Only We Know (2025)

[bunniefuu]

So last week, we talked about

two 20th-century philosophies

that greatly influenced

a number of writers in the West.

Existentialism and Absurdism.

Your assignment was to read

Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot.

Now, is it possible that Beckett's play

can be seen to be influenced

by either of these philosophies?

What thoughts or words come to mind?

Yes, Jon?

Nothing happens.

The opening sentence of the play

shows Estragon saying,

"Nothing can be done."

Yes. Nothing seems to happen.

Which is unlike what we expect of drama.

Which actually refers

to "action" or "spectacle".

When we're watching a film or a play,

or when we're reading a book,

when there's a story,

we expect something to happen, right?

But then, here

nothing happens.

But, Ma'am,

isn't that what "absurd" means?

Yes. Nothing makes sense.

Exactly the sentiments echoed in the play.

Oh, but that was in the 1950s.

World w*r II just ended.

And with all these deaths,

a lot of people were asking,

"What is the meaning of life?"

Kind of like what we're seeing now, Ma'am?

Ever since the pandemic,

I noticed that people

have become more existential.

Is the world ending?

Ma'am, can I still make it?

That's true. That's how we all feel!

-That existential angst, as they call it.

-Precisely, Ma'am!

But you'd better stick around.

I've got more books for you to read.

I'm telling you, Jon.

Don't forget your essay.

Go ahead, Patty.

You have any word?

"Mundane", Ma'am.

Like Estragon just removing

his boots as the play opens.

-Yes.

-But that could also be read as profound.

-How he struggles with the boots

-Profound. Yes.

could mean frustration.

Mundane. Profound. Frustration.

-And repetition, Ma'am.

-Yes, Luke?

It reads like the same scene

over and over.

And, Miss,

there's also the passage of time.

And waiting too, of course.

Vladimir and Estragon kept waiting

for someone they don't even know.

Yes!

There it is.

Waiting!

Of course, the first word

in the title matters.

What are Estragon

and Vladimir waiting for?

Maybe death?

There's this interesting anecdote

from Beckett's biographer,

James Knowlson.

He noted that when the play

first premiered in Paris in 1953,

there were a lot of people

in the audience who didn't like it.

But four years later,

a little theater group performed

the play in California

in a state prison.

You must remember.

This is an avant-garde, absurd play

where nothing seems to happen.

And according to witnesses,

there were hundreds of men sitting there.

Tough men. Burly men.

And they were just so riveted.

They understood the play.

And maybe

just maybe,

the prisoners actually know

what it is like

to wait.

What it is like for nothing

to happen every day.

Every day,

it's the same kind of suffering.

Every day,

it's the same routine.

So, class, I'd like you to go

into your respective groups and

So, did you pick a doggy?

What doggy?

I sent you pictures of dogs

for adoption last night.

You didn't even reply.

So you're not alone at home.

I'm retired,

not handicapped.

Fine.

What about my skincare products?

Order soon. You need it.

Yes, right!

Cora's overreacting.

PLEASE COME

Lord, God of Mercy.

Grant unto the soul of thy servant,

Sofia Monasterio Silva,

as we commemorate

her death anniversary today.

May the light

of Christ our Lord guide her.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

-Amen.

-Amen.

How are you holding up?

Gosh.

I can't believe it's been a year.

But I still miss her so much.

But I know she's in a better place now.

She's happy and at peace.

And I'm sure

that it's what she would have wanted.

For you to be at peace.

How could you possibly know that?

What was that?

Nothing.

It's late.

Just waiting for the right time.

-Beer?

-Sure.

-Dad.

-Okay.

Bro.

I know the timing's a bit weird, but

We don't see you that often.

Camille and I were talking.

And we want to proceed

with the wedding this year.

Good.

Then do it.

Your brother just wants to make sure

you're over mourning Sofia.

And, Ryan, we kind of need to.

I'm pregnant. Two months now.

Finally, I'm going to be a granddad.

Yes.

Nice. Congrats!

Thanks, bro.

Congrats.

-Thanks, Ryan.

-Congrats.

Yes, I'm heading back now.

Probably a little traffic on the way.

What?

I thought her friend's going to drive her.

Okay, sure. I'll fetch her.

What else do you need?

All good?

Okay. Love you.

Ah, sorry. I really have to go.

That's okay.

It's okay, William.

Thanks for listening.

We rarely see each other as it is,

and all I did was air out my problems.

Marielle's got an endless

laundry list for me.

With three kids and one on the way.

That's what you get

for marrying a young woman.

How will you manage with four kids?

Well, she's crazy about me!

She can't get enough of me!

You wish!

I'm fighting for my life out there.

That's why your belly's growing.

Are you carrying your fourth kid?

My belly? That's my chest.

I just pushed it down.

Oh, William.

Yes, fine. I'll cut down.

But Betty,

I worry about you.

Are you going to your checkups?

What did Doc Rowena say?

You should keep to your regular schedule.

Yes, I will.

Should I find you a helper?

Never mind that.

I can take care of myself.

You should go.

Your wife is looking for you!

She's been calling nonstop.

Okay, okay.

Bye.

Be safe.

Bye.

William!

Hey! What's your problem?

Can't you watch we're you're going?

I'm sorry. I'm in a hurry.

They didn't even touch.

They almost did!

William, that's enough.

I'm sorry. Just an old man with a temper.

Old man?

I'm just telling him

not to be so reckless!

But nothing happened. Are we done here?

There's no damage.

We're not done!

William, let it go. Come on!

Let it go?

Just leave it!

Your neighbor has an attitude problem!

Let it go. Nothing happened to your car.

Drive safely.

You're telling me?

Come here.

RUPTURED BRAIN ANEURYSM

Ryan! You already approved that.

Just double-checking.

Bro, you're on the site every night.

Go home. Get some rest.

I'm fine. I want to be here

for the pouring.

Okay. You're the boss.

Bro.

You remember Gigi?

She's our management engineer at Ordoez.

I bumped into her at an event.

She asked about you.

She's still single. Who knew?

We should all go out some time.

What'd you say? We'll have a great time.

I dont have plans to date. Please.

Don't you miss it?

Miss what?

Sex! You need to loosen up. Boom! Boom!

Drop it.

I told you I'm not interested.

Okay! Okay!

Good morning.

Baggage personnel. Baggage personnel,

please proceed to counter 22.

Baggage personnel. Baggage personnel,

please proceed to counter 22.

Oh!

Oh no!

Oh gosh.

Gosh.

Here you are.

I'll take that.

Let me help you.

Where should I put it?

-Inside.

-Inside.

Thanks for your help.

I'll leave it here.

Okay.

By the way, sorry about

what happened the other day.

With your husband.

Forget about it.

William always had a short fuse.

He's a lawyer. He lives to argue.

And he's not my husband.

We're separated.

He's the ex.

Ex-husband.

Okay.

I'm Betty, by the way.

Ryan. I'm Ryan.

Oh, yes. I know.

I've met Sofia.

We've spoken a few times.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Thanks.

How long have you been living here?

William and I moved here in 1993.

So, over 30 years now.

But I've been living

alone here for 12 years.

Imagine?

Anyway. I'll go ahead, ma'am.

Please. Don't call me ma'am.

Betty is fine.

Okay. Betty.

You're here again?

Perfect. My friend is here.

We can totally do that.

My Betty!

Come here.

I'm so glad you could make it.

-Of course.

-I know you wouldn't

let me hear the end of it

if I didnt come.

I promise you won't regret it.

-Hey, Bert! Where's Manolo?

-Oh.

-Let's introduce him to Betty.

-Betty.

I saw him around here.

-Excuse me. I'll go find him.

-Yes.

I'll be back.

Who's Manolo?

I thought this was ballroom dancing?

It sounds like a--

Blind date? Yes.

But with a lot more choices!

Take your pick. There's one over there!

She's the friend

we've been telling you about.

I swear, Cora

Betty, I'd like you

to meet my good compadre,

Judge Manolo Soriano.

Manolo, this is our good friend,

Elizabeth Guevarra.

She's a retired professor.

I'm former Judge Manolo Soriano.

I no longer serve the law, but I do

serve the whims

of beautiful ladies like you.

Nice to meet you, Judge.

Please, no need to call me "Judge".

I want you to call me

"Ling", like your dar-ling.

Ling?

Judge Ling.

What are you waiting for?

-Dance with Betty.

-Are you ready, Elizabeth?

Ow! My knee

I said stop it! b*stard!

It hurts.

What's wrong?

I can't breathe

Can I dance with you?

So, how are you? You're having fun, right?

Did you see what your Judge Manolo did?

He was grabbing my butt.

Oh, stop being a grouch!

A grouch?

You haven't gotten laid in ages.

Sweep up those cobwebs!

I swear, you need to see a doctor.

You think that's my type?

Don't be mad.

It was Bert's idea.

Next time, I'll find you a real stud!

You should stop. Let me be.

By the way,

Boyet wants us to finally immigrate

and live with them in Minnesota.

The processing will take three years,

so we should work on it asap.

But it's so cold there.

Your joints will hurt!

That's what I was thinking.

The siblings discussed amongst themselves.

They're all there now, so it

only makes sense that we join them.

They'll be able to look after us.

And you saw how it was

during the pandemic, right?

It was difficult for everyone.

So, when Bert and I pass away,

we'd feel better knowing

we'll be around our children.

And I want to spend time

with my grandchildren, of course.

Of course.

Don't be like that!

You're not even leaving yet!

You're so silly!

I just want you to have

someone to look after you.

That's why I keep

setting you up with dates.

That's all it is.

But they're all ugly.

-Find me a handsome date.

-You're terrible at this. You're unlucky.

That one guy almost died

on the dancefloor.

Ma'am.

Good evening, ma'am.

No need for that.

Ah, sorry. Betty.

Your package arrived for you.

I received it, so the delivery guy

doesn't have to come back.

You weren't around, so

All right.

Thank you, Ryan. Good night.

Good night.

So, as I was saying, sis,

we can put up a bed and breakfast

just for a few guests.

The cost of living here

in Rome is not a joke.

Even with Giaccomo and I

both working, it's not enough.

I think it's a good idea.

Lucho! Tenzo!

Hello!

Hi.

So, that's your poison.

Just to help me sleep.

Whatever gets us through the night, right?

Yes.

Oh, I'm glad you're here.

Can I ask you for a favor?

Sure thing.

-Plus, it's easy to

-Okay.

I can help you install it.

Really? I'm so relieved.

Are you sure it's okay?

Of course.

We're going to the same place anyway.

Save on taxi fare.

I appreciate it.

Sofia mentioned

that you were a college professor.

Yes, but I'm retired.

I'm sorry if I'm

Because between me and Sofia,

you know, she's the friendly one.

She's got a way with people.

The better half, as they say.

It may not seem like it at first,

but you have a warmth about you.

By the way, you should

probably install a CCTV too.

With you living alone and all.

It's not safe these days.

Even with the guards.

We should do our part.

I'm used to it.

And I think our guards

are doing a great job.

Besides, you're going to be around.

If I scream, you'll come

to my rescue, won't you?

You got it!

See?

I told you, you are a good person.

Heh.

You won't take a compliment, fine.

But thank you.

I've been getting

those worried faces lately.

The more I get older,

I don't know how I should feel about it.

Should I really be making a fuss?

Nah. Could be you're a good person,

so many people care about you.

Okay.

Fantastic.

Thank you so much!

I'm so grateful.

If you need help installing a CCTV,

just let me know.

Or whatever you need.

Thank you, really.

Okay.

-Thanks again.

-No worries.

Why don't you have dinner here?

-Dinner?

-Only if you're not doing anything.

I want to make it up to you

for all the trouble.

-Oh. There's no need.

-It's okay. It's okay.

Some other time. It's okay.

Okay.

I'll go now.

-Yes?

-Hi.

I'm free.

About the Sorry, the dinner.

I'm free tonight.

Okay. And wine?

-Oh, and wine, of course.

-Okay.

Yes.

-Thanks.

-See you later.

See you later.

Thank you.

Welcome.

Wow, this is amazing.

It's so good.

But you prepared such a big serving.

I figured you haven't tasted

home cooking in a while.

You should bring it home.

And then you can reheat if you get hungry.

Actually, William is the better cook.

So, when we separated,

I decided I would learn on my own.

Pretty soon, I started

to enjoy cooking for one.

Why did you

Why did we separate?

-If you don't mind.

-Not at all.

He fell in love with someone else.

I have toxic ovaries,

so I can't make babies.

That's one of the reasons.

One of the many.

Did you never marry again

or go on dates?

Two? Three guys?

All not worth the trouble.

And I happen to like dating myself more.

What do you

What makes you say that? What do you mean

I guess it's true.

Everything gets easier with time.

At one point, you stop asking yourself

too many questions.

You wake up in the morning,

you clean the house,

do your laundry, do your work.

But teaching? That was my life.

Until I retired.

And now

the days are longer.

And I just know.

I can't be happy all the time.

I have a feeling

you were a strict teacher.

I'd like to think of myself

as a student advocate.

Students are encouraged

to share their own stories.

Especially when it's relevant

to the material being discussed.

All my classes were full.

I'm sure.

Oh, and how I miss those conversations.

And sometimes those conversations

go beyond the classroom.

They would seek out my opinion,

ask for advice, guidance,

help with their problems.

Even their love life?

Especially with their love life.

They all had

their own quarter-life crises.

Are you a reader?

Between Sofia and I,

she

she's picked up more books.

Hang on.

If you want to fill your days,

try reading them.

Thank you.

I'm still learning. Don't be harsh.

It's nice.

I'm just copying.

From the Dutch masters.

What?

Happy birthday!

My treat!

-Eat up!

-Happy birthday, boss!

Thanks, boss! Everything tastes good!

Hey, man, no roasted pig?

Eat as much as you can.

Tomorrow you're on your own.

I already have much rice.

Have more beer.

Ryan, eat with us!

Hi.

Hi. Ryan.

How are you?

Okay.

So, that's your cat.

It's not.

Is it coming to your house too?

I think it's a stray.

I've been driving it out,

but it keeps coming back.

You should give it a name.

Then it won't leave.

Though it completes the picture.

A crazy old lady with a cat.

Would you like to have dinner

at my place this time?

Tonight or

Tonight?

Okay.

Yes.

You're not You sure?

Yes, yes.

Sure.

-Okay.

-Great. Tonight, then.

Okay, later.

Do you have any allergies?

-I can prepare anything?

-No

-You're good with anything?

-It's okay.

-Don't worry about anything.

-All right.

I'll be there.

Okay.

-See you.

-Okay.

Listen, you. I only let you in.

You don't live here.

You don't get a say.

-Hi.

-Hi.

Come in.

Please come in.

I tried to make pasta,

but it didn't work out so well.

But don't worry.

I ordered something to eat.

-It's totally fine. No worries.

-It's on its way.

No worries.

Can I get you Beer?

-Yes! Yes.

-Beer, okay?

Yes. Anything. Don't worry about me.

Thank you.

Switzerland?

During our honeymoon.

I've been there once.

Teachers' conference.

Sofia's so pretty.

How did you two meet?

In college.

We went to the same university.

And we were at an org party

because we're in the same

I was in engineering

and she was in pre-law.

You know how it goes. Friend

of a friend introduced us to each other.

That's how we met.

So This was

This was our dream house.

We waited until everything was finished.

We really pooled our savings into it.

I wondered why

it took you so long to move in.

Sofia was thorough like that.

She liked things to be

just right before diving in.

I think that's one of the reasons

why we hit it off.

-We're both planners.

-Mm.

That's why, even before

we got married, we sat down

and looked at our finances and saved up.

Be settled in our career.

Before we even thought

about having a baby,

we should feel fulfilled individually.

You know what I mean?

We promised each other we wouldn't be like

other married couples

who resented each other

and would quarrel

because they didn't get to do

the things they wanted for themselves.

So, this is it.

This is the fruit of all those plans.

Then, one day you wake up

and brain aneurysm and

it's all over.

Excuse me.

Do you have Facebook or Instagram?

But I don't have much use for them.

Just boomer things, I guess.

I'm not fond of posting on social media.

And who would I even talk to?

There's only Cora and Bert.

She'll just keep

setting me up with weirdos.

My friends are doing

exactly the same with me.

They keep sending me

profile pictures of women.

Saying, "It's about time",

and I should have some fun.

Why not? Maybe that can help you.

Wow.

Ma'am, am I hearing this correctly?

Coming from you?

Of course! Of course!

Ryan, I've seen it all.

You guys have needs, and there's

no shame in fulfilling those needs.

Especially on cold nights.

And you're lonely.

Do you do smokes?

Ready?

Okay, I'll try.

-Watch your finger. You'll burn yourself.

-Okay.

There. Okay.

-I'll just inhale?

-Take a puff and breathe deep.

You smoked the hell out of it.

That was a good hit.

-What do you think?

-Is that how you do it?

Your eyes are bloodshot.

Yes, right.

Now, tell me that you've seen it all.

-Or do you need more?

-Fine, fine.

-I bet I can show you more.

-Fine, fine.

One more.

-Take another puff. Go ahead.

-Okay, let's try again.

-Here we are. It's come to this.

-Okay.

Do you believe that when we die,

our relatives,

when we all end up in heaven,

that it's going to be one big reunion?

I grew up Catholic.

So, I guess so.

My parents are up there,

just waiting for me.

And then?

Then what?

For me, personally,

I feel like this is it.

After whatever this is

Poof!

We're food for the worms!

Let's try this.

Are you a warm person?

I suppose. Somewhat.

Are you kidding?

Sure. You know,

you shouldn't seem too eager.

So, I'm going to put "somewhat".

Fine.

Are you outgoing?

No.

Not at all.

What do you mean "not at all"?

I'm fun to be around.

You just haven't had the full experience.

Believe me.

Are we really going to fill

all these boxes?

Yes, so we can shut them all up.

This one.

-Are you loyal?

-Are you sensual?

Who would even take these seriously?

Why aren't you answering my question?

Are you loyal?

Somewhat.

Whoa.

So, it wasn't

just Sir William who cheated.

You're so judgmental.

Of course not!

It was just flirting, not cheating!

-Isn't that the same thing?

-Absolutely not!

And then? What happened?

You opened it up. Tell me the story.

Okay, okay.

So. This happened some time

during our first few years of marriage.

Around six years in with William.

This was a long time ago.

It was during

that conference in Switzerland.

I just got out of a lengthy talk,

and I didn't feel like socializing.

I wanted to be alone.

I just wanted to unwind.

So, I went to a coffee shop.

While I was having my quiet time,

a man pulled up a seat beside me.

Then what?

Very decent.

A silver fox,

who looked like Richard Gere.

-No sh*t? You're kidding!

-I'm not!

Fine. Maybe Richard Gere's distant cousin.

-I knew it.

-You don't believe me.

Whatever, he was hot.

Says he's a musician. We hit it off.

And then he invited me to go to a bar.

And you know,

when you're on these kind of trips,

something happens when somehow,

you feel that you can be adventurous

and go with the flow.

-And so, I did.

-You did.

And we had wine.

Wine.

Then?

That's it? You had sex?

What's wrong with you!

I was a married woman!

Come on.

When he was being forward,

I told him I had a husband.

And then I made up some excuse.

I drove back to my hotel and went to bed.

So you say.

The following morning,

I even called William about it.

I told him what happened.

-Yes?

-He just laughed.

The b*stard was unfazed.

"b*stard"?

And I think

-I heard that word again.

-That was the only time

within the marriage.

What about you? Were you loyal?

Huh?

Yes, you.

Well

Sofia and I had a talk about that.

She said,

if I ever meet someone else,

if I meet someone else,

even while we're married,

I should just tell her.

She believes

that we create different connections

with different people.

You know what I mean? Like,

she said, "There is no single person

who can satisfy your every need."

So, she told me

that if that ever happens

and I decide to come back to her

But my reasons should be clear

why I'm choosing to stay.

But the truth is, I was scared.

What if she meets someone else?

You think we only get one

one great love, and that's it?

For me, Sofia is my great love.

That's how much I love her.

What about you? Is it William?

That's what I was afraid of.

Because if we really do only get

one great love in this lifetime,

we're doomed.

You're still young.

You can have a lot of great loves.

Betty?

Coming.

Betty.

-Hey.

-I got a match.

Huh?

-Oh.

-What do you think?

You like her smile?

I guess. Go on. Talk to her.

What should I say?

Just say hello.

"Hello"?

-Oops.

-Whoa.

What was that?

Whoa!

A spicy movie, huh?

Hold on.

You've got a match too, haven't you?

You're chatting

with someone now, aren't you?

You're chatting with someone.

He messaged me first.

-I knew it.

-It would be rude not to reply.

What did he say?

He seems nice enough.

Retired general, 65 years old.

Widower. Likes golf.

Has a pet dog. A Rottweiler.

Wow.

So, that's your type.

What? Don't be daft.

-No?

-Blame your app's algorithm!

-You swiped right though.

-God, no.

I don't even know if I like him.

We're just chatting.

Then go for it. I'll be your wingman.

-No.

-You can't take it back now.

You're no fun.

Unless

-you'll ask Luella out too.

-No.

Want some wine?

Yes. Oh, wait.

Sure.

If you're game, I'm game. What say you?

So? Game?

So?

So, Betty.

I served in the Marines.

I retired four years ago.

Well. I'm actually taking up

interior design right now. So, mas

I was really studying.

Eventually, it felt like, at least I have

How about you?

Do you like going to beach? Oh, really?

Everything cool with you?

You?

Good.

Okay.

You're not feeling it.

I could say the same to you.

-It's a bust.

-What now?

I'm going to slip out. I'll head home.

Yes. I already made up an excuse.

-Let's go.

-Huh?

So, we're ditching them?

Well

Excuse me, miss. Is this seat taken?

No. Go ahead.

Oh, gosh.

That was so excruciating.

I'm done with all that dating nonsense.

As am I.

I couldn't remember

-"General Greg."

-General Greg.

-General Greg.

-General Greg.

-But you like that, right?

-He's so cool.

Nope.

I don't want to see that.

I'm fine being like this.

Thank you for tonight.

-Thank you. Thank you.

-Yeah.

-Did you have fun?

-Of course, I did. So, thank you.

I had a good time. Thanks.

Good night.

-Night.

-Good night.

Good night.

Good night.

Go home!

Betty!

-Hi!

-Hi.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Aren't you the

Yes, Ryan. Ryan Silva.

-Betty's best friend.

-Cora. Hi.

Didn't you say

It's the weekend again.

-Are we on?

-Yes?

I meant about the dinner. Sorry.

-Yes. Yes, yes. Okay.

-Okay.

I can come earlier if you like.

I don't know, help you out with the prep.

It's all I've got planned anyway.

Four is a good time. Four is fine.

-Four. Okay.

-Yeah, that's fine.

-Yes.

-All right, then.

Yes. I'm just making sure, 'cause

-I'll see you.

-See you. Bye.

What was that?

My God! Is that why you've

been snubbing our prospects?

You've got yourself a young boyfriend.

Isn't he your recently widowed neighbor?

Oh my God! What a looker!

I didn't know you had it

in you, huh? Oh my God.

It's not what you think.

Oh, please. Don't be coy.

You're cooking dinner together.

"It's not what you think"?

He just helps me

with odd jobs around the house.

Oh my God. You're playing

house already! Oh my God!

I hate you so much.

There! Now you look human.

How could you say that?

It's so tight.

Is it okay?

-Okay! You're looking good.

-I can't even breathe.

Oh, but you shouldve shaved your beard.

Its your brothers wedding, you know.

He's lucky I even got dressed.

Let's go, then.

I put you down as my plus one. Come on.

I'm really sorry. I promised Cora I'd go

with her to her lipo appointment.

Come on. It's just lipo! Come with me!

-Just go. Go.

-I'll come back for you.

You go ahead.

-We don't have to stay long.

-Enjoy the wedding.

The venue is close by.

I'll pick you up at five?

Just go to the wedding.

Drive safely. Don't lose your temper.

-Final answer?

-Final answer.

I'm really sorry.

If that's how it is.

All right.

-Enjoy!

-I'll try.

-Bye!

-Bye!

Ma'am?

Betty. The traffic was insane, right?

Betty?

Betty.

I brought you some cake.

It's from the wedding.

Camille said her mom baked it.

It's good. It's pretty tasty.

Wanna share it?

Okay, thanks. Just put it in the fridge.

Let's eat it now!

Come on.

I'll make you some coffee. Get up there.

Where's your French Press?

She said it's sugar-free and vegan.

You should've come.

It was really fun.

Where's your cat?

You know,

-I think you should name it--

-I left it outside the village.

-I led it away, so it won't come back.

-What?

It can survive anywhere anyway.

Heh. Why are you picking on the cat?

Why would you do that?

Why are you taking it out on your cat?

Why would you do that to your pet?

It's not my pet!

Breast cancer.

Stage 3A.

RUPTURED BRAIN ANEURYSM

I already had an operation.

Back then, it was Stage 1.

They removed the tumor.

I was in remission.

But I'm going to fight it out.

There are many

treatment options available now.

I can undergo another surgery.

Sof!

Sofy!

Sof! Breakfast is ready.

Ryan!

Sof?

Hey, Sof?

Sof! What's wrong?

Sof!

Ryan.

Ryan.

Hello, 911.

8585 sa Pacific Drive, please.

Sof! Sof!

Wait!

Where? Where does it hurt?

Here? What?

Okay, wait. Wait.

Wait, wait. Here?

Sof.

-Make it stop.

-Okay.

Ryan.

I'm here. I'm here.

The survival rate is much higher.

Ryan!

I'm here, Sof.

Sofy, look at me.

Yes, yes, yes. I'm here. I got you.

Ryan.

Ryan.

Ryan?

You're not going to die.

Ryan!

Sof!

Ryan!

Ryan!

Ryan!

Inhale!

Exhale!

Inhale.

Exhale.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Sof.

Sof.

Sof?

Sof? Sof!

Breathe

It's okay.

It's okay.

It's okay.

It's okay. It's okay.

It's okay

It's okay

It's okay.

It's okay

It's okay

You feel better?

I'm sorry.

You're the one with

You're the one who's sick.

I should be taking care of you.

But you just had a panic attack,

and I suppose this is not the first time.

You might need professional help

to process Sofia's death.

Does it ever end?

The sadness?

The pain.

It's love.

That remains alive in your heart.

It's not just sadness or pain.

How do you do all this, huh?

How can you just accept your illness?

How do you do it?

I think maybe at first comes

acceptance, and then later on,

anger and denial kick in?

I have died many times before.

As a woman.

Knowing that I will never

be a mother is a kind of death.

That was my reason for getting married.

I wanted to have a family.

I wanted children. That was my purpose.

And then

life said, "No."

So, it's okay.

I told myself, "I will be the best wife."

And then, William left me.

At first, I was so tough!

I did not flinch.

Fine! If that's what you want!

Let's end it.

But inside, it hurt.

He might as well have twisted

a knife through me.

All those lies.

And then I had to pick myself up.

And teaching became my passion.

But

That, too, had to end.

It's as if I was nothing.

It's as if my soul died.

So

So, if I should die of cancer,

that's another death.

Aren't you scared?

I'm scared.

That's why I'll fight it out.

-We will fight it out.

-Yes.

-But in saints, no?

-No.

Yes. But even you, or what?

-Definitely.

-Yes.

-I think that's necessary.

-Yes.

Wait. Is that Betty?

Who's that man with her?

I've told you about him.

Betty!

-Oh my God!

-Cora!

-Hello! Good morning.

-Ryan, this is Cora, my friend.

-Hi!

-Good morning, ma'am.

-Hi, Ryan.

-You've met, right?

Yes, we have!

-Ryan, this is Bert, Cora's husband.

-Hi. Ryan.

Bert.

-You really love your baguette.

-Thank you.

And sourdough.

Your total is 13,838 pesos.

-Cash or card, sir?

-Card.

I got it.

And your mom's

senior citizen card for the discount.

She's not my mother.

Here. I have it.

-Take it.

-Thank you.

-Thank you, sir.

-Okay. Let's go!

-Cora, Bert, we'll go ahead.

-Get home safe.

Thanks.

-Bye, Ryan!

-Thank you.

-Yes. Nice meeting you.

-Bye.

Tell me the truth.

Ryan's your boyfriend?

He's my friend. A male friend.

-Can't I have one of those?

-To-may-to, to-mah-to.

I've never seen you be

this close to a guy before.

Except for William.

You'll be at my birthday, right?

When is it again?

Of course.

You're messing with me again.

It will just be us.

I don't want a big party.

But you can bring Ryan with you.

Yes! I'm telling you,

you can bring your boyfriend.

Your male friend!

Let's take a selfie.

Finally.

Okay.

Are you sure about this?

I'm feeling nervous.

Like you said, no one else matters, right?

That's right.

This way, ma'am, sir.

This way, please.

Ma'am Cora's table is right through here.

It's my first time.

-That's a deal.

-Yes.

He was on stage and he froze.

Betty! And Ryan!

Hi!

Well, as the saying goes,

it was a long and winding road,

but here we are.

Fulfilling our promise.

'Till death do us part.

Happy birthday, my forever love.

-Happy birthday.

-Aww, thank you, Bert!

-Cheers!

-Thank you.

-Happy birthday, ma'am.

-Cheers.

Ryan, you can remove the "ma'am".

Just call me Cora!

-Happy birthday, Cora.

-Thank you.

So, Ryan. You're a repairman or what?

Is that how you met Betty?

Structural engineer.

Betty and I are neighbors.

Oh, yes.

You were the

Here it comes!

I haven't been around Betty's in a while.

-I've really missed her.

-Wow, looks so good.

You're already drunk.

-It's way too early.

-Yes, please.

-No, I'm not.

-Have some salad, pal.

-I hope it's crispy.

-Go!

I only wanted to say

that Betty is blooming.

Nothing wrong

with appreciating my ex-wife.

-But now, it's time to eat.

-Nothing wrong with that, buddy.

You can't eat that.

You said it's not allowed.

You okay?

Okay, I'll just have salad.

-Try the salad, pal. It's good.

-Hey, wait. It's too much.

Are you on a diet?

No, no, no. Just being careful.

-Extra careful.

-Get some of this.

No, I'm okay. Thank you.

Please get some of this.

What's the update from Boyet?

Is he working on your migration papers?

Yes, it's going slow but steady.

Ryan, what else are you doing for Betty?

William.

What? I'm just asking.

You are not just asking.

-Your question was offensive.

-No, it's okay.

It's okay.

Look, he wasn't offended.

Here, bud. Try the lechon.

Let's try it. I only meant

-Look how he dotes on Betty.

-Bud, this would be great as tapas.

Ryan is my friend.

He is my very good, close friend.

We talk to each other. We listen.

Just like how we were back then.

Remember, William?

Before things changed between us.

I know you won't understand what this is.

But I don't have to define

this relationship.

You each have your own lives.

Let me live mine.

And also,

I discovered a lump in my breast.

The tests came out,

and Doc Rowena said this time, it's

It's cancer. Stage 3A.

I'm sorry, Cora,

that I have to say it on your birthday.

No, no. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

Yes, I'll come visit you next year!

Do you promise?

Of course. I promise!

I can always come to you instead.

I can file for a leave.

That's okay. Maybe next time.

You're too busy.

If I really need

your help, I will tell you.

Don't worry about me.

I have people here to take care of me.

Okay, sis. Take care. I love you.

I love you, too. Kisses to the kids.

-Ciao!

-Ciao!

Are we there yet?

Yup.

Ryan, will you speak at my funeral?

What are you

What kind of question is that?

Why are you even--

I'm sorry.

I don't want to dampen the mood.

I thought you said

you were going to fight this?

Don't talk about funerals.

We've got more adventures together.

-I'm not done bugging you.

-Yes, that's true.

-Funeral, funeral.

-I want to enjoy all of those things.

But eventually, death will come.

We're just waiting for it.

But I don't want to be miserable

when that day comes.

I don't want for there

to be so much crying.

So, you're preparing me. Is that it?

I worry about you, Ryan.

You know, when you first

invited me to dinner,

I thought you were just looking

for someone to talk to.

A companion. Because you were lonely.

One dinner, followed by another.

I didn't even realize

that

It was me who needed you.

You gave me so much of your time.

You spent your days with me.

While I was

waiting to be done with this

f*cking sadness.

But that's all it took.

So, if you're worried,

and you're preparing me

I've already braced myself.

You're an excellent teacher, after all.

But don't tell me not to cry.

Of course, I'll cry. I'll miss you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ryan.

Thank you.

That's good.

Happy New Year.

Happy New Year.

Ryan. Happy New Year.

Right. I'm Ryan. Happy New Year.

Do you still remember your wedding vows?

That was a lifetime ago.

But I remember,

William and I said

we'll be the best of friends.

So, we vowed

that we'll always stay that way.

I've always felt that

friendship is the most romantic

of all relationships.

It's more giving,

more understanding.

More accepting.

-Why?

-Nothing.

Five, four, three, two, one

Happy New Year!

-Happy New Year.

-Happy New Year.