LOGINAfter I had cleaned up the dishes, I went straight to our room, mine and Madrid’s. My son was already fall asleep. I sat beside him and lay down, turning to my side so I could gently caress his hair.Then suddenly, I found myself deep in thought. Am I a bad mother for not telling him the truth? I know my son is intelligent, but what I don’t know is how he will react once I tell him everything about the abandonment that did Draken did to us? Why his father and I never ended up together? and all the questions he might throw at me after that.Tears slowly rolled down my cheeks at the thought. I quickly wiped them away, afraid they might fall onto Madrid’s face.All I ever wanted is to give my son a good life. Even with our situation now, I’m willing to give him everything I can.THE NEXT DAY, we woke up early so we could all have breakfast together... Mom, Madrid, Matthew, and I. I was busy frying eggs and hotdogs when I noticed mom's scooping rice into a large bowl.“How’s the grocery,
“Mama!” Madrid came running towards me. His face lighting up the moment he saw me. I knelt down, wrapping my arms around him tightly and kissing the top of his head. “Have you missed me already?” I asked, smiling. “Yes, Mama. Uncle Matthew and Grandma are here,” he said excitedly, pointing toward the kitchen. I turned to look and saw my mother peeking from the kitchen doorway. She was wearing an apron, her hair tied up neatly in a ponytail. The delicious aroma of Sinigang filled the house, warm and comforting. “You’re home already, anak. It’s raining outside. Did you get wet? Go change your clothes and drink plenty of water,” mom said gently. “Yes, mom. What time did you get back?” I asked. “Around four in the afternoon. I picked up your son from school. Matthew just got home from work. He's in his room. You two must’ve arrived almost at the same time,” she explained. “Ahh... I see. Alright, I’ll just change real quick,” I replied before heading upstairs. After washing up and ch
“Thank you for the ride, Charlie Take care,” I said as I peek a little toward the car window, offering him a small smile.“Sure, thanks. Bye,” he replied, waving lightly before driving off. I stood there for a while, watching his car disappear from sight, and sighed deeply. That man... he never really changes.I entered through the employees’ entrance and headed straight to the restroom to check my appearance. I wasn’t the type who used heavy makeup. Just a dab of sunscreen and a touch of lip tint, and I was good to go. I sprayed a bit of perfume, too, of course. I didn’t want my customers to think I smelled unpleasant.Once done, I clocked in and made my way to the women’s shoe section. A few minutes later, we began our usual morning routine; prayer, the national anthem, and then the mall’s mandatory zumba session to wake up everyone’s energy. I didn’t really dance, I just clapped along with a faint smile.As the mall doors finally opened, we stood by our designated areas, ready to g
“My love, finish your food, okay? Don’t waste anything,” I gently reminded my son, Madrid, as he took his seat at the table. Look at him, so eager and ready for school. My boy is now ten years old. He's bright, handsome, and, most importantly, full of love for me.“Yes, mommy. I’ll eat a lot,” he answered, flashing his wide, cheerful smile. I couldn’t help but smile in return every time I looked at him. He was simply too adorable. Clearly, he got that from me.I handed him a glass of milk to boost his strength and immunity. I didn’t want him getting sick, especially when I wasn’t around. It’s not that I neglect him, but if I don’t work, who else will provide for all his needs? It’s just me and, of course, his uncle and grandmother.While we were finishing breakfast, I heard a car pull up outside the house. A few seconds later, there was a knock on the door, and it slowly opened.“Good morning,” Charlie greeted with his usual bright smile.“Uncle Charlie!” Madrid exclaimed joyfully, ru
After nine long months, I poured every ounce of strength I had to bring my child into this world. I refused to give up my baby. Draken may have left me, but my child... never.Father cast me out of the house, so I began living on my own. Still, Mother and Matthew stayed by my side when I gave birth. They often visited my small apartment just to see my baby boy, Madrid Tierro. I gave him my surname, not his father’s.Mom and Matthew would bring us daily necessities and even help take care of him."I have to go now, mom. Please look after Madrid for a while," I said before leaving for work."I’ll take care of my grandson. Be careful, okay?" she said gently. I kissed my son's forehead before stepping out.I worked as a saleslady at the mall. Ever since I moved out with my son, I had to find a way to earn and provide for us. I was twenty-three years old enough to stand on my own.Almost every midnight, Madrid would cry non-stop, keeping me awake until dawn. Mom and Matthew couldn’t always
"Let’s ask the guard. Maybe he knows where Draken went," Matthew suggested so we got back in the car and went to the guard’s post at the main gate. Matthew and I got out to ask. "Uhmm... sir, we just want to ask if you have any idea where Draken Luzevia went?" I asked. "Ah... The Luzevia's, ma'am? They left last night. They're moving to the USA. That’s what the household staff said before they left," the guard replied. My eyes nearly popped at what I heard from the old guard. Matthew and I exchanged looks... even him could hardly believe it. "H-Huh?" "That’s what they said, ma'am." "Thank you, sir," my brother said, and immediately supported me. "Mathia—" "B-But... that's impossible. W-Why didn't he tell me? W-We texted earlier, didn’t we, Matthew? You saw his text, right?" I asked my brother, and he simply helped me into the passenger seat before he moving to the driver’s seat. "Why did he do this to you?" Matthew asked, but I didn’t answer. "N-Not sure. Maybe he’s just goin







