Chapter 5

Chapter 5

I felt the weight behind her words. It was as if she knew what I was truly feeling, but she chose not to ask further.

"Akira," she added gently, "the important thing is that you're happy too, okay? It shouldn't just be other people who are happy."

I looked down, trying to hide the tears welling up in my eyes. "Yes, mom."

"Go ahead and rest in your room. I'll take care of things here."

"Thank you, mom," I replied before finally going up the stairs.

As soon as I entered my room, I threw myself onto the bed. Finally, no one was watching. I let the tears I had been holding back flow freely.

I sobbed silently, letting every pang of pain come out.

Godfather Axel... he had someone else.

And there was nothing I could do but accept it.

"Let's move on," I whispered to myself, trying to muster my courage.

I wiped the tears from my cheeks and took a deep breath. I couldn't drown myself in sadness forever. I had to show that I could handle it.

I got out of bed and looked in the mirror. I saw my swollen eyes, a reminder of the feelings I was desperately trying to hide. But alongside that, I also saw a woman who needed to be strong.

"You can do this, Akira," I whispered to myself again, forcing a small smile.

I grabbed a hairbrush and fixed my messy hair. I wouldn't let them see the weight I was carrying. I would be normal—a happy Akira with no trace of sadness.

As I left my room, I immediately smelled Mama's cooking sinigang. I let the aroma of the sour and salty broth slightly warm my heart.

"Anak, come and eat," she called from the kitchen.

I smiled and nodded. "Yes, Mom."

One day, everything would be easier. And no matter how painful it was now, I knew that the time would come when I could finally say that I had moved on.

As I approached the dining table, I was greeted by a warm bowl of sinigang. I could smell the aroma of the sour broth, which seemed to lighten my mood.

"Wow, Mom! This looks so delicious," I forced a smile, trying to hide the weight I was carrying.

"Of course!" Mom replied cheerfully. "It's your favorite, right? It's perfect to ease your tiredness."

I nodded and sat down. I tried to make every move seem normal. I picked up my spoon and took a sip of the hot broth. I gasped at the sourness that hit my taste buds, but despite that, it brought a slight comfort.

"Akira," Mom suddenly said, poking a piece of pork. "How are you really? You seem quiet."

I paused for a moment. I didn't know how to answer her question without her noticing my sadness.

"I'm okay, Mom," I replied, trying to calm my voice. "Probably just tired from school. We're almost done anyway."

Mom nodded, but I could feel her gaze, as if she was reading every emotion on my face. "Are you sure, Akira? You know you can always talk to me if you want to vent."

I smiled slightly. "Yes, Mom. Thank you. There's nothing wrong."

I didn't know if she believed me or not, but she chose not to ask further. Instead, she filled my plate with more food.

"Go on, finish it so you'll get stronger. And you have to wake up early tomorrow."

"Yes, Mom," I replied before taking more rice.

While eating, I tried to push away the memories of the day—Godfather Axel, Grace, and the pain caused by the reality that the man I had loved for so long would never be mine.

But like I said to myself earlier...

Let's move on!

I stopped eating and put down my spoon. The pain I had been holding back returned. I looked at the wall where an old picture was hanging—me, Mom, and Dad. We were smiling happily then, with no trace of sadness or worry.

"But, Mom," I whispered softly, almost inaudibly. "I miss Dad."

Silence filled the space between us. I could feel the weight of the words I had spoken. It was like a wound that I had been desperately trying to cover up, but tonight, it opened up on its own.

Mom came closer and gently took my hand. I could see tears forming in her eyes, but she tried to stay strong.

"I know, anak," she replied softly. "I miss him too. Every day."

I couldn't hold back the tears that fell from my eyes. "I wish he was still here, Ma. If Papa was here... maybe everything would be easier."

Mama pulled me towards her and hugged me tightly. I felt the warmth of her love, the only thing that eased the pain.

"Anak," she whispered, stroking my hair. "I know it's hard. But you also know that Papa wouldn't want to see us sad. He wants you to be happy, to move forward, and to fulfill all your dreams."

I took a deep breath, trying to swallow the bitterness of loss. "I know, Mom. But sometimes... it still feels incomplete."

"That's normal, Akira. But remember, you're never alone. I'm here. And Dad... he's right there." Mom looked at the picture, forcing a smile despite her tears. "We'll keep watching over him."

I hugged her tighter. Even though Dad was gone, I could still feel his presence in the memories and love he left behind.

And no matter how painful it was, I would endure it. For Mom. For Dad. For myself.