Judio's heart pounded in his chest as he approached the humble home he had known all his life. The soft glow of dusk painted the wooden walls in hues of orange and gold, a fleeting warmth against the quiet uncertainty swirling within him. His fingers clutched the acceptance letter, the rough texture of parchment grounding him in reality. His feet dragged slightly, hesitant. A part of him still couldn't believe it.
As he stepped past the threshold, the familiar scent of herbs and warm stew wrapped around him, soothing and comforting. His mother sat on a woven mat, carefully preparing dried medicinal leaves, her movements slow and practiced. At the sound of his approach, she looked up, her weathered face alight with curiosity.
Judio inhaled sharply, then spoke, his voice trembling with barely restrained emotion.
"Nanay… I got in."
