What does it mean to truly become an adult? Introducing a series of 11 short stories about Malaysian youth from various backgrounds discovering themselves amidst a national landscape plagued by social issues and the enduring conflict between traditi...
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Alysha had a happy childhood. Her father, Mr. Lee, was a real estate agent. He'd sometimes bring her to explore the big houses he was selling to rich businessmen. Her mother, Mrs. Anne used to be a teacher. Yet, she chose to become a full-time mother once John, Alysha's elder brother came into this world. Though Alysha was never close to John due to the 7 year age gap, and he was never home half the time anyway.
She had no trouble making friends. She would daringly go up to other kids to the playground and join in on the game they were playing. Her parents had taught her to go forth and seek her own path. She didn't think much of the life she had. She only knew that she loved her parents, and she loved her friends.
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It was Alysha's 15th birthday. She woke up early, anticipating her family to give her a big surprise like every other year. To her astonishment, everyone went about like it was just a normal day. Mr. Lee kissed her a quick goodbye before heading for work, dressed in his signature pinstripe suit. Mrs. Anne prepared the same kaya toast and chocolate milk for breakfast like any other day. Her brother, John, was cooped in his own room, EDM music blasting from the speakers.
Did they forget? Or were they pretending to forget? Alysha pretended to play along but still felt a sliver of doubt. Night fell and the house was filled with the same quiet atmosphere. Mr. Lee returned home and she didn't see any present in his hands. She couldn't take it anymore. "You guys forgot my birthday!" she yelled at the top of her lungs.
To her shock, Mrs. Anne told her to wait in the kitchen while she discussed things with her father. Alysha could only hear agitated whispers of "money", "job", and "birthday". Soon, the whole family was seated at the dining table, including a displeased John.
Mr. Lee wiped his forehead with a handkerchief. He started speaking, "I haven't been completely honest with you all." Alysha's heart was pounding as she feared the worst. She noticed her mother's worried eyebrows. "I lost my job 3 months ago. I didn't tell you because I thought it would be easy to get a new one. But no one wants to hire a middle-aged man without a degree. We've been surviving on our savings for the past few months. I'm sorry, I tried."
He then looked right at Alysha and said with a sincere voice, "Alysha, I'm sorry I forgot your birthday."
The room became still. There was an uncomfortable silence as no one knew what to do next. Inside, Alysha was freaking out. Her whole world crumbled before her eyes. As naive as it sounds, she didn't know something as serious as this could happen to her own family. She was not ready at all for her life to change.
