake up.” She shook her on the shoulder. “Wake up, Jazzy. It’s 6:23 a.m., and you have school today.”

Jazzy yawned, stretching her arms and legs before opening her eyes. “I’m up.”

“Happy thirteenth birthday. You are now officially a teenager.”

“I am?” Jazzy giggled as she jumped out of her bed. “Thanks, Rocky.”

“Get ready for your school, Jazzy. I’m going to the store now.”

“Yup, yup.” Jazzy cuddled, burying her head into her sister’s chest.

Whoa! That feels so good. I guess it’s been a while. Thanks, Jazzy. She hugged Jazzy back. “Text me what you want for lunch, birthday girl.”

“Yes, Sir!” Jazzy saluted. She rushed to the bathroom while Rocky took one final look at the mirror before leaving their two-bedroom condominium unit.

As the elevator opened, the dayshift guard at the lobby gazed at Rocky. “Good morning, Miss Lopez.”

“Hi, Danny. Morning.” Rocky replied, then headed outside.

She strolled the Hampshire Place, paying no attention to several residents staring at her. Rocky passed by the swimming pool, the playground, and the basketball court. When the breeze carried the flowery scent of the Arabian Jasmine in the garden, Rocky stopped and closed her eyes to inhale the soft fragrance. Even the Sampaguita flowers can feel these difficult times. I wished the world will get better soon.

Not long after, she continued her way to work. Leaving the residential community of over ten buildings, Rocky turned right and reached her little restaurant. The delivery crew nodded, eyeing their lady boss. They exchanged their usual morning greetings.

Rocky entered her store. To the right stood a stainless steel counter with the kitchen further at the back. To the left were sets of dining tables and chairs that were hardly used since the lockdown, while straight across was her small office.

“Good morning, Miss Rocky,” her three crew greeted.

“Morning, guys. Hey John and Andy, how was the night shift?”

“Probably one of our better nights in months,” John answered, shaking his fists.

“We had so many deliveries last night,” Andy added, “and a couple of takeouts.”

“That’s great. I always knew you two would make a great team for the graveyard shift.” She waved her third shift off. “Now, go home and rest. See you tomorrow.”

“Bye, Miss Rocky.” John and Andy left the store.

“Roger, update.” Rocky scanned the transaction forms.

“Deliveries had arrived, but we’re running low on rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer.”

“Alright. I’ll take care of those later.”

Rocky entered her office while Roger went to the kitchen area.

Her small office had a couch on one side and a desk on the other. As Rocky sat on her chair, she closed her eyes and massaged her temple.

“Whoa! Headache this early?” A 19-year-old guy stared her in the face.

“Shut up, Rolly.” She pushed him away.

Wearing an open green hoodie, Rolly sat on the couch next to a giant teddy bear. Rocky glared at him while putting her headset on.

“What?” He raised his arms with his hands flat. “What did I do now?”

“Can you zip up your hoodie like I always wanted?”

“Relax, Raquel.” He zipped his jacket up and wiggled his eyebrows. “As usual, I love your tight shirt and jeans combination.”

Rocky pouted, crossing her arms over the chest. “Stop calling me Raquel. Only my parents are allowed to call me that.”

“Sure, as long as you never put heavy makeup on your pretty face.” He cupped his cheeks. “I couldn’t help myself admiring your simple natural beauty.”

“Hey, I am not doing this for you. Lately, I’m just too lazy to put on any make up.”

“Wow, no makeup at all? Amazing. That’s why I love you.”

As the phone lighted up, Rocky shushed him.

“Thank you for calling New Wave Fast Food, where vegan food tastes even better.” She listened to her caller. “That’s one extra-large veggie supreme pizza, three orders vegan spaghetti Filipino-style, and four side orders mashed potatoes. Anything else, ma’am?” She noticed Rolly eyeing her. “Your order will be ready in 30 minutes or less. Thanks for calling.”

Hanging up, Rocky stuck her tongue out while Rolly hid his face behind the giant teddy bear. She then pressed SEND, relaying the customer order to Roger.

“I heard business is improving.” Rolly stood and approached her.

“It’s better than last month, but still way below from our sales before the lockdown.”

“Damn COVID-19. Everybody’s affected.” He hugged her from behind. “I’m guessing only the rich were not affected by the lockdown. Most of them must have gotten even wealthier during the pandemic. By the way, what do you think about V3? Is there a way around it? Or you will have to take it eventually?”

“I already did. Isn’t it obvious? That’s why I no longer wear any face mask.”

“What? Are you nuts?” He threw his hands in the air. “When was this? And why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I know exactly how you are going to react.”

“You know I’m so against it. I don’t trust that Hidalgo guy.”

“You’re right. There’s something fishy with that Philip Hidalgo.”

“See, then why did you go through with it?”

“As if I have a choice. Remember. V3 was mandatory for everyone thirteen and up. It’s vaccine or jail. When they came to Hampshire Place, everybody in the store got vaccinated.”

Rolly pulled his hair. “Okay, okay. I know you had no choice. Hey, at least Jazzy is safe.”

“Today is her thirteenth birthday.”

“What?” Rolly pleaded. “Please don’t let her register for V3, okay? Promise me.”

“I promise,” Rocky replied, her eyes lingering at the photo on her desk. “Anyway, I still think you are overreacting with V3.”

“No, I’m not. I’m among the 40% who do not want to take the vaccine.”

“Yeah, whatever. Here, play with this.” Rocky gave him her new smartphone. “It came with the vaccine.”

“Hmm. PH-PHONE?” Rolly sat on the couch beside the giant teddy bear.

Rocky checked the news. V3 vaccination is now over 90%. Whoa! That was fast.

“Wow. I got to tell you, Rocky, this PH-PHONE is amazing. It’s way better than any of those galaxy and i-phone combined. Hmm. With this phone, Philip Hidalgo might get his 100% V3 vaccination after all. Wait a minute. What does PH even stand for? The Philippines?”

“I’m guessing Philip Hidalgo.”

“What a narcissist. That conceited billionaire is so vain. Now, I think Christian Cruz is way better.”

“With that, I have to agree. Christian Cruz is so hot.”

“Ahem. Are you saying that to make me jealous? It won’t work.” He gulped. “Okay, it’s working.”

“That’s good. Hmph. Enough, now. I have another customer on the line.”

Rolly jumped to the couch and hugged the giant teddy bear.