Jason arrived in San Gabriel after a long and quiet ride from the airport. The taxi halted before an open stretch of paved road winding through an area where the houses stood far apart. The driver pointed toward a gentle hill ahead, where the Villa rested at the center of an expansive green estate. Jason thanked him, collected his luggage, and watched the vehicle disappear down the road before beginning his steady walk toward the entrance.
The path leading to the Villa was immaculate, smooth beneath his steps, showing clear signs of careful maintenance.
Jason let out a quiet scoff.
"I never thought I would walk a path like this in my life. What an irony."
