Reflecting on my childhood, I find it difficult to pinpoint a specific experience that fills me with the cherished feeling of warmth and joy. As the oldest child of a hardworking father, there was often a hint of sadness during those early years. My father would arrive home late in the evening after work and still be asleep when I woke up early in the morning for school – this was an ongoing situation. However, whenever he had time off from work, he never failed to surprise me with new toys and treats. He would even take my mother, myself, and me to various places such as parks, malls, and zoos.
With the arrival of my little sister, our life becomes happier. There are occasions when both my sister and I attend school together, and afterwards, our dad and mom pick us up to go to Ocean Adventure. We also visit various beautiful places for family vacations. Initially, I believed our family was flawless. However, everything changes abruptly as my childhood transforms into a miserable nightmare. During the ages of 6-8, I witness constant fights between my parents without understanding the cause behind them. By the time I reach 9 years old, I make the decision to reside with my maternal grandparents here in Bucolic.
My parents allowed me to come, so I can continue my studies while my mother visits me monthly. One day, when I turn 10 years old, my mother and little sisters came to Bucolic, leaving my Daddy in Manila unbeknownst to me. Eventually, my daddy visited us and my little sisters continued their studies with me. When I reached the first year of high school, that’s when my dad and mom stopped seeing each other and he stopped visiting us. However, all I know is that my dad is only busy with his job.
My parents permitted me to join them so that I could pursue education while receiving monthly visits from my mother. At the age of ten, without my knowledge, my father stayed behind in Manila as my mother and younger sisters came to reside in Bucolic. Eventually, our father joined us and our siblings accompanied us in our educational endeavors. It was during the start of high school when our parents ceased contact with one another and our father discontinued visiting us. Nevertheless, all I am aware of is that he remains preoccupied with his job.
There is a rumor going around that my Daddy is currently involved in a romantic relationship with his Boss, who also happens to be his ex-girlfriend from high school. My mommy later confirmed that they are now living separately, which made me realize my father’s infidelity. Surprisingly, even before I was born, my dad was already engaging in multiple affairs and gained a reputation as a notorious playboy. This revelation had a profound impact on me – it made me more determined and self-centered. Consequently, I began receiving failing grades for the first time. However, with time, everything eventually fell back into place and returned to perfection.
During my childhood, I gained valuable insights into responsibility, appreciation for the little things, and embracing life’s imperfections. Presently, I have a younger brother, an infant half-sibling, and a baby sister. Whenever my father arrives home late from work in the evenings, there is always something thrilling taking place. However, when he goes on vacation, he surprises me with fresh toys and treats. Furthermore, he takes both my Mommy and me to various locations such as parks, malls, zoos, and more. The addition of my little sisters has brought even greater joy to our lives. Occasionally, our family embarks on vacations together.
I used to believe that our family was flawless, but then my childhood transformed into a horrifying ordeal. When I was between the ages of 6 and 8, I witnessed my parents engaged in constant arguments, which left me bewildered. Despite the tension, our extended family continued to pay us visits, and my younger sisters accompanied me to school. However, as I began first grade, my father ceased his visits. They informed me that he was preoccupied with work. This encounter instilled in me lessons about accountability, cherishing life’s small pleasures, and embracing imperfections. Presently, I have a younger brother along with a half-baby brother and sister.