In this chapter of the novel "In the Country" by Mia Alvar, the protagonist, Steve, returns to his childhood home in Mabini Heights, Manila, to visit his parents. Upon arrival, he notices his mother's frailty and exhaustion, contrasting with the memories of her vibrant energy. The neighborhood has undergone changes, with unfinished houses and squatters occupying the area. Steve's parents' house has also transformed, with the addition of a sari-sari store.
Inside the house, Steve encounters his father, who is bedridden and suffering from advanced liver cancer. His father's condition has worsened significantly, making him look gaunt and weak. Steve's mother attends to him, providing morphine to alleviate his pain. Steve carries with him a new therapy for chronic pain from the United States but hesitates to disclose it to his mother.
Reflecting on his father's diagnosis and the financial support he has provided for the family, Steve had initially held onto hope for his father's recovery. However, the doctor has now shifted focus to pain management rather than curative measures. Amidst their complicated relationship, it is Steve's mother who has borne the brunt of suffering within the family.
Steve then pays a visit to the sari-sari store owned by his parents. He notices how cramped the space has become and observes the amalgamation of scents within. To prevent items from melting or spoiling, he suggests installing another air conditioner. Steve reminisces about how the store was established after his father lost another job, and his mother sought a means to work without violating his ban on her employment outside the house.
As Steve contemplates the changes that have transpired in his parents' lives and their current circumstances, he ponders the potential consequences of introducing the new therapy for chronic pain. The decision weighs heavily on him, knowing that it could impact the delicate balance of his family's dynamics if discovered.