The two looked at each other in astonishment, but the girl soon looked away, a bit embarrassed by her scar. Goyong regained his composure and repeated his greetings to the girl.

"You look lovelier than when I last saw you" Goyong said earnestly.

The girl had slightly blushed and gave her greetings too. "I also give you my sincerest thanks, for if it weren't for how well you managed and lifted the spirits of the revolutionaries, the freedom of this province wouldn't have been possible."

Goyong humbly replied that it was with the combined efforts of everybody that it was made possible and that his efforts alone shouldn't be singularly praised. "Aren't you a bit far from home?" Goyong asked.

The girl sheepishly smiled. "Weeks ago, I heard that a plan of attack was being made here so I came" she said.

Goyong was taken aback. "You don't mean to tell me that... you took part in the attack?"

The girl merely smiled. "I stole some oversized camisa de chino and dressed like a man. I kept my distance and never spoke to anyone. During the battle, a Spaniard with a knife had gotten a hold of me and during the struggle, the tip of the knife struck my face."

Goyong was horrified. But the girl reassured him that she was fine. "Nevertheless, the feeling of it all had been of euphoria. I did something for our nation, and I am glad" the girl said.

Goyong shook his head, clearly at awe at the girl. During his visits to many parts of the country, and even outside of the country itself, Goyong met a lot of women. He had ensnared numerous hearts. In his defense, his heart yearned to love, and he can't help but shower women with his affections. However, he always left those women, because he'd always be on some heroic journey for the liberation of his beloved nation. These women were left with nothing but the interrupted connection between them and the mere idea of Goyong's affections. These women were normally soft-spoken, reserved, and sometimes silly. They paled in comparison with the girl standing before him now.

"You never cease to amaze me" Goyong said. "How long are you going to say here in town?"

"Only for a few hours. I am already packing my rations for the journey home later tonight" the girl replied

"Certainly you know that the night journey is perilous. Can't you leave tomorrow morning? Or better yet, stay here for a few more weeks, and let me indulge you with what the town has in store for us" Goyong offered.

The girl politely declined. "I've left Tia Silia worrying too long. And I always feel secured under the blanket of stars."

Goyong expressed his dismay and concern but he knew that the girl was stubborn so he unwillingly dropped the topic. He almost forgot the handkerchief that he held. "I believe this is yours" Goyong said as he gently pushed the handkerchief towards the girl.

"You can keep it" the girl remarked.

"You wont give me a strand of your hair but you're willing to give me your handkerchief?" Goyong asked in a playful tone.

The girl let out a small laugh. "It's because that isn't mine."

At that moment, two women clad in exquisite clothing approached Goyong and were letting out small girlish squeals behind their fans. Goyong looked at the girl, a bit embarrassed, but the girl just gave him a smile.

"It was a pleasure meeting a famous Bulaceño. Thank you for the lovely conversation" the brown-eyed girl did a little curtsey and turned around.

Goyong caught her wrist, and as their eyes met, he slowly released her. "That promise I made, would you permit me to keep it?"

The girl merely gave him a small smile and walked away. That was the last time he ever saw her.