Chapter VII: Harmonia As the first rays of sunlight stream through the windows, Isko rises from his bed, ready to start the day. After freshening up, he grabs a broom and begins tidying the house. He sweeps every corner and polishes every surface until everything shines. But as he descends into the basement, he notices something odd."Anong meron dito?" he murmurs, brushing cobwebs aside. His eyes widen as he uncovers the dusty outline of a grand piano tucked into a corner. Curiosity overtakes him as he moves closer, wiping away layers of grime. The piano's elegant woodwork and intricate details slowly come into view."Ang ganda pa rin kahit medyo luma," he whispers. Isko brushes off the keys, exposing their polished ivory surface. He hesitantly presses a single key. A soft, resonant note fills the air. Meanwhile, upstairs, Christine and Benigno are busy preparing breakfast. Christine is setting the table while Benigno flips a batch of Ilocano longganisa."Masarap ito, Ma," Benigno says with a grin."Makakain si Isko ng mabuti mamaya." Christine nods, smiling."Ang saya ko na lagi tayong may kasamang masipag na anak." Back in the basement, Isko becomes absorbed in cleaning. After wiping the piano completely, he arranges the room, making it cozier. He positions the piano as the centerpiece, surrounded by soft lighting and neatly organized boxes. Satisfied with the transformation, Isko sits on the piano bench. He takes a deep breath and places his fingers lightly on the keys. Tentatively, he begins to play a tune. The melody starts slow and uncertain but soon grows into a heartfelt rendition of "Ngaminen Ta Ranggas Mo Kaniak." Christine carries a tray of food toward the kitchen when she hears the faint sound of piano music. She stops in her tracks, her heart skipping a beat."Regie?" she whispers, her voice trembling. She follows the sound to the basement door, memories swirling in her mind. As she steps into the basement, the light from the piano illuminates a familiar silhouette. Tears well up in her eyes as she sees the figure playing the piano."Regie?" she calls softly, her voice filled with both hope and pain. The music abruptly stops. Isko turns around, startled to see her standing there."Oh, Ma'am! Pasensya na po, nakita ko lang po itong piano, kaya sinubukan kong tugtugin," Isko explains nervously. Christine shakes her head, wiping her tears."Hindi, anak. Ang ganda ng tugtog mo. Anong pamagat nito?""'Ngaminen Ta Ranggas Mo Kaniak,' Ma'am," Isko replies. Christine sits beside him on the bench."Alam mo ba, noong bata pa ako, mahilig akong kumanta? Ginagawa namin iyan at si ano dati, pero matagal na 'yun." Isko smiles."Gusto niyo pong marinig ang kanta? May lyrics po ito."(Piano Intro)Ngaminen Ta Ranggas Mo KaniakAmin nga Ikikitam ket PakatayakNgamin Biag ko Ta Guraennak, Ti innak kenka panagayat,Ta Siasino kad a parsua, ti di sumken ti karayo na,Aglalo nu innak makita, Dayta Pintas, Sudi ken Sadya,Baliwam kad, Baliwam kad Biagko ken Pakinakem,Iyetsum ta Guram, Iyetsum ta Apas ken Dawel,Ta daytoy Ayat ko, Ta daytoy Ayat ko, Saan a Bareng-Bareng,Saksik ti Langit, Biagko Aywen Patiam, Diakto ket Babawyen.(Piano Solo)Ngaminen Ta Ranggas Mo KaniakAmin nga Ikikitam ket PakatayakNgamin Biag ko Ta Guraennak, Ti innak kenka panagayat,Ta Siasino kad a Parsua, ti di Sumken ti karayo na,Aglalo nu Innak Makita, Dayta Pintas, Sudi ken Sadya,Baliwam kad, Baliwam kad Biagko ken Pakinakem,Iyetsum ta Guram, Iyetsum ta Apas ken Dawel,Ta Daytoy Ayat ko, Ta daytoy Ayat ko, Saan a Bareng-Bareng,Saksik ti Langit, Biagko Aywen Patiem, Diakto ket Babawien.Saksik ti Langit, Biagko....Aywen Patiem, Diakto ket Babawien. Christine hums the melody before softly singing the lyrics. Her voice trembles at first but gains strength as she pours her emotions into the song. Memories of her singing with Regie flood her mind—his laughter, their shared moments, and the dreams they once held. As the last note fades, Christine covers her face with her hands, overwhelmed by the bittersweet memories. Isko places a gentle hand on her shoulder."Ma'am, nandito po ako. Hindi man ako yung anak niyo noon, hindi ko po alam kung sino yung, pero gusto ko pong punan kahit kaunti ang puwang sa puso niyo." Christine pulls him into a hug, her tears soaking his shirt."Salamat, Isko. Ang laki ng naitutulong mo sa amin. Sana, kung nasaan man si ano, alam niyang mahal pa rin namin siya." As Christine's words of love for her son echo in the quiet basement, Isko's composure falters. A single tear escapes his eye, rolling down his cheek. Christine notices and places a hand on his shoulder."Isko, bakit ka umiiyak?" He wipes his tear quickly, trying to smile but failing to hide his emotion."Ang ganda po ng sinabi niyo, Ma'am. Para pong... iyon ang pangarap ng isang anak—ang maramdaman na mahal siya ng mga magulang niya." Christine's heart aches at his response."Isko, kahit ano'ng mangyari, gusto kong malaman mo na mahalaga ka sa amin. Hindi ka man namin tunay na anak, pero pamilya ka namin." Before either of them can say more, Benigno steps into the basement, holding a plate of breakfast."Bakit parang ang drama niyo dito?" he jokes, but his eyes betray a wave of emotion. His gaze falls on the piano, and memories of Regie playing it flood his mind. He blinks a few times, shaking off the images."Mukhang nahanap mo ang paboritong piano ni ano, Isko.""Magaling po kayong mag-piano, Isko," Benigno adds, his voice softer."Pwede bang may marinig ulit kami?" Isko nods, smiling."May alam po akong kanta na sa tingin ko magugustuhan niyo." He places his fingers on the keys, and the familiar notes of "Through the Years" by Kenny Rogers fill the air. As the melody flows, Christine and Benigno's expressions shift from surprise to deep emotion. Christine hums along at first, then begins to sing softly:"Through the years, you've never let me down.
You turned my life around..." Benigno joins in, their voices blending in perfect harmony. As they sing, they meet each other's eyes, their shared memories flashing vividly—marriage, struggles, triumphs, and their life with Regie. Isko continues playing, smiling warmly as he watches the couple. Moved by the music, Benigno stands and extends a hand to Christine."Sumayaw tayo, Ma." Christine chuckles tearfully but takes his hand. Together, they sway gently to the tune, their tears falling but their smiles unwavering. It's a bittersweet dance, a celebration of love and healing despite the void left by their son. As the song comes to an end, Christine and Benigno pull Isko into their embrace."Salamat, nak," Christine whispers."Iba ang saya na dinala mo sa amin." Benigno pats Isko's shoulder."Kahit anong mangyari, nandito ka palagi sa puso namin. Unexpected talaga, pianist ka pala" The three of them ascend from the basement and head to the dining table. Breakfast is already laid out, a mix of Ilocano longganisa, fried rice, and scrambled eggs. As they eat, Christine smiles at Isko."Ang galing mo talaga, Isko. Ang musika mo, parang nagbibigay ng bagong buhay dito sa bahay." Benigno nods."Tama. Swerte kami na napunta ka sa amin, Isko." Isko blushes at their praise, humbly responding,"Ginagawa ko lang po ang kaya ko. Salamat po sa pagmamahal na binibigay niyo."