I never dared tell him how much he inspired me. The PhD path was grueling, but he had taught me perseverance long before I understood it.
On the morning of my defense at University of Nueva Vista, I pleaded with him to attend. Reluctantly, he borrowed a suit, polished shoes a size too small, and wore a new cap from the local market. He took a seat at the back of the hall, straightening as much as his aching back allowed, eyes fixed on me.
After the presentation, Professor Alaric Mendes approached, shaking hands with each of us. When he reached Hector, he paused, squinting as if recognition had struck. Then a slow, warm smile spread across his face:
— “You are Hector Alvarez, aren’t you? I grew up near a construction site in Quezon District. I remember a worker who carried a colleague down scaffolding, even while injured himself. That was you, wasn’t it?”
Hector barely moved, silent in his humility. Professor Mendes continued, voice thick with emotion:
— “I never imagined I would see you again, and now you are here as the father of a new PhD graduate. Truly, it is an honor.”
