Tungkulin Sa Pamilya Novels & Stories

Together, we navigate the turbulent waters, anchoring ourselves in the love we share for one another and for our children. As I reflect on the tensions within our family, I am filled with a renewed determination to protect my loved ones. I am their shield against the storm, their rock amidst the chaos. It is a delicate balance, tending to their innocence while addressing my own fears and anxieties. But I am learning that vulnerability does not equate to weakness. In embracing my own emotions, I am teaching my children the importance of resilience and authenticity.

It was extremely rare for anyone to be like Kathleen, who admitted the family’s mistake and took responsibility for them. As such, everyone pushed aside their contempt and began to concentrate on Kathleen’s next words. Kathleen continued sternly, “The reason I say that we, the Fox family, have an unshirkable responsibility is mainly because of the following.”

His words sink in. A part of me knew he was right, but I refused to acknowledge it. Familial relationships shouldn’t be transactional, but I couldn’t shake the sense I owed my parents a huge debt. Parents took care of their children. When the children grew up, they took care of their parents. In my case, that meant I'd be taking care of only Grams. But I can't do that to Mum and Dad, they're my family and family sticks together.

Was she hinting at the fact that I still lived with my parents? "If a person depends on others for these things," she taunted me, smirking now, "then they’re still a child. Because children are dependent." I exhaled slowly and cleared my throat. "Well, in my family and community, we divide tasks. Everyone does what they’re good at. I provide safety, and in return, I’m taken care of. And I live with my parents to save money—so that when I have a… wife, I can provide for her."

We were family. And family doesn't break. Not now. Not ever.

Sisters. Family.

I sheepishly grinned. "Nope. You're a family now so we should thank you." "I don't want to be in the same house with her!" Namula ang tenga ni Kairo nang ipinilig niya ang ulo. Hindi iyon nakapigil sa kaniyang magsungit at ipinagkrus pa ang magkabilang braso. "Anak, when we say family it doesn’t mean staying in the same house together. Family also means love even when she is not your sister."

"You don't comprehend the tension we're under. If things don't turn around soon, we could lose everything. The company, the house, the..." The notice of the house sends an ache of culpability through me. It's our family home — the one I grew up in. The one that has been an image of safety, of progress, even though it's become all the more a burden than a blessing. "I know," I say discreetly. "However, it's not just about the company, Father. It's about my life as well. I didn't request this marriage, I didn't request — "

Tony Lombartti POV “ You know Thomas, with ma and pa gone, the whole family depends on me. Tony this, Tony that.. I never catch a break.. You know sometimes I wish I didn’t have to have the responsibility of one of the head families. I mean it’s nice and all, but this. It’s getting to be too much. I mean Sissy doesn’t stay home, I’m always cleaning up after her. My cousins are coming for everything down to the money. I just..”

Family didn’t work like that. I missed my Family so much....