Milagros, a nurse, leads a strike at City Hospital in 1971. The strike is motivated by the wage disparity between native nurses and American nurses. Milagros discovers the wage gap and tries to negotiate a raise, but her request is denied due to differences in living standards. Frustrated, she gathers support from her colleagues and forms a union. Despite their efforts, the chairman of the board dismisses their demands, leading the nurses to go on strike.
The strike garners attention from the media, and a reporter named Jaime Reyes visits City Hospital to cover the story. Milagros meets him for the first time and is struck by his charm. They discuss the possibility of nurses seeking better opportunities abroad, but Milagros is determined to fight for fair treatment at home.
In a later time frame, February 6, 1986, Milagros is in a state of despair and hasn't left her house in weeks. Her mother suggests that she register to vote in the upcoming snap election. Although Milagros initially believes her mother doesn't care about politics, she realizes that her mother's gesture is a way of supporting her. Overwhelmed with emotion, Milagros appreciates her mother's willingness to vote on her behalf.
This chapter highlights Milagros's determination to fight for equality in her profession and her mother's support during a difficult time. It also introduces the potential for political change in the upcoming election.
1971 During a nurses' strike, a newspaper article featuring a nurse named Milagros becomes famous. The article criticizes the city's treatment of experts versus expatriates. As a result, more nurses join the strike, including some doctors. The chairman of City Hospital, unhappy with the attention on the strike, approaches Milagros. Meanwhile, a reporter named Jim forms a close bond with the patients at City Hospital. Milagros learns shorthand and assists Jim with his reporting. They navigate the world of journalism together, and Milagros breaks off her relationship with her theater teacher boyfriend. Jim, born on a rice farm, has connections to a powerful politician who becomes the President. Jim uncovers corruption and staged events in the government. The President retaliates by criticizing the media. The story shifts to a new chapter set on February 7, 1986, during a tense election day.
1972
Milagros finds her friend Jim in the Pedia-Onco lounge, waiting for her with a grief-stricken expression. Jim informs Milagros that their mutual friend, Billy, has passed away. They drive to Billy's house in Batanglobo Village, a suburban subdivision outside Manila. As they explore the house, they discover that Billy had constructed a bomb shelter in his yard due to his fear of an attack on the U.S. bases in the area. Billy had been deeply affected by his experiences as a volunteer in the Vietnam War and had become a vocal critic of the government's policies. Eventually, Billy went missing and was later found dead in the river. Jim suspects foul play and is convinced that Billy would not have taken his own life. Milagros supports Jim emotionally and helps him write a profile on Billy for a magazine. They spend the weekend together in Billy's house, wearing his clothes and immersing themselves in his world. Meanwhile, political tensions rise as the widow of a slain politician campaigns against crony capitalism and military reform. Milagros, frustrated with her own role as a mother, struggles to connect with her daughter Jackie. The story captures the atmosphere of uncertainty and fear during a tumultuous time in the Philippines.
After Jim's arrest, strange occurrences begin to unsettle Milagros. Jim's newspapers stop arriving, and Billy Batanglobo's mail continues to come even after his death. When the papers start arriving again weeks later, they are marked with black bars, indicating censorship. Milagros realizes that someone is responsible for this censorship, a Media Verification Officer. Meanwhile, Milagros is pregnant and working long shifts at the hospital to avoid being alone at home. She buys a piano for their child and a Japanese spitz dog named Soba. Milagros feels a sense of being watched and fears judgment from the surveillance she perceives in Avalon Row.
Jim is imprisoned at "Camp," a military prison, but he has a private cell and is allowed to write letters, albeit checked for errors. Milagros jokes in her letters about her housekeeping skills and the panic buying. She sets up a writing desk for Jim in the middle bedroom, hangs lithographs on the walls, and displays his press passes. Milagros starts suspecting that she is being watched and becomes cautious.
During visiting hours, Milagros brings food and her family to the prison amphitheater, creating a festive atmosphere. Milagros and Jim decide to get married in the prison theater. They make plans for their future together, including Jim's writing and the second bomb shelter they had intended to reveal to their neighbors.
Milagros decodes hidden messages in Jim's letters and coordinates their activities accordingly. She learns to use the mimeograph machine in the underground shelter to produce copies of Jim's opinions. Milagros and Jim refer to the President as "Papa" and the First Lady as "Mama," hoping to avoid suspicion. Milagros reflects on her longing for a guardian figure and worries about providing the same for their unborn child.
Jim finds solace in Camp's calm and quiet, using his time to read and exercise. Meanwhile, Milagros keeps a secret from Jim by smuggling in pamphlets and application forms. She has also been searching for someone named Jaime and is saving money for potential bribes.
In February 14, 1986, Milagros contemplates boycotting Valentine's Day due to the political unrest in the country. Opposition members have walked out of Parliament, and there is a boycott of banks and TV channels owned by loyalists. Milagros reflects on her own participation in strikes and wonders if she can walk out on her role as a mother. However, she decides it wouldn't be fair to Jackie to cancel the Valentine's Day celebration.
In 1975, Milagros couldn't afford to hire a maid, so she took care of all the household chores herself. She had to be frugal and watch every penny due to financial difficulties. She also had to tip various people for different favors and information, which was a part of their household budget. Milagros's mother, who she had taken in to help with childcare, was critical of her husband and didn't understand why Milagros was supporting him.
On February 19, 1986, Jim visits Milagros's room and they engage in light conversation about the political situation and their daughter Jackie. Milagros expresses doubt about the sitting President stepping down voluntarily, and Jim mentions losing support even from allies. Although they interact civilly, the old connection between them seems to be gone.
In 1976, Milagros worries about her son Jaime's health and impulse control. She tries to enforce rules about sweets and teaches him about dental hygiene. She reflects on the time Jim was arrested and the charges he faced, which included rumormongering. The lawyers discuss the options, and Jim considers publishing a correction to reduce his sentence. The lawyers eventually leave, and Milagros and Jim are left alone to face their uncertain future.
During their visits to the theater where Jim is held, Jaime is initially hesitant to interact with his father but gradually warms up to him. Milagros observes Jim's hand movements, which he uses to communicate through sign language with her. She remembers their intimate moments together and the connection they once had.
February 22, 1986
In 1986, Milagros senses the presence of Billy Batanglobo, a dead man who designed her house. She is not afraid of ghosts and engages in a conversation with him. Billy tells her about his escape from Manila during an attempted coup and assassination plot against the President and First Lady. He offers Milagros a chance to leave the country and forget everything. Milagros considers his offer but wakes up alone in her dry bed. She realizes that Billy Batanglobo is meant only for her and no one else.
In 1979, Milagros and Jim, her lover, meet secretly in a cabin on the other side of Camp. They engage in a passionate affair, free from the constraints of their everyday lives. Milagros desires to have a place where they can act freely and be together. However, she does not get pregnant despite their attempts. Milagros cherishes her relationship with her son, Jaime Jr., and enjoys spending time with him, shielding him from the political turmoil happening around them.
The narrative then goes back to February 22, 1986. Milagros listens to reports of a political crisis in the country. The defense minister and army chief declare war on the palace, leading to a growing sense of betrayal. Milagros suspects Vivi, a woman mentioned earlier, of planting seeds of doubt in her son Jackie's mind. She discovers hair in her drawer that belongs to Vivi, raising suspicions of an affair. The situation becomes tense as the country faces a turbulent time.
The story jumps back to 1981, when the end of martial law is announced. Milagros no longer trusts the President's words and recognizes the gaps between his promises and the reality experienced by her and her neighbors. Jim's name appears on a list, and Milagros dismisses the news as mere words. However, when Jim is released, their reunion is emotional, and they adjust to life together again. Milagros struggles to integrate Jim back into their family life, particularly with their son Jaime Jr.
As the narrative weaves between different time periods, it explores themes of love, betrayal, political turmoil, and the challenges of rebuilding relationships.
February 23, 1986
On February 23, 1986, Gloria visits Milagros and informs her about a conversation she had with Jim, Milagros' husband. Jim had asked Gloria if she had participated in the barricades yet, but Gloria expressed concerns about the risks involved, mentioning that she could die or her children could. Gloria brings application forms for Milagros to join the protest. Milagros contemplates the decision while listening to the radio updates about the support the rebels are receiving.
The narrative then shifts back to 1983, where Milagros describes her routine as a working mother. She recalls a time when their Kuya, rumored to be returning home after three years abroad, was assassinated at the airport. Milagros and Jim watched the footage of his return and subsequent shooting on a tape they obtained. They decided to show it to their children to explain the situation and be proactive in their understanding of the events. Milagros reflects on the euphemisms and political climate of the time.
Returning to February 23, 1986, Naz, Milagros' college boyfriend, visits her house. They discuss Naz's son and the choice he would make between activism and his child. Naz mentions that most people at the protest are not activists but are attending because they don't want to miss the historical event. Milagros expresses her desire for a son rather than a hero, emphasizing her priorities. Naz understands and leaves, acknowledging her wishes.
The story captures the tension and personal struggles faced by Milagros during a significant historical period in the Philippines, highlighting her choices and priorities amidst political turmoil.
February 24, 1986
In this continuation of the summary, Milagros continues to experience the turmoil surrounding the political events in the Philippines. Billy Batanglobo informs her about the growing rebellion and the people gathering at the barricades. Milagros contemplates joining the protests but is torn because she has a daughter to take care of.
The radio announces that more people are needed at the barricades, and Milagros considers being one of them. Billy sees her as a rebel, while she sees it as a means to survive. They have a conversation about the state of the country and its leaders.
Milagros goes to the living room to talk to her daughter, Jackie, and tells her about her brother Jaime's death. Jackie, too young to fully understand, continues playing with her jackstones. Milagros tries to explain the concept of death and change to Jackie using a caterpillar turning into a butterfly as an analogy.
Feeling overwhelmed, Milagros hugs Jackie tightly, causing her to fall. Milagros reflects on her children's futures and hopes that Jackie will land on her feet, regardless of the circumstances.
The narrative shifts back to 1985, when Milagros and her husband Jim were deciding which school to enroll their son Jaime in. Milagros considers the American school in Taguig City, but ultimately decides on Ateneo, Jim's alma mater. Jaime starts experiencing stomachaches, and Milagros takes on a strict approach to help him become more responsible.
One day, Jaime goes for a walk with their dog Soba but never returns. Milagros frantically searches for him, calling friends and visiting the school, but there is no sign of Jaime. Milagros becomes consumed with worry, imagining who could have taken him.
Jim returns home, and Milagros overhears him telling someone that Jaime is visiting relatives in the country and asks her not to ask about it. Milagros continues to feel on edge, hearing noises and constantly checking the gate, hoping to find Jaime. Visitors come to offer support, but Milagros finds it difficult to distinguish between genuine news and noise.
The summary concludes with Milagros feeling overwhelmed and anxious, uncertain about Jaime's whereabouts and the political turmoil in the country.
Febuary 25, 1986
On February 25, 1986, Milagros wakes up to the sound of fireworks or gunfire. The radio cannot confirm which it is. She joins the party atmosphere in her living room, where her mother, neighbors, and Jackie, her daughter, are gathered around the TV. The widow of Jaime Jr., Milagros' husband, arrives at the country club in Greenhills to join the rebel leaders. The crowd cheers and wears yellow T-shirts with the faces of the widow and her husband printed on them.
Jim, a journalist, is at Club Filipino, witnessing the events unfold as the new President takes her oath of office. He then rushes to Malacañang Palace, where the outgoing President holds his own inauguration. The transition of power happens swiftly, and the new President's family leaves the country on a helicopter bound for Honolulu. Jim explores the palace, observing the aftermath of the chaotic events. He contemplates writing a sensational story about the President soiling himself but decides against it.
In the midst of the celebrations, Jim begins to question his career and the decisions he has made. He ponders the impact of his time in prison and how it has changed him. Eventually, he decides to resign from his job at the Herald and confronts the realization that his work was consuming his life.
When Jim returns home, Milagros asks if the news is true, that they have a new President and the old one is in Hawaii. Jim confirms it and reveals that he has something to tell her as well. He confesses that he mistook his work for his entire life and wonders if he would have made the same choices if he had been living with Milagros and their son. Jim offers to resign, but Milagros realizes it is too late for them to repair their relationship. She informs Jim that she is leaving the country, planning to go to the United States for further studies and work opportunities.
They have a conversation about their past and the life they could have had. Despite the possibilities, Milagros decides to leave, as the history and memories associated with their house and the country are too painful for her to remain. Jim understands her decision and recalls when they first met and fell in love.
The narrative then shifts to 1985, when Jim receives a phone call that their son has been found. The news is devastating, and Jim collapses in despair, blaming himself for what has happened. Milagros witnesses his anguish, understanding that there is no room for good news in a sentence like "They found our boy."