December 31, 2021.
For the first time in over a year, Matthew Borja had nothing urgent to do. No strategy meetings, no last-minute crises, no calls from investors or partners demanding his attention.
For the first time in a long time, he was home.
The scent of freshly cooked bulalo and garlic fried rice filled the Borja household. His mother, Teresa, moved around the kitchen, expertly preparing their New Year's Eve meal, while his father, Ramon, sat in the living room, flipping through TV channels. His younger brother, Marco, was at the dining table, scrolling through his phone, one hand absentmindedly dipping a piece of chicharon into vinegar.
Matthew leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching them. It was rare for him to slow down long enough to appreciate these moments.
"You know," he said, smirking, "most people go out for New Year's Eve."
