Hello, Hive Family! I just want to share my happy Friday experience to you since I am starting to love writing articles again. This afternoon, while I was deep in my freelancing work and thinking of my second Hive post as well(since yesterday I've already shared my introduction post), fingers dancing across the keyboard, mind juggling deadlines and deliverables, I heard a gentle knock at the gate. It was my neighbor, holding a plate with a piece of biko, the beloved Filipino rice cake made with sticky rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. She handed it to me with a warm smile, and just like that, my busy day took a sweet turn.
I paired the biko with my usual cup of black coffee, and the combination was perfect, as in super. I love it! The rich bitterness of the coffee balanced the sticky sweetness of the biko in a way that made me pause and savor every bite. It was a moment of comfort, a reminder that kindness can be as simple as sharing food.
What makes this gesture even more special is that it’s not a one-time thing. Almost every day, she brings me food, usually lunch, thoughtfully prepared and lovingly shared. Her generosity makes me feel like that I’m her real daughter, cared for and remembered even in the smallest ways. And in this quiet season of my life, that kindness means more than words can say.
I recently returned to my house(last month) after the 40-day mourning period following my father’s passing. My mother and siblings live far away, and now it’s just me and my fur baby here, sometimes my partner visits, too. The silence can be heavy, and the grief still remains. But my neighbor’s daily gestures, her food, her warmth, her presence, have become a gentle ointment(invisible ointment, of course). Because of her, my healing journey is slowly improving. She reminds me that even in loss, there is still love to be found.
Of course, my fur baby was curious about the treat. Those pleading eyes and gentle tail wags could melt anyone’s firmness. But sweets are off-limits for him, so I gave him a cuddle instead. He seemed satisfied with that, and we both settled into the afternoon with full hearts.
It’s funny how a simple piece of biko can carry so much warmth. So here’s to thoughtful neighbors, unexpected sweetness, and the little moments that make life feel full, even in the midst of healing! I'm so lucky having a generous neighbor. My decision of moving from my previous location to here is indeed a blessed and right decision.
Honestly, I'm really having a hard time coping with my current situation and emotions. Most of the time, I'm trying to hide the pain I feel inside. But in moments like these, I’m reminded that healing doesn’t always come in grand gestures. It often arrives quietly, wrapped in warmth, shared through food, and felt in the presence of someone who cares. Though my family is far away and grief still lingers, I find comfort in the simple kindness of my neighbor, the loyal companionship of my fur baby, and care of my partner. Life may not be the same, but it’s gently moving forward, one sweet surprise at a time.
Thank you so much for taking time reading my second Hive blog post! I'm looking forward meeting new friends here and hopefully, I can share more about me while I'm still healing. Stay safe and healthy, Hive Family!
NOTE: All the photos shared are mine, originally captured by me, just enhanced using the user-friendly CollageArt.