After Erwin dropped off Jojo and Adam near the Manila Yacht Club, they walked the historic Roxas Boulevard to the U.S. Embassy. Many of the street vendors had mostly packed up since it was nearing sunset. A man pushing a large cart full of coconuts passed them. Jojo fingered the flowers on the garland that Adam gave him. He loved the aromatic and sweet smell that the Arabic jasmine gave off. The placid Manila Bay was on their left, while traffic passed them on the right side of the road.
“Thanks for the sampaguita.”
“You’re welcome. You know, my grandfather was at Subic Bay a few times during the Vietnam War. He brought a cutting of the jasmine that he said grew around here. My grandmother tried to grow it outside but I think the desert soil and heat was too much for it the first time sh
