Imperfect Symphony of Hearts

07

𐙚˙✧˖°📷 ༘ ⋆｡ ˚

Later that week, I found myself seated at the dinner table with my family. The usual clatter of utensils and the aroma of my mom’s famous adobo filled the air, but tonight felt heavier somehow. My two older siblings, Anton and Claire, sat across from me, their usual playful banter noticeably absent. I could already sense where this conversation was headed—my grades and, of course, the looming question about my future.

“So, how did exams go, Apple?” my dad asked, looking at me over his glasses as he spooned rice onto his plate.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing a smile. “Okay naman, Pa. I think I did well... I hope.”

“Hope isn’t enough,” Claire chimed in, her voice carrying that usual older-sister wisdom. “You need to know for sure if you did well. How confident are you?”

I shrugged, trying to keep my voice steady. “Confident enough? I studied hard.”

Anton, who had been quiet up until now, glanced at me and then at our parents. “Grades are important, Apple. Alam mo naman ‘yan. We just want to make sure you’re preparing for your future properly.”

Here we go, I thought to myself, my appetite slowly fading.

My mom, ever the supportive one, reached over to hand me a piece of chicken. “We know you’re working hard, anak. Pero alam mo naman, ang future mo ang priority dito. Have you thought about what you want to do after high school?”

I knew the question was coming, but hearing it out loud still made my stomach flip. I toyed with my food, trying to find the right words. “I’m… not really sure yet.”

The room seemed to grow quieter, as if everyone was holding their breath.

“Not sure?” my dad said, eyebrows raised. “By now, you should have a plan, Apple. Look at your sister—she knew she wanted to be an engineer, and now she’s thriving. Your kuya Anton is already in med school. It’s important to have direction.”

“I know, Pa,” I mumbled, trying to suppress the frustration building inside me. “But it’s not that easy for me. I’m still figuring things out.”

Claire leaned forward, her voice softer this time. “It’s okay to be unsure, Apple. But you also can’t take too long to decide. You don’t want to be left behind while everyone else moves forward.”

I nodded, though the knot in my chest tightened. “I just don’t want to rush into something that doesn’t feel right.”

Anton sighed, his tone more understanding than before. “That’s fair, but you still need to explore your options. Have you thought about talking to a guidance counselor? Or maybe doing some career assessments?”

I wanted to roll my eyes, but I resisted. Instead, I kept my gaze on my plate. “I’ve been thinking about it,” I lied, just to keep the conversation from spiraling into a full-blown lecture.

There was a long pause, the silence weighing heavily between us. My mom finally broke it, her tone gentle. “We’re not pressuring you, anak. But you know how important education is. We just want to make sure you’re on the right track.”

“I get it, Ma,” I said quietly, offering her a small smile. “I’m doing my best.”

“Your best is all we ask for,” my dad added, though I could still hear the edge of concern in his voice. “But don’t forget—time doesn’t wait for anyone.”