“…and then, the whole audience clapped! Next thing I knew, I won!”

“Really? Must’ve been great. Wish I were there to see that.”

A girl wearing a black newsboy cap was walking along a brick-laden path with the treasurer of the AEU student council.

“Yeah! I can’t believe I managed to pull off all those flips. I was wearing a pretty flowy costume too.”

“Oh, you went with the crimson witch vibe?” The newsboy cap girl said.

“Yep! Took me three sleepless nights to make, but I won!” The treasurer hurried up front and stopped in front of the place with a sign that said ‘Miguel’s Café’. “-and we’re here!”

“Thanks so much Fey! Ya sure you don’t wanna stay?” the girl asked.

“Nah, I have somewhere to be first. Maybe later. See ya!” Fey waved to someone through the glass of the shop and continued along the path, with a jaunty hop in each step.

The girl took a look at the sign:

Miguel’s Café, in glorious, boring, Helvetica.

‘He really needs to get a new logo.’ The girl said, pushing down on the brim of her hat and entered the establishment, and was greeted by a classic wind chime.

“Welcome!” A large man hugging a tray to his chest said. “I’ll be with you in a moment.” The large man continued his conversation with a purple-haired man and a preppy looking girl. They seemed to generally enjoy each other’s company, light-hearted words, easy-going expressions with a pinch of heart-warming laughter. A few moments later, the seated customers continued to enjoy their orders – two slices of cake and a cup of something. What that something was, the girl had no clue – she could only see the white teacup with intricate gold swirls.

“How may I help you?” The large man approached the girl with a warm smile – the sort that would be a nice welcome after a long day of work.

“Hey, are you Miguel Praxedes?” The girl asked.

“Yes, do you need me for anything?” Miguel smiled.

“Hmm, does this sound familiar,” the girl cleared her throat, “Kuya Migz!”

The girl got the reaction she wanted – Miguel’s eyes shot wide open. The girl used a word he has probably not heard in eight years. Kuya - brother.

“Aileen?! Ai?! Lin?!” Miguel said three names, all of which were names the girl goes by.

Aileen tackled Miguel, into a hug. “Yep!”

Miguel could do nothing but let his emotions out. Fat tears rolled down his face, containing eight-years worth of sadness leaving his eyes. All that was left at the moment was joy – pure, utter joy. Miguel returned the favor and embraced Aileen back, putting every ounce of love he could around his arms,. The two shared the moment before Aileen pushed him away.

“Alright, alright,” Aileen said, with her left hand holding Miguel’s right arm, and her other hand, ruffling the top of her head “My hair’s wet now.”

Miguel laughed, or at least tried to. It was more of a gasp for air, since it has been a while since he bawled like that. “Sorry, I couldn’t help it.”

Aileen handed him a handkerchief, which Miguel happily took from him, and proceeded to wipe off the water from his face.

“You can sit down over there.” Miguel pointed to an empty table, patting down the area under his eye with the handkerchief. Aileen promptly plopped herself down the cushiony comfort of the fake leather seat. Aileen stared at Miguel as he went behind the counter, followed by the clanking of ceramics. Her vision trailed off and went into the general direction of the other customers. The purple haired man was looking at the window, trying to hold himself back from producing more tears. The preppy girl took off her glasses and wiped off the tears using the sleeves of her sweater.

Several minutes later, Aileen saw Miguel emerge from the back of the counter with a tray in hand. He stopped in front of her table and dropped off a cup of hot green tea and a slice carrot cake placed on top of a saucer with scribbly-looking bunnies on it.

“Here. On the house.” Miguel pulled a seat out and sat in front of Aileen. “What do you think?”

“Calm down, I haven’t even tasted it yet.” Aileen scolded. She grabbed the tiny fork and pierced a piece off of the cake and brought it to her mouth. The first bite immediately exploded into a sweet, carrot flavour, complemented by a hint of cinnamon – the perfect balance for a spiced cake. The cream-cheese frosting was nicely slathered onto the cake, which left its mark on her lips. Aileen let out a noise of contentment.

The flavor kept Aileen nodding, which she followed the with a sip of tea. The slight bitterness of the drink complemented the sweetness of the cake, leaving Aileen to marvel at the contrast of flavors. Content, she let her back fall against the chair.

“That’s real good.” Aileen praised.

“I’m glad to hear that.” Miguel smiled.

“What’s your secret.”

“Box mix.”

“Oh.” Aileen’s change in tone was immediate; the disappointment in her voice was palpable.

“Hey, box mix is cheaper. Once I do well enough I’ll impress you with my real baking skills.” Miguel defended.

Aileen let out a chuckle. “Kidding. I’ll look forward to it then.”

Their friendly banter was put into a gentle halt by the screeching of metal chairs grinding against the smooth floor. The two looked into the direction of the other customers, with the purple-haired man’s face contorted into a grimace– the look of regret after ruining a moment.

“Sorry.” The purple-haired man said. “Anyway, we’ll be going now. Talk to you some other time!”

“Thanks Joseph. See you guys later.” Miguel said, leaving Aileen to also follow their direction. The pair left with a quiet chime.

“You know those guys?” Aileen asked.

“Regulars. They’ve also been real helpful with getting this café off the ground.”

“Are they your friends?”

“I mean,” Miguel rubbed his left shoulder, “I hope so.”

“I’m sure you are.”

Miguel could do nothing but laugh. The two simmered in the silence for a few seconds, thinking of what to talk about next. Aileen especially. What are two siblings supposed to talk about, especially if they have not seen each other in eight years?

‘I guess we can catch up.’ She thought. She decided that was the best course of action and began talking.

“Why did mom kick you out?” Aileen wanted to pinch herself.

Aileen could feel Miguel’s cheerful demeanor peter out. He was still smiling, but the force behind it was no longer joy - it was more awkward than anything else. His smile was eventually replaced by a neutral expression.

“Sorry.” Aileen tapped the table, creating a nervous beat.

Miguel looked Aileen dead in the eye, “You mean they haven’t told you anything?”

“No”

Miguel sighed. “Let’s just say,” he grabbed his left shoulder, “we had a big fight about something.”

“Big enough that you left?”

“I didn’t want to. I was kicked out.”

Aileen took a sip from her cup and set it down onto the saucer with a gentle clank. “Do you want to talk about it more.”

Miguel shook his head.

“That’s fine, talk when you want to. Just remember that I’m always here, okay?”

“Thank you.” Miguel whispered, his voice a bit shaky.

“Anyway,” Miguel leaned forward, and put his hand under his chin. “What have you been up to?”

“Oh,” Aileen fished out her wallet from her bag and pulled out a card and slid it towards Miguel, “Did you know that I go to university now?”

Miguel picked up the card and took a few seconds to look at it. “AEU?”

“Yep!”

“Funny thing, I actually sold burgers there.”

“Burgers?!” Aileen slammed her palms down the table, “Why didn’t you tell me you had burgers?!”

“I actually forgot you liked burgers.”

“How?! I basically told you to buy one for me all the time.”

“Calm down,” Miguel laughed, “I’ll make you some right now.”

“Fancy, you make them now. Free?”

“No.”

“Fine.” Aileen stretched out the vowels, keen to let her brother know she was not happy at all with paying. But, she guessed it was a small price to pay to support her brother.