Chapter XXVIII: Ripples
Liz finds herself sitting on the edge of a dike, the tranquil waters of the river stretching before her. The gentle ripples reflect the moonlight, casting a soft glow over the scene. Beside her, Bennett sits in quiet contemplation, his hands resting on his lap.
"If you look into the water, what does it remind you of?" Bennett asks, his voice calm and steady.
Liz furrows her brows, staring at the moving current. Thoughts swirl in her mind before she finally answers,
"Psalm 135:5-6."
She recites softly,
"If I toss a stone into a still pond, the ripples will immediately emanate from the point of entry. It is a simple task to follow the ripples until it dissipates. If I toss multiple stones, multiple ripples will emanate and soon cross, forming yet other ripples."
Bennett nods approvingly.
"Do you know what it means?"
Liz hesitates, overthinking, her thoughts racing for a deeper meaning.
Bennett chuckles, placing a gentle hand over hers.
"Don’t stress yourself. The meaning will come when you need it most. What’s important is that this verse has something to do with the instructions I’ll give you. You need to be brave."
Liz tilts her head in curiosity.
"Why?"
Bennett smiles mysteriously. "You’ll see. But for now, let’s take a stroll in Escolta. Maybe grab a cup of macchiato?"
Liz’s eyes light up.
"That sounds great!"
The scene shifts, and they find themselves walking along Escolta. The heritage houses stand proudly with their tiled roofs and well-preserved colonial architecture. The old sett-pavement crunches lightly under their steps as a horse-drawn carriage passes by, adding to the nostalgic charm of the place.
Bennett lets out a deep breath, taking in the sights.
"It’s beautiful, isn’t it? These houses have stood the test of time, untouched by modern hands."
Liz nods, smiling.
"It’s been a long time since I last visited here."
Bennett looks at her with a thoughtful expression.
"The past may be in the past, but these homes carry the stories of those who lived before us. History marks them, just as our relationships and memories leave their imprint on our hearts."
Liz lets his words sink in before teasing,
"That was a poetic way of saying that time travel isn’t real."
Bennett laughs.
"Maybe. But think about it—like the Belfry of San Agustin, looking back at the past with regret or bitterness is unhealthy. But looking back with understanding, seeing the lessons and the love, that’s where the true treasure lies. Ruins may crumble, but history remains rich."
Liz’s eyes well up with tears. She steps closer and suddenly wraps her arms around Bennett, clinging to him tightly.
"I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for everything."
Bennett strokes her back, comforting her.
"You’ve already changed, Liz. That’s what matters."
The scene shifts once more. Now, they are inside Bennett’s room. The walls are lined with books, a small lamp casting a warm glow in the otherwise dim space. Bennett sits across from her, a serious yet gentle look in his eyes.
"It’s time for the first instruction," he says.
Liz straightens, ready.
"I’m listening."
Bennett recites the clue:
"At the door nor at the floor, go to the candle shop near the door, and you'll find some more."
Liz listens intently, repeating the words in her mind, trying to grasp their meaning. Before she can ask any questions, she feels an overwhelming warmth envelop her, and the world around her begins to fade.
"I love you," she whispers, her voice cracking with emotion.
Bennett smiles, his voice gentle yet firm.
"I love you too."
Liz’s eyes flutter open. She is back in her room, the morning sun filtering through her curtains. She quickly grabs her notebook and scribbles down the clue before the details fade from memory.
She then turns to Bennett’s picture on her bedside table. Her fingers graze the frame, and she smiles softly.
"I’ll figure this out," she promises.
Determined, she gets up and starts preparing for school, her heart filled with a renewed sense of purpose.
Liz arrives at school earlier than usual, enjoying the morning breeze as she waits for Wyn. Minutes pass, and when Wyn finally arrives, she’s nearly out of breath.
"Late again?" Liz teases, crossing her arms with a smirk.
Wyn rolls her eyes and exhales.
"Traffic. I swear the universe is against me today."
Liz chuckles.
"Excuses, excuses."
"Anyway, what’s up? You look like you have something to say."
Liz nods and leans in.
"I had another dream about Bennett last night."
Wyn’s expression shifts into curiosity.
"Oh? Tell me everything."
Liz takes a deep breath and recounts the events of the dream—the tranquil waters, the discussion about Psalm 135:5-6, and Bennett’s cryptic instructions. She emphasizes the metaphor about ripples in a pond.
"Ripples in a pond?" Wyn tilts her head. "That’s actually a deep analogy. The verse basically means that God’s power and will are absolute, like how ripples spread endlessly. Even the smallest actions can have a lasting impact."
Liz sits back, absorbing Wyn’s words.
"Then that means… my past actions had a bigger effect than I realized."
Wyn places a reassuring hand on Liz’s shoulder.
"Exactly. But what matters is that you're changing. The past is behind you, but what you do now creates new ripples."
Liz nods, her thoughts lingering on her past mistakes. She suddenly remembers how she used to blame others for things she caused herself.
"I really was blind, huh?"
"More like stubborn," Wyn teases. "But look at you now."
Before they can continue, Brother Padilla approaches.
"Girls, I need your help organizing the chapel again. Would you mind?"
Liz and Wyn exchange glances before agreeing. As they assist in arranging the pews and dusting off the altar, Liz hesitates before asking,
"Brother Padilla, did you know Bennett?"
Brother Padilla’s eyes light up.
"Bennett? Bennett Lontoc? Of course! He was the best altar server I ever had. He wasn’t just an altar server—he was a talented singer in the choir, the remedial organist, a commentator, and a lector. He had a heart for serving others."
Wyn listens in amazement.
"Wow. I had no idea he did so much."
Brother Padilla sighs wistfully.
"It’s been a while since I’ve seen him. He had such a bright spirit."
Liz swallows hard. She feels an overwhelming sense of pride mixed with longing.
"He really was amazing."
Brother Padilla gives them a warm smile before heading out to run some errands. Liz and Wyn look at each other.
"He really left a mark here, huh?" Wyn muses.
Liz nods.
"And now, I feel even more determined to follow the clues he left for me."
An idea suddenly sparks in her mind.
"Wyn, let’s go to the candle shop near the cathedral at lunch. I have a feeling we’ll find something there."
At lunchtime, the two make their way to the small candle shop near the cathedral, where Mrs. Alvarado, Bennett’s former religion teacher, now sells candles. The scent of burning wax and old books fills the air as they step inside.
"Mrs. Alvarado?" Liz greets cautiously.
The older woman looks up and smiles.
"Ah, Liz! What brings you here?"
Liz hesitates before asking,
"Did Bennett ever leave something here? Maybe something for me?"
Mrs. Alvarado’s smile fades slightly. She reaches under the counter and pulls out a small, aged key.
"He told me to keep this safe. And if the time ever came, I should give it to you."
Liz carefully takes the key in her hands, her heart pounding.
"What does it open?"
Mrs. Alvarado simply shakes her head.
"That, my dear, is for you to find out."
Liz and Wyn leave the shop, both staring at the mysterious key.
"What do you think it’s for?" Wyn asks.
Liz turns the key over in her hand.
"I don’t know… but I have a feeling I’ll find out soon."
Since they have no immediate leads, they agree to discuss it later at home. That night, Liz and Wyn video call each other, the key resting on Liz’s desk.
"So, what now?" Wyn asks, munching on a snack.
"I think… I need to wait for Bennett to tell me in my dreams again. He always gives me hints."
Wyn shrugs.
"Well, that’s as good a plan as any. Just don’t let it consume you. Get some rest."
Liz nods, ending the call. She clutches the key tightly before placing it beside Bennett’s picture.
"I hope you visit me tonight," she whispers before drifting into sleep.
In her dream, Liz finds herself back in Bennett’s presence. This time, they are sitting on a wooden bench in a peaceful garden, the scent of roses filling the air. The key is in her hand.
"So, what’s this for?" Liz asks, holding up the key.
Bennett looks at her with a gentle smile.
"That key isn’t what it looks like."
Liz frowns.
"What do you mean? It’s just a key, right?"
Bennett shakes his head.
"It’s not the key to the final location, but a key to a heart."
Liz blinks in confusion before her face twists in horror.
"Wait, are you saying—" She glares at him. "Do you have someone else?!"
Bennett bursts into laughter.
"No, silly! That’s not what I meant. I mean it literally. It’s a key to a heart—something religious."
Liz pauses, processing his words. Then, like a lightbulb going off, realization dawns on her.
"A heart… a sacred heart?"
Bennett nods.
"Exactly. But the place you need to go isn’t easy to enter. The heart is locked away. You’ll need courage to reach it."
Liz sighs.
"Why is everything always complicated?"
Bennett chuckles.
"Because if it were easy, it wouldn’t mean as much."
Liz looks at him, a mix of frustration and admiration.
"I’ll figure it out."
Bennett leans in, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.
"I know you will. Just trust yourself."
She smiles softly, resting her forehead against his shoulder.
"Thank you, Bennett."
As the dream fades, she hears his voice one last time.
"I’ll always be with you."
Liz wakes up, sitting up abruptly. She grabs her notebook and quickly scribbles down everything. Looking at the key, she finally understands—her next step lies within something sacred.
"A heart… locked away…" she whispers to herself. "I need to find it."
Determined, she sets her alarm, preparing herself for another day of unraveling the mystery Bennett left for her.
ns216.73.216.139da2
and then Add to home screen.