CHAPTER 1

Lila Flores hummed softly as she tended to the vibrant blooms in the family flower shop, Bulaklak. The sweet, earthy scents of the lilies, roses, and sampaguitas surrounded her, instantly lifting her spirits. This was her sanctuary, a place where she felt most at peace.

As Lila delicately pruned the leaves of a thriving ginger plant, the bell above the shop's entrance chimed, signaling a new customer. She looked up and greeted the familiar face with a warm smile.

"Magandang hapon, Tita Ines! How can I help you today?"

Ines, a regular at the shop, returned the smile. "Magandang hapon, Lila. I'm here to pick up the order I placed for the fiesta this weekend. The decorations are looking absolutely beautiful, by the way. Your family really has a gift."

"Maraming salamat, Tita," Lila replied, brimming with pride. She quickly retrieved the carefully wrapped bouquets and arrangements, handing them over to the older woman. "I hope the flowers bring lots of joy to the celebration."

"I'm sure they will." Ines paid for the order, then paused, studying Lila for a moment. "You know, your lolo would be so proud of you, running this shop with such passion. He always said you had a special connection to the plants."

Lila felt a familiar pang in her chest at the mention of her beloved grandfather. "Salamat po. I miss him every day, but I know he's watching over us." She glanced around the cozy space, filled with the vibrant colors and textures of nature. "This shop, these flowers - they're a part of him. And a part of me."

Ines nodded knowingly. "Well, I best be on my way. Enjoy the rest of your day, my dear."

"Ingat po, Tita Ines," Lila called out as the older woman exited the shop. She let out a content sigh, then turned her attention back to the task at hand.

As Lila carefully arranged a bouquet of sampaguitas, her fingers brushed against the delicate petals. Suddenly, a jolt of energy surged through her, causing her to gasp and nearly drop the flowers. She steadied herself, blinking in confusion as a strange sensation washed over her.

He air around Lila seemed to shimmer, and the familiar sounds of Manila traffic outside faded away. She looked around, disoriented, as the shop's interior began to blur and shift. The once-vibrant colors of the blooms dulled, and the light filtering through the windows took on an amber hue.

Lila's heart raced as she realized the shop was changing - no, she was the one changing. Before her eyes, the modern furnishings and decor morphed into something more rustic and aged. The tiled floor beneath her feet transformed into worn wooden planks.

"What's happening?" Lila whispered, her voice trembling. She gripped the edge of the counter to steady herself, her knuckles turning white.

Suddenly, the chime of the shop's entrance bell rang out, but the sound was muffled, as if from a great distance. Lila whirled around, her eyes widening as a figure stepped through the doorway.

It was a man, tall and broad-shouldered, clad in a loose white shirt and dark trousers. He paused, his gaze sweeping over Lila with a mix of curiosity and caution.

"Magandang hapon," he said, his deep voice tinged with a slight accent. "Pasensya na, pero nais ko lamang bumili ng ilang bulaklak."

ila stared at him, utterly bewildered. The man's words were in Tagalog, yet she understood them as if he were speaking in English. She opened her mouth, struggling to form a coherent response.

"I... I'm sorry, I don't..." Lila trailed off, her brow furrowing in confusion.

The man's expression shifted to one of concern. "Mayroon bang problema?" he asked, taking a step closer.

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