Author's Note: Dear readers, I know the feeling of finishing a book and feeling as if you've lost someone. No matter how many times you reread it, you will always get the same amount of information. You'll never know what the characters are up to, what they had for dinner, how they're hanging on in life. This is my gift to you, a special chapter to satisfy our Philodemus cravings, just enough to tame us. Of course, the special chapter from the physical book is different and will remain exclusive to the book owners. This one... well, it's for everyone.

Enjoy.

Special Chapter

"Shortie, are you almost done?"

"Just a minute!" she yelled through the closed door. I stood still, restraining myself from pacing back and forth. She's spent half an hour inside the bathroom without my "assistance" because she wanted a me time and every now and then, I'd check on her, worried she might slip or hurt herself.

I've been looking out for her my entire life, but now with her swollen belly and our baby in her 8th month, I've never been more scared.

Rinig ko ang lagaslas ng tubig sa loob kaya't inakay ko nalang ang sarili palayo sa pinto ng banyo at muling binalingan ang inihanda niyang mga damit sa kama. A bone-white silk night dress with pink laces and a matching white robe. I smirked. She'd look ethereal in it.

"Maybe I need some vodka," I muttered to myself and went out to pour myself one. Mabilis lang iyon at kaagad akong bumalik, lalo na nang marinig ko ang ingay niya sa loob.

"Philodemus?" she called.

I entered the room and saw her stepping out of the bathroom, wet and lavender fresh and achingly beautiful. Her cheeks flushed from the hot water while her brown hair framed her lovely face. She looked up at me through her lashes and smiled.

"Were you waiting for me?"

I tightened my grip around my glass and walked towards her, heart pounding. "My whole life, Shortie." I whispered and crouched a bit to give her a kiss. She tastes like strawberry.

Stormie peeled away from me and giggled, placing one hand to support her belly as she walked very slowly to the bed.

"Can you help me get dressed?" she asked.

I nodded and went towards her. Inalalayan ko siyang maupo sa kama. She winced. I winced, too. I could tell that this pregnancy is a lot harder to her compared to normal, healthy women but she's trying her best to put on an I'm-okay show so I wouldn't worry. Or anyone.

But she's my wife. I know her. She winces for back pain in the middle of the night and would press a knuckle against her mouth to shut the noise. Stormie doesn't drink any pain killers, in fear that it would affect our baby. The tramadol that her mother gave her long ago had done enough damage to her body and if she's not careful, it could come back in big waves. She doesn't want it to come back with our baby still inside her.

As much as I adore her grit, it also makes me upset. I'm her husband. Why wouldn't she tell me? If there's anything I can do to make her feel better, I will. Stormie just have to name it. I would move the fucking mountains if it means comfort to her and my child.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm okay—"

"Please." My voice is hoarse from the vodka, or from the pain in seeing her going through so much. "Just tell me. I'm not your neighbor, Stormie. I'm not a stranger. I'm certainly not your friend," I said darkly, leveling my eyes to her. "I'm your husband, Shortie. Husband. Please, do tell."

Tumahimik siya at nag-iwas ng tingin. I hated seeing her lovely face contort in painful emotions because I vowed to her on our wedding day that she'll never have to go through so much pain again while she's with me. I don't have any intentions of breaking my vow.

"If you could just tell me..." I caressed her cheek and pressed her closer to me. Her tiny body felt warmth. My hand immediately went to the top of her belly and rested my palm protectively. Ipinikit ko ang mga mata. I could almost feel our child inside, wailing and moving. Impatient to see the world. I haven't seen her yet but I know I'm going to love her with all my life, just like I love her mother. "You know I'm willing to do anything for you, right? Anything."

Stormie sighed. She rested her tiny palm against my chest and closed her eyes. "Pagod lang siguro ako."

"What are you tired of? The only chore you're attending in this house is to moan every time I touch you," I said wickedly, and she flushed. Pati dulo ng mga tainga niya ay namumula rin. Hinampas niya ako sa dibdib at bahagyang lumayo. My chest vibrated in laughter.

"I'm just kidding babe,"

Umirap si Stormie pero hindi pa rin nawawala ang pamumula ng mga pisngi. If I could just capture that moment and immortalize it in a photo, I would. But no camera would ever justify her beauty and no lens would ever capture her spirits. I'm just a lucky man, a witness to all her ethereal glory.

If only she could speak to me what bothers her, what I do and did not do, what I did too much or not enough of. It would mean the world to me. She grew up being shut down by her family—her mother and her father. Shantel was on her side, but even her had a moment of weakness when it comes to them. She had little to no self-esteem and would never bother anyone with her discomforts. Her mother drilled it to her head that her needs are not a priority, and she must do everything alone. I hated it.

"Sometimes," she looked up at me with her eyes swelling with tears. "Sometimes I dream that my mother attacks me while my baby is still inside..." Stormie said emotionally and couldn't help her tears as it flowed down her red cheeks. "And I get so scared... I'm so scared."

"Fuck," I muttered under my breath as she started shaking.

"The nightmares come and go. I just... I try not to think about it so much. It's so silly. She's locked up somewhere far. You're here with me. I should feel safe..."

Ipinikit ko nang mariin ang mga mata. Leonora Roman, I will never let you ruin my family after all this time. Never again.

"Stormie, hey," I said softly. She's sobbing in my arms. She's been carrying it alone for months! Gusto kong sisihin ang sarili sa hindi pagpilit sa kaniyang sabihin sa akin ito. I couldn't imagine her pain. Stormie is probably one of the people I met who has gone through so much. She is one of the strongest women in my life.

"We've been trying for... for years. I don't want anything bad to happen to our baby..." she almost whispered, running out of energy from her crying.

"Hey, I'm right here." I kissed her temple in an attempt to soothe her down. "I'm right here, Stormie. See? I'm never going away. I'll never leave you. You're safe here, do you hear me? You're safe."

She nodded weakly and lay her head against my chest. I wanted to cry with her, too. But I don't want to burden her any longer. She'll worry about me and that's the last thing I want to happen. She's had enough on her plate. I shouldn't be a burden. I should be her safe place. After all, she chose me to be her husband. I, more than anyone else, should be grateful and earn my keep.

I looked at her with everything I felt, with everything I am. She chose this life with me. I'm never going to let her down.

"I've never loved someone as much as I love you, Shortie." My voice cracked. I wanted to blame the few swallows of vodka but I know it's my emotions for her. "I may never even love someone the way I love you, and I never knew I was capable of loving this hard... this much until there was you. Do you hear me? I love you so damn much it's killing me to see you like this."

Muling bumuhos ang mga luha niya. Hinayaan ko siyang umiyak sa dibdib ko. If I let her bleed her tears on my shirt, it should offer her some comfort. I know this is not the last time I'm ever going to see her cry, but I hope this is the last time she'll cry about this.

"You can cry, love." I whispered. "You can cry... I'm here."

After a while, her grip on my shirt loosened and her head got heavier on my chest. When I peeked into her tear-stained face, I almost chuckled to myself when I found out that she passed out crying. Marahan ko siyang ihiniga sa kama at binihisan. She stirred, but she was so deep into sleep that I managed to put on her silk gown and tuck her in bed without waking her.

When I was done, I watched her for the entire night while sleeping, my enraptured eyes all over her, vowing to myself that I'll never make her feel alone again.

"Are you serious, Philo?" my manager stubbed a cigarette and glanced at me, his bronze eyes squinting in accusing slits.

"I am," I said gruffly. He heard me loud and clear.

"We've been working our ass off to get DRecord to work with us! Now that they've agreed to sign a contract, you're suddenly backing out? What's wrong with you?"

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin, sa kaniya, sa bigong tingin ng mga kabanda.

"Look, I know your wife is about to give birth. That's all over the news," his voice came softer as he walked towards me. "But before you became a father, you're a vocalist of this band, Philo. Memento Mori, don't you remember? You can't throw away opportunities like that."

I gritted my teeth in annoyance, trying to find the perfect words to describe why I'm suddenly quitting on them when this could be our biggest break as a band. They promised a world tour, collaborations with the biggest artists in the country, and if things go well, a movie based on one of our hit songs.

"And before I became a vocalist of this band, Erickson, I was Stormie's." mahinahon kong pahayag. "You can go ahead and continue the contract without me."

"Fuck," he muttered under his breath. "Don't do this to us, Philo. Look at them," he gestured towards my bandmates. "They don't have families. Ito lang ang pamilyang kilala nila."

Wala ni isa sa mga kabanda ang umimik. Kaniya-kaniya silang iwas ng tingin. I took a deep breath, tempted to lit a cigarette myself but ever since I got married to Stormie, I quit all my vices. I had occasional glasses of brandy now and then, but smoking is now out of question. Lalo na ngayo't buntis siya.

"I'm really sorry, Erickson, guys..." I said in a quiet voice. "Let me know if there's anything else I can help."

I drove straight home after our meeting. My head is hot with temper and guilt. I've been with my bandmates since the beginning. What am I doing, turning my back to them? I'm sure they all must be disappointed in me. But there is no way I could leave Stormie and my child behind for a world tour. It's impossible.

My phone started ringing violently while I was driving. Napabuntong-hininga ako nang makitang si Shantel ang tumatawag. I wonder what is it this time? Hindi naman siya tatawag kung hindi ako papagalitan.

"Hello—"

"WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU, YOU BASTARD?"

I winced and almost lost control of the steering wheel with her loud, angry voice.

"What's the matter?"

"STORMIE IS IN LABOR. SHE'S IN LABOR! OH MY GOD."

My hands froze as cold fear gripped my throat.

"Is... that... Philodemus?" I could hear my wife's panting, pained voice from the other line.

"He's on his way, sunshine." Shantel said softly. "I'll get you to the hospital, okay?"

"Nasaan... siya...?"

"Fuck, fuck, fuck," I cursed under my breath and stepped on the accelerator while Shantel keeps yelling and cursing at me. Balewala na sa akin ang mga sigaw niya habang nagmamaneho ako patungo sa ospital kung saan niya dinala si Stormie.

It must be a miracle that I'm still alive when I arrived at the hospital. I might as well fly myself here with how fast I drove that car and crashed it several times. Hangos ang paghinga pero pinilit ko pa ring tumakbo hanggang sa makarating sa third floor kung saan ang operating room.

Shantel was pacing back and forth in the hall, looking so worried. Her eyes turned into slits when she saw me.

"Where were you?" she accused me in her high heels.

"Where is she?"

"They're doing a C-section on your child, Philodemus." Her voice cracked. "The baby's not supposed to be out this early but..." she trailed off.

I walked past her and pounded against the closed operating doors. One of the doctors frowned at me, but when he saw the desperation in my eyes, he gave me a nod. One of the nurses immediately went to me and gave me a robe, a cap, and some gloves. I quickly put it on and entered the operating room.

They gave me a seat near my wife's head and I immediately held her hand. Stormie is unconscious. The sterile drape separates the rest of her body so I couldn't see what was going on but it still made me weak.

"What's going on? Is she going to be okay?"

"We're delivering your baby in an emergency, Mr. Treveron," the doctor said calmly. "We will do our best."

Mas lalong humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay niya. I kept on kissing her temple and whispering sweet nothings to her ears, hoping it would help her through the delivery.

"You're amazing, Stormie..." I said emotionally. "You're the strongest, most beautiful woman I've ever met. I can't believe you chose me in spite of everything. I love you so much..."

We were like that for almost an hour, till I saw the doctor smiled at me through his surgical mask. Moments later, I heard the most beautiful melody in my entire life—my baby's first cry. I cried in happiness and kissed Stormie's forehead before accepting my baby.

She looked so tiny, so pink, so fragile in my arms as she keeps on wailing and wiggling. There were tiny hairs on her head and her pouty lips keeps on moving.

"Daddy's here..." I whispered softly. "Love, don't cry..."

She had the face of her mother, ethereal and divine. Her skin sheened with sweat and liquid and the artificial light inside the operating room, and she glowed. My daughter reminded me of when I first saw Stormie in that waiting shed—like I stumbled upon the most beautiful creature—gods and humans included.

And when she opened her hazelnut eyes slowly, my heart melted. There was softness in it, not a hint of the raging tempest that I could see in Stormie. All my fatherly instincts kicked in. I want her to stay pure and sheltered and protected. I don't want her to be tainted by the cruelty of this world. I don't want her to suffer. I just want her to be happy while people buried daggers in my back. To the hell with it.

"Ano pong name ng baby, Sir?" one of the nurses asked me, holding a record tab.

I glanced at my sleeping wife, then to the YSL bracelet that I gave her on our first anniversary.

"Yves," I said firmly. "Her name is Yves."

Stormie woke up a few hours later, tired and half-unconscious but when she saw our daughter, she burst into tears. I cried with her while holding Yves in our arms, kissing her again and again.

"Thank you..." I whispered. "You have no idea how happy you made me today. I thought I couldn't be more in love with you..." Yves stirred and her tiny arms were swinging in the air. Stormie started crying again. "Well, I guess I was wrong."

During the first few days of Yves in the house, we were so high in euphoria. Stormie redecorated and rearranged her nursery thrice before moving her in. I told her to stop moving around because she's still healing but she wouldn't budge. Sometimes I'd just silently help her instead of nagging her to make it easier.

"Pretty girl," Stormie murmured and gently placed our baby inside the crib.

My phone started ringing again. Ilang oras lang pagkatapos ng pagpapanganak niya ay sumabog ang balita sa media. It was a good thing that none of the paparrazi knows about my house in La Union, so they couldn't follow me here. They were swamped in front of my condo and Stormie's, hoping to get a glimpse of our child.

"Do you know the value of your child's photo right now, Philodemus?" Erickson said once during a phone call. "It's almost half a million pesos. Paparazzi are killing even just for a glance. Both of you were very silent on social media ever since she gave birth."

I sighed and glanced at Yves, fearing that the happy, sheltered childhood I planned for her may be wishful thinking. I can't blame the media. They get hungrier the more we deny them of what they want.

"I want them to leave Yves alone..."

"Philodemus," Stormie sighed. "Napag-usapan na natin 'to. I don't want to move—"

"I know. We're not moving."

"Then...?"

I just smiled and pulled out my phone, taking an intimate photo of my child's tiny fingers and with Stormie's hand around her, filtering it black and white and then posting it on my Instagram. I tagged her.

"This should shut them up."

She giggled and shook her head. "Yves will post her photo when she's older, and only if she wants to. Until then, our pictures are private and confidential and for our eyes only. I want her to have a normal, happy life."

Tumango ako at hinalikan ang noo niya. "I want her to be happy, too." I murmured.

I never told Stormie about the failed contract with the DRecords. I know my wife. She'll feel guilty and blame herself and force me into taking the tour and grabbing the opportunity. She'll assure me that she's going to be alright with our child.

But if she could give up her career as an actress, why shouldn't I?

It's the least I can do for my daughter. We've already secured her future and built her a trust fund that she can access when she turns 18. All I want for her is to be happy and to do anything she loves. I don't want her to be pressured into turning into someone else just because her parents are on the spotlight.

If Stormie is my first love, then music must be my mistress. Every night, after tucking Yves in bed and making sure that Stormie is also sleeping, I spend my free time in front of the shore, picking up my pen and writing songs. I worked on it, little by little, until I was able to compose the melody. Doon pa ako naglakas-loob tawagan ulit ang mga kabanda.

"We're going to be noisy..." Alec said hesitantly. "Tsaka, diba ayaw mong ipakita ang anak mo? Ba't bigla kang nang-iinvite sa bahay niyo?"

"Gago. Hindi mo naman siguro ibebenta sa paparazzi ang picture niya, diba?"

"Hmm. Depende, pare. Kailangan ko ng pera eh. Wala na akong trabaho simula nung umalis ka sa banda."

We were silent for a few moments before we burst out laughing at our ridiculousness. I never left Memento Mori. Every once in a while, we'd perform in local concerts and guest performances. Erickson finally moved on from the DRecords contract and tried to promote us locally. Our fanbase is getting bigger and the fans are demanding for a new song aside from my daughter's most-sought picture reveal.

"Stormie, ayos lang bang mag-practice dito ang banda? I promise we won't be too noisy."

"Of course," she replied, smiling at me. By then, Yves is already 8 months old. She'd started saying things like Deda and Mama and her other favorite words like eat and doll. She's really Stormie, from head to toe. It was like living with two Stormie's inside a house, which just proves how fucking lucky I am.

A man in the presence of two ethereal goddesses.

When my bandmates arrived, Yves is playing inside her nursery room. Nag-uunahan pa sila upang makatingin sa anak ko. Even Erickson is so curious to see her.

"Shit. Kamukhang-kamukha nga ni Stormie," Alec said, laughing. "Walang sa iyo, 'tol."

I rolled my eyes and dragged them away from my princess so we could finally practice. Ipinakita ko sa kanila ang mga naisulat kong kanta. We brainstormed for a bit and modified some of the lyrics before we started polishing the composition.

Stormie prepared blueberry pie and cheese and chips and some beer for the boys. Nasa loob din siya kasama ni Yves pero mayamaya't palingon-lingon sa akin ang anak. Her full, expressive eyes would wander from me to the other members of the band, genuinely curious to see new faces in her hour. I smiled at her.

"This is gold." Erickson applauded. "No offense, Stormie, but this album is a hundred times better than Tempestas."

Ngumuso lamang ang asawa sa sinabi ng manager namin. We laughed and practiced again. Ilang linggo silang pabalik-balik dito sa bahay.

"Bakit hinahayaan ng asungot mong asawa na may mga lalaking pabalik-balik dito?" rinig kong tanong ni Shantel isang araw nang bumisita siya at nadatnan ang banda sa sala.

"They're coming up with a new album, Shantel," Stormie said proudly.

She rolled her eyes. "If anyone leaks my precious niece's picture to the media, then you know where to point your finger."

Napailing nalang ako at hindi na pinatulan si Shantel. Mainit ang ulo niya sa akin mula sa umpisa hanggang ngayong may anak na kami. I can't blame her. She's overprotective of her sister. I am also overprotective of my wife... just in my own ways.

"Dada..." Yves sputtered, her wide eyes lingering on us. She tilted her head just a little, allowing her soft curls to fall on one side. She's wearing a watermelon onesie that Stormie bought for her yesterday. "Eat." She opened her mouth and pointed her finger inside.

Natawa ako at ibinaba ang gitarang hawak. "Rinig niyo yun? Kain daw muna sabi ni Master."

The band laughed and agreed. Yves is starting to be comfortable with them and I also trusted these guys not to leak her face in the public. The fans from both sides are growing more and more frustrated as they can't find any of her pictures no matter how much they try.

After four more months, we were able to finally finish recording the album. Madalas na rin ang pagpunta ko sa Manila. We were also planning on Yves' first birthday.

"You want what?!" Stormie shrieked when I told her about my plan.

"We literally got married in a concert, Stormie..." I almost pleaded to my wife. "How is celebrating Yves' birthday any different when this entire album is dedicated to her?"

"You did what?!" she gaped at me again as if I just did something horrendous.

Napakamot ako sa batok. "C'mon, Shortie. Don't be jealous. Your daughter needs her own album, too."

She blinked at me until I saw unshed tears in the corner of her eyes. I smiled and pulled her closer, kissing the top of her head.

"They won't see her. None of the fans will see her, okay? She'll be on the backstage with you. That's all. It's our comeback concert after almost a year in a hiatus. I'm sure the fans would be elated."

Stormie chewed her lower lip but gently nodded in the end. She hugged me back and closed her eyes, feeling for our daughter with the love we could hardly contain.

When the release of the album was announced, Erickson was very pleased with the high numbers we were producing. Suddenly, DRecords started contacting us again. But the band is contented with performing in the country as of the moment, at least until I can bring my wife and daughter with me all over the world. Yves is a daughter to them, too.

"Whatever makes Yves happy," Alec shrugged. "She's the cutest thing, I wouldn't say no to her."

Erickson smiled and nodded. "Whatever makes Yves happy."

Soon we were preparing for our comeback concert and practicing our assess off. Three hours of sleep is already a gift to me because I still insist on driving to La Union after our practice sessions. But on the last three days before the concert, I was forbidden to go home.

"Good luck," Stormie pressed a gentle kiss on my lips. "We'll be there, okay?"

"I love you," I murmured, wrapping my arm around her neck and pulling her closer to kiss her deeply. Stormie closed her eyes and kissed me back. We ended up making love in the kitchen before I went back to Manila. Yves was still sleeping when I left, so I didn't disturb her and just went on.

"Fuck, dude, sold out tayo in 3 minutes!!" pambungad ni Alec sa akin nang makarating ako.

Erickson is also elated, holding his laptop and showing me the numbers. "This is going to be big, Philodemus. I'm telling you..."

The guys and I were on the backstage on the day of the concert, staring at each other, high in euphoria and thrilled as if it's our first time performing in front of thousands of people.

"Déjà vu?" Alec kidded and pulled us together. "I wouldn't do it any other way, guys, just so you know. Ang bading pakinggan pero tangina mahal ko kayong lahat."

We all laughed and started smacking each other before pulling away. One of the staff went to me to apply final touches. I wore a simple black button-down shirt with the first four buttons open and a heavy silver necklace. My guitar was studded with silver stones too. Erickson made me wear the heavy combat boots paired with black jeans that I ripped while practicing earlier.

"Dada!"

I turned and saw Yves running towards me. My heart melted. Nakasunod naman sa kaniya si Stormie na ngiting-ngiti rin. She looked so beautiful in her white dress with red embroidered roses. Yves is stunning in her black tulle dress.

"Hey, princess," I crouched a bit to see her face. She even wore a pair of big, dark sunglasses. I smirked. "You're a celebrity, huh? Like your Mama?"

Yves grinned widely and struggled to wrap her tiny arms around me. I laughed and kissed her loudly on the cheeks.

"This is for you, okay? Dada made this for you."

She nodded and smiled widely at me. "Love...Dada..."

"Love you too." I kissed her forehead and handed her back to her mother. Erickson pulled me away from her before I could even touch her and instructed me for the last time. I went back to Stormie and without saying anything, grabbed her by the waist and kissed her deeply in front of the tech staff, the assistants, the managers, my bandmates. They hollered into cheers and laughter while Yves keeps holding her mom's hands.

"Just like old times, my tempest." I whispered to her lips.

She smiled against mine. "Just like old times..."

Against my better will, I left her on the backstage with my daughter as we all moved to the open arena. We were just moving shadows but the screams of thousands of people almost knocked out my hearing. I almost couldn't hear my manager in my ear piece. The sun is finally down and we were ready.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. The wind was cold and, in a few moments,, a huge thunder struck the land near us. It was followed by a few several thunders before the heavy rain suddenly poured like a bucket.

The staff started panicking. We weren't expecting the rain. I stood still, feeling the moment, remembering why I'm doing it in the first place. The fans remained on their place, looking up at us, hopeful. I just couldn't let them down. Nilingon ko ang backstage. Yves is watching me intently next to her mother. I couldn't her down either.

"Philo, you have to sing live. Our equipment is not waterproof. You have to sing live, got it?"

I picked up the microphone and the crowd went wild, their hopes flaring into the air. Most of them suspended their banners into the air, despite the rain, despite the wind. Their spirits are louder than the raging storm.

"Got it." I said and stepped into the spotlight.

I looked at my bandmates, who were like brothers to me, who I trusted with my life more than anyone. We all spoke unspoken to each other. The neon lights blared against the harsh rain.

"Yves..." I tapped into the microphone and turned to her again in the backstage. "This is for you."

My fingers struck the strings of the guitar, and the crowd went wild again. I closed my eyes for a moment, the high that I've been missing, the only additives that I engage myself with. Everything is intense—my heart, the crowd, the vibrations of the drums, the blinking of the neon lights, my love for Stormie and Yves.

Damn. This must be the life.

Euphoria is an underrated drug.

"Walking alone in the cold, dark earth

I think nothing but my baby

She's home and waiting for me

The only thing that keeps me through the burning heat

My voice fought with the hard rain, and soon, the crowd started singing with me when I flung my mic into the air.

I've done worse than the deadly sins

The angel of death must be looking at me

How come I'm not in the tunnels?

How come he brought you to me?

Daughters are for good men

Not for boys with tattoos and leather

But I imagine that even inferno wouldn't let us in

Maybe this is the only living thing

She is home, she is home

Home is wherever she goes

Kill me a thousand times, I'll crawl home to her

Look at me, reaching back at you

She is home, she is home

Home is wherever she goes

Punish me a thousand times, I'll crawl home to her

Look at me, reaching back at you

Daughters are for good men

Not for boys with tattoos and leather

But I imagine that even inferno wouldn't let us in

Maybe this is the only living thing

My voice was hoarse from almost screaming the lyrics into the mic while my bandmates were just as high as me. The crowd jumped and shouted the lyrics with me, determined to overpower the pouring rain, determined to defy all odds.

She's my home, she's my home

Home is wherever she goes

Kill me a thousand times, I'll crawl home to her

Look at me, reaching back at you

The drum beats went down as Alec struck the last chords of the song. I was panting as I pressed the mic against my mouth.

"She's my home..." I almost whispered the last of the lyrics and grinned at the crowd. They were all jumping and getting noisy again. One of the staff threw me a water bottle. I catched it in the air and took a big gulp. "Hey guys, can I ask you a favor?" I asked the crowd.

They screamed.

"Today is a very special day to a very special someone..." I said, glancing at Yves again. "Can we all sing happy birthday to my daughter, Yves, who is here with us?"

By now they were just wild, screaming, and cheering. I signaled Alec as they started to calm down and in just a few moments, I got fifty thousand people singing happy birthday to Yves.

"Happy birthday, Yves," I said at last, drenched in sweat and rain. "Dada loves you so much."

On this day, you were born. You are loved, Yves. You are loved.

[ Yves ]

She's my home

Red like roses

The happiest day

Cold night

Breathe into me

YSL bracelet

Here she comes

Hail, little tempest

#HanmariamHLOMNYves