Finding My Safe Space

Epilogue

"Looking back, your company was in the brink of collapsing three years ago, but how did you manage to revive it when you're so young that time?" The interviewer asked.

I smiled. "It was never easy and I cried a lot back then. Sobrang nahirapan ako dahil kulang pa ako sa kaalaman at experience, at nagluluksa pa kami due to my father's sudden death. It was heartbreaking at minsan ko na ring naisip na sumuko nalang, but I don't want to destroy my parents' legacy and the blood, sweat, and tears they've offered just to make the company grow prior to that. Ayaw kong mauwi ang lahat sa wala. That time, it was my determination to keep our family's legacy that drove me to work harder. And also, because I have supportive people beside me who kept on reminding me that I am doing well at kaya ko kahit na hindi pa ako bihasa no'ng panahong 'yon."

"That's such as inspiration, and now, you're one of the biggest and youngest entrepreneurs in our country. That was such an achievement!"

"Thank you." Nakangiti kong tugon at sumulyap ng mabilis sa camera.

"There was a circulating issue last year that you're a huge shopaholic way back in high school and college, was that true?"

Natawa ako ng bahagya. Bakit nasasali pa 'yon dito?

"Yeah, that was true. I was really addicted to shopping back then, at kahit ngayon din naman. When work gets too stressful, I consider shopping as my stress-reliever. However, I am more responsible and wise with my expenses now. That's one of the things I am proud with myself, that I am not that risky shopper anymore."

"Oh, that's quite a confession. They're really right, you're an honest person! But to go further, can you share with us some valuable lessons that we can apply to our lives as well?"

"Before I became the person that I am now, I've been through a lot of challenges and pain, which made me realize and learn a lot of things in life. Most of them were personal such as accepting your own shortcomings and flaws, as well as being honest with yourself. I was always in denial back then, but circumstances made me realize that refusing to accept reality would just make me stuck on the past, which is definitely not a good thing. Life is always like that, it would give you sudden pain and changes, and you have no choice but to accept and overcome it. That's why you should be brave to accept the reality, because that's the only way you can move forward."

After few more questions about the company and my personal life, the interview finally concluded. Nagmamadali naman akong lumabas ng office kasama ang secretary ko pagkatapos.

"Ry!" I saw Amil running towards us.

"You're here." Mukha pa siyang pawis na pawis. It's really not obvious that their family is wealthier than us.

"May inasikaso lang ako sa malapit kaya nagdecide na akong dumaan. By the way, papunta ka na ba sa court?"

Tumango ako.

"Sige, good luck. Pupunta ba si tita?"

Umiling ako. "It might not be good for her. I'm worried kasi baka..."

She tapped my shoulders. "Justice will prevail, Ry. I know you've worked hard for that, I am confident that this time, you'd get it."

I smiled. "Sana nga." Sana nga mabigyan ko na ng hustisya ang pagkamatay niya, dahil 'yon nalang ang tangi kong magagawa ngayon, especially after knowing that everything was planned.

The accident. The company's fall.

Three years ago, I lost my dad and believed that it was because of an accident. But a year ago, a witness showed up and told us that there was a foul play and tampering of evidences that were done, so we reopened the case after losing two times in trial.