On Wednesday night, Maricel followed the instructions. She carefully laid the offerings under the balete tree and whispered:
"Please forgive us if we have disrespected your home. Have mercy on my husband."
The next day, as if by miracle, Arnold woke up. When asked what he remembered, he said it all felt like a dream, but he kept mentioning a small man dressed in traditional barong, with a long white beard.
"His eyes," Arnold whispered, "were like fire. And he wanted to take me with him."