Slowly opening my eyes and stopping halfway through—Dread consuming me like a dark, endless void, keeping me from my ability to move. It is regret I've always felt and lived my life with, the regret of living. Ironic, isn't it?
"Gising na iha!" Lola Mimi yells for Valentine. Quickly getting up and keeping her composure as she can't let her Lola Mimi see her so helpless despite how obvious it is that she always skips her meals and hears her cries from frustration every single night.
A sigh escapes her mouth, looking down to see everything she hates more than anyone in this world.
Herself
It was stupid, why could she hate herself when she had so many other people she could hate for? And she's there hating herself... For simply being herself...?
Valentine quickly goes on over to the riverside to wash up for school. Feeling dirty, she scrubs her skin harshly, thinking that it'll get lighter. She's always done this yet the results never fail to disappoint her. Most of the time she'd get bullied for her dark complexion causing her to do this every so often.
Skin so red Lola Mimi would probably notice it, but Valentine couldn't do anything to hide it so she tries to act casually. "Val" said Lola Mimi, getting Valentine's attention as she passes by. Stepping back and facing her Lola Mimi, she tries to act normal—"Po?" Confused she was until she realized.
"Bakit ang pula ng balat mo?" In a stern way from Lola Mimi. Valentine had to make up an excuse right then and there. Why didn't I think of an excuse awhile ago!? She thinks to herself. As calmly as she could "Siguro nasobrahan po ako sa pagkuskos ng sarili ko nang hindi ko namamalayan" trying to make it convincing. Lola Mimi squints her eyes looking up and down on Valentine, then signaling her to go get changed and ready for school as a sign of approval.
Her uniform full of wrinkles, her soft, short fur was unbrushed. She wasn't ready, she has never felt ready in her life. Everyday she tries to make herself look pretty, but she can never feel that way. Convinced by her bullies that she'll never be pretty.
The mirror stared back at her with dread. She doesn't want to go to the place where she suffers so much, but she didn't want to make her Lola Mimi disappointed, leaving her no choice but to go.
"Ingat ka iha"
How comforting
