Cecile moved to the United States in search of a more prosperous life for herself and those she left behind in the Philippines. Now, decades later, she lives alone, works the night shift as a nurse, and goes to bed as the sun rises. Her days are spent in solitude: saying her prayers at church and calling family overseas, her only company. She packs a “balikbayan box” full of clothes, toys, and goodies to send to those she hasn’t seen in years, some she hasn’t even met yet.
But today is different. Today, she is expecting company.