I washed all the dishes. It was my first time to do iy so. The soap was too harsh for my skin but it was full of bubbles. It was a yellow-colored liquid dishwashing soap."Love, I think Uno pooped-"I whirled around. Jonas immediately met my eyes. He was carrying Uno in his arms, paharap sa'kin. He looked surprised upon seeing me like this."I'll just finish this love. Does he smell awful already?" I responded."Yes, love. But, I think I'll be the one to do it.""Can you do it?""Yes, love." He smiled sweetly. Seconds passed when he brought Uno back to our room again.After washing the dishes, I cleaned the entire sink. That was what Manang usually did after washing the dishes.I realized how hardworking our helpers were and how patient they were. I thought it was a common household chore but when I did it myself, it was pretty hard. Back

"When Honey and I got together, we promised to each other that we will build a happy family and we won't let anyone destroy us. It's funny to think that she destroyed us first," he told me.I looked up ay him. He was looking down, probably shedding some tears. He didn't want me to see his weak side. It was, as if, an ego-stepping."When she left, it was hard for me to recover... I was back to zero again. Then I realized she was like my mother. But I didn't blame her for choosing her dreams over me. If I was her, I'd do the same.""Did you regret anything?" I asked in a manner that he would not feel offended."None," he looked up at me. His eyes were wet but they were happy. "I didn't regret anything because I met you and we have Uno now."I fell silent, too overwhelmed by his answer."What about your father? Where is he now?" I asked when I recovered."He'

"Is that even possible, Mommy? You are emotionally distant to your parents?" I asked, wondering how did true was that.  "Let's say Thrante, she's not okay with Tita Kath before but she still received the support.""All parents aren't the same, honey. And not all children are the same too.""I wonder how does it feel to build your own self. It seems impossible to me, Mommy."I was so proud of Jonas. He reminded me of Thrante. If it was me, I couldn't make it. I was a Mama's girl and Dad was always my second choice."But you can see how responsible Jonas is. His experiences developed his character into maturity. Life may be unfair but it depends on how you balance it."I agreed. I thought it would depend on the person. Some people took advantage of their pain. Some would just give up."I'm home," Jonas announced from behind. We all turned to him.I smiled when I saw him. I rose to my feet and met him in between."Hi, love,"

Manang told me to go upstairs already. She will be the one to finish cleaning the sink. I should be resting now and be with my little family.I was careful not to create any unnecessart noise. I silently opened the door and peaked inside. I saw Jonas and Uno sleeping peacefully on our bed. I smiled and locked the door.I watched them two. It was peaceful to see them like that. My heart was happy.When Uno turned eight months, I trained him to walk. He could stand up on his own but he needed something to hold on to."Come to Mama, Uno!" I played with him.The edge of the sofa was supporting his back. His arms were spread wide, trying to balance while learning how to walk too. He could stand but he was afraid to step forward."You can do it, baby! Come on!"I clapped my hands. He giggled and lost his balance. I was quick to catch him."Come!" I encouraged him.Everyday I was practicing him to walk. I reached out to him his

When the call ended, I hoped things would get better for both of us. I sighed heavily as I felt lonely. I missed him in my arms.The truth was, I didn't like this set up. I could not hug him. I could not feel him on my skin. We had a schedule of our talk and we often times talked about Lola Helena. That became the cycle of our lives.But for him I would endure this feeling of wanting him to stay by my side. I knew he was struggling too. He surely didn't like this set up. I had to adjust and understand because he too had needs but he was holding back himself. He endured the loneliness and pain.I brought down my phone on the bedside table. I crawled on bed and lied next to Uno. He now slept next to me so that whenever he would wake up, I didn't need to get up and get him. It would be easy for me to breastfeed him if he would sleep next to me.The following morning, I woke up when I heard a loud bang on the