While Carlos and Lina were planning their “renovation,” a tricycle stopped in front of the house, carrying a large container.
Lola Maria stepped out, wearing a traditional Barong Tagalog blouse, a hat, and carrying a large bucket of bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) that gave off a strong, pungent odor.
She quietly entered the courtyard and said,
“Did you think I was tricked? I’m not senile. I just pretended to be forgetful to see how far your greed would go.”
She looked directly at Lina.
“I recorded everything—your conversations, the contract you made me sign. The recorder, my lawyer, the barangay, and the municipality all have copies. For the past 48 hours, I was in my lawyer’s office, not in the province. And now…”
She slowly opened the lid of the bucket.
The stench of bagoong filled the air, making everyone shudder.
“This is my gift to you—bagoong that I fermented for two years. Do you know why I brought it? Because greedy and shameless people smell like this: a smell that sticks and no soap can remove.”
Then Lolo Ben appeared, his cane in hand and his voice firm:
“We don’t need your money or your house. But don’t think you can fool your own parents. This house belongs to your mother. If you want to take it, you’ll have to do it over my dead body.”
Carlos trembled and lowered his head.
“Ma… Ma, we didn’t mean to do that… we just wanted to help fix the title…”
Lola María smiled—bitterly, but strongly.
