One midnight, Maricel was awakened by the cries of her daughter, Liza. When she went to check, she found the child sitting on the floor, staring into a corner.
"Mama, there's a little man in the room," Liza said. "He said Papa should be his now."
That very night, Maricel lit candles and prayed earnestly. She also sought help from a well-known local albularyo (folk healer). According to him, the dwelling of the duwende - the nature spirits - had been disturbed, and they were now angry.
"Your husband… the duwende wants to take him. But there's still a way."
The healer gave her an offering - rice, milk, and a black chicken - that had to be placed at the foot of the balete tree while asking for forgiveness.