The narrator recounts a painful story of betrayal and violence in Lindogon, Sibonga, Cebu. He admits to being completely swept away by the vast sea of deceit and greed. His greatest regret is ignoring his suspicions when he saw his wife Amor with Donor at a newly built shed in their neighborhood. He held back from questioning her, knowing she would react with anger and cause a scene. He chose to avoid conflict for the sake of their two young children and continued with his daily life. However, gossip among neighbors persisted, with rumors that Nicanor was being fooled and that Donor would sneak into their home whenever he left.
The Growing Doubts
Despite overhearing these whispers at Ding Lita's store, the narrator dismissed them, refusing to believe until he caught them himself. Each time he returned from work, Amor was home caring for the children, showing no suspicious behavior. One day, she announced she was going to deliver something to her mother. He nodded but observed changes in her appearance: her clothes, makeup, and scent were different. She was not the Amor he knew. He asked if she would be quick, but she avoided answering directly, saying she would return soon before disappearing through the door. He silently prayed she would not sin, so he would not be tempted to suspect her.
The Pattern of Lies
In the following days, Amor frequently left whenever he arrived home, always claiming to visit her mother in the next neighborhood, often bringing food. The narrator decided to verify her story by visiting her mother, Mama Nida. She revealed that Amor had not visited her in a long time, suggesting she was making excuses. Despite the pain in his chest, he smiled and said he trusted Amor. But he wondered how long his trust could last when she kept fueling his doubts with her actions.
The Final Confrontation
One day, he decided to skip work to observe her. He pretended to leave for work but waited near Ding Lita's store. Around 11 a.m., Amor left the house dressed provocatively. He followed her, his heart pounding. She led him to Donor's house, where Donor greeted her with a kiss. They entered the house. His knees weakened, and anger surged within him. His patience turned to rage. He followed them inside. Behind a white curtain swaying in the breeze, he saw their naked bodies in a vile embrace. His last strength was consumed by their foul breath. He obeyed the scream in his mind to go to the kitchen and grab a weapon. They did not hear his footsteps, and without hesitation, he slaughtered Donor.
