This happened in 2010, on a Wednesday evening around 6:00 p.m. I came home late because we had CAT (Citizenship Advancement Training), which we did every Wednesday back when I was in high school. Before going home, I stopped by Dunkin’ Donuts to buy treats for my nieces and nephews. When I reached our gate and was about to open it, I saw my young nephew peeking out from the window. Suddenly, he ducked down as if trying to hide so I wouldn’t see him—but I already had. I laughed to myself, thinking he was just excited about the treats I brought home. But the moment I opened the gate, my mom sent me a text message: “Anak, we’re all here at the park. Come straight here—we’ll have dinner here.” Out of pure fear, I didn’t even look back at the house. I just locked the gate and left.

But one question has stayed in my mind ever since:

Who was the child peeking through the window—who looked exactly like my nephew?