November 24, 2024 — 7:30 AM
NAIA Terminal 3, Arrival Gate
The clatter of rolling luggage and the low murmur of announcements greeted them the moment they stepped off the jet bridge.
Matthew adjusted the strap of his carry-on and glanced sideways at Angel, who was yawning behind her sunglasses, half-hidden in his hoodie that she'd borrowed for the flight.
She looked tired.
Beautiful, but tired.
He reached over, gently plucking her boarding pass from where it was threatening to fall out of her bag. "You're a mess."
"I'm a married mess," Angel mumbled, bumping her shoulder against him.
He smiled. "Lucky me."
They weaved through the crowds toward the baggage claim, the familiar weight of Manila's humidity already settling around them like a thick, well-worn blanket.
Home.
Chaotic, relentless, wonderful home.
Angel exhaled slowly as they reached the carousel, watching the first wave of battered suitcases tumble onto the belt. "Reality check."
