2 LIKE MOTHER LIKE DAUGHTER

"I missed you so much, Skye." Naluluhang sambit ni Mrs. Lazaro habang mahigpit na kayakap ang anak.

"I missed you too, ma." Malambing niyang tugon. "What's for dinner?" Aniya noong kumalas siya dito.

"You never change!" Natatawang tugon ng kaniyang ina. "Basta uuwi ka ng bahay, parati mong tinatanong kung anong ulam."

"As always, ma. I am expecting you would cook my favorite!"

"Hay naku! Mana ka talaga sa akin!"

She recalled her lola's story about her mother na parati ring nagtatanong kung anong ulam sa tuwing uuwi ito nang bahay. She always wanted her favorite food to be served para masigla itong makakain.

"Like mother like daughter! Minana ko na yata sa'yo ang lahat. Beauty, wit and body... but not your cooking."

"You can always learn it, pero sadyang ayaw mo."

Nagkibit balikat siya. "Mabuti pa kayo at minana ninyo ang skill ni lola sa cooking." Aniya habang patungo sila sa dining area.

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya nang makita ang favorite niyang ulam sa hapag. "Sinigang na hipon!" Dali dali siyang naupo para magsandok ng pagkain.

"You know ma, this is a very simple dish, and I have eaten like this before while I was away, pero wala talagang kapares ang timpla mo." Kinikilig siya habang hinihigop ang mainit at maasim na sabaw mula sa mangkok.

"Oh, slowly, baka mapaso ka." Natutuwang sabi ng kaniyang ina. "At least there will always be a reason for you to come home."

She smiled sweetly.

"Are you home for good?" Diretsang tanong ng kaniyang ina.

"Of course! Ma, I am sorry for being away for so long. But I am here now, totally fine and ready to rock again!"

"I am glad you are home and you are okay. I totally understand what you did because of what you have been through. Let's go over it together from now on. Okay?"

She nodded. "I love you, ma."

"I love you more."

They happily ate their dinner while catching up with each other. Napuno ng tawanan at kwentuhan ang isang maaliwalas na gabi.