Romantics often say that being with the right person makes life feel lighter, like everything’s simply better when you’re together. Episode 38 of "It’s Okay to Not Be Okay" carried this feeling all throughout, as the characters discovered meaning in the little things and found comfort, and even laughter, in moments they could share with someone else.
In their unexpected overnight stay at a beach resort in Montanessa, Patrick (Joshua Garcia) had to hold back Mia (Anne Curtis) from her 'aggressive' antics after they both had too much to drink, but he didn’t stop her from resting her head on his chest when sleep finally took over. As he gently stroked her hair, his mind replayed the memories they had gathered from their little escape away from the chaotic world, and for the first time in a while, Patrick seemed to realize he was truly happy—happier because he was with Mia.
The same thought echoed through Bella (Bianca De Vera) as she comforted Kai (Louise Abuel), who faltered at the sight of a bottle of ‘lambanog’ that, for a moment, triggered his struggle with alcohol use disorder. Luckily, Bella was there to stop his alcohol cravings and she reminded him in her own way that they’re better together. The two chuckled, joking that the drink must belong to Mia because “’pag may alak, may balak.”
The next morning, a glowing Patrick quietly admired Mia's face while she was still fast asleep. “Mukhang hindi ko na matatakasan ’to,” he whispered. But his happiness was a stark contrast to the heavy anxiety weighing down Matmat (Carlo Aquino), who had dozed off over his sketches the night before. In his sleep, Matmat was visited by the memory of their late mother—a dream laced with grief and pain—until he woke unsettled and worried over why his brother had not yet come home.
Just like Matmat, Mia’s first instinct upon opening her eyes was to look for Patrick, but he was nowhere to be found inside their room. Uneasy at the thought that he might have left without a word, she stepped outside in search of him and eventually spotted him by the shore. Frustration carried her steps as she marched toward him, ready to let out a tirade. Whatever sharp words she was ready to throw softened as Patrick revealed a handful of freshly picked flowers, paired with the kind of smile that made it impossible to stay mad.
“Ang ganda,” Mia breathed, to which Patrick answered, “Parang ikaw, napakaganda.” He begged her not to trample on them the way she once did when they were kids. With the waves softly crashing behind them like a soundtrack to that special moment, Patrick leaned in closer for a kiss framed by the beauty of the sea.
Hand in hand, they strolled through the beach resort as they reminisced about their younger days, wondering how fate might have unfolded differently had Mia not rejected him back then. Yet even in that sweet, nostalgic moment, the wounds of Patrick’s past could not be completely hidden, as he thought that his mother Tess (Meryll Soriano) might not have been killed if he hadn’t stayed behind to talk to Mia that night.
Mia asked if he was blaming her for what happened, but Patrick only gave a half-smile and confessed that this had been the reason he wanted nothing to do with her, despite how much Matmat adored her books. Hurt by how the conversation was going, Mia's patience wore thin, annoyed by how Patrick kept holding on to the guilt. She reminded him that none of it was his fault, that he was just a little boy then, and no child could have saved his mother from such a cruel murder. But Patrick countered that at the very least, he could have been a witness who could point to his mother’s killer so Matmat would not have had to grow up with the same trauma.
Patrick hurried after Mia as she turned to walk away, telling her that maybe the pain and regrets won’t rule him anymore now that she is with him, not because he feels happy or relaxed in her presence, but because she makes him realize that he no longer has to imprison himself in guilt. In turn, Mia promised that she would be the key to unlocking those chains and bringing him back to life. They sealed that vow in a pure embrace.
Meanwhile, Jason (Francis Magundayao) and Madeth (Xyriel Manabat) also found themselves “together” while washing Gemma (Kaori Oinuma)'s car, which was his subtle attempt to make a good impression. But instead of working as a team, the two couldn’t stop roasting each other. When Jason carried Madeth to reach the top of the car, her messy landing had them suddenly way too close, their eyes meeting like a scene out of a rom-com. Cue Madeth breaking the tension by announcing to the “universe” that yes, she wants some ‘kilig’ in her life, but she’s still picky with her standards.
At OK Hospital, Mang Tommy (Bodjie Pascua) and Cynthia (Alora Sasam) faced Doc Anok (Bobot Mortiz), Olivia (Maricel Laxa), and Eden (Agot Isidro)'s stern questioning about Kai’s escape. Back at the resort, Patrick looked for Kai to get him ready to leave, only to be struck with shock and dread when the resort staff informed him that Kai and Bella had left early. Not long after, Kai appeared before him, in tears—alone, with Bella missing.
Catch “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, and TV5, weeknights at 8:45 PM. Watch it in advance on Netflix and iWant.