Consequences

CHAPTER 6

“Loving you was the most exquisite form of self-destruction.”

Saturday morning. The Cuban was awakened by the pleasant tone of his alarm.

Despite being drowsy, Karlos tried to unfold his weary eyes, picked up the phone that had been chiming on the bedside table, and found out that it was already five in the morning.

Karlos had only slept for about four hours—again.

In fact, throughout the week he did nothing but come home late and wake up early for work. He hasn't had a decent rest since he was selected as one of the accountants who could be promoted this year and because of this, he can't help but be proud of himself since somehow his contribution to the firm has finally been recognized—However, the excessive responsibilities drains his energy and time. Worst of all, every time he doesn't get a chance to see his wife, he seems to lose his motivation to work. Luckily, there are plenty of her pictures in his phone library; Some are stolen shots, and the rest are from Google.

Karlos couldn't help but smile once beholding his phone’s wallpaper.

Who wouldn't if your wife's lovely face and voice were the first to greet you in the morning?

Suddenly, Karlos reminisced the good old days. The times when he patiently watches the school’s performances to which his wife was included.

He remembers, he was only in seventh grade when he first saw her perform as the opening act for one of the school’s events.

The entire hall was crowded and for the first time, it was filled with mostly male students (which is rare since usually, only female students are interested in the school's program.) Everyone was cheering, listening to her singing voice as though she were a famous singer. Meanwhile, he was restless due to the wild throbbing of his heart (the main reason why the video was completely vague and chaotic). Fortunately, despite the roaring noises that can be heard from behind, her heavenly voice was yet clearly hearable.

Karlos didn’t realize how many times his alarm was repeated. All he knew was, her singing voice brings positive energy to begin his new day.

Chuckling at himself, the Cuban couldn’t help but mentally shake his head.

Jeez, ¡Es demasiado pronto para ser cursi! (It’s too early to be cheesy!)

As usual, after minutes of scrolling through his photo gallery (A gallery dedicated to his Lolo), Karlos decided to turn off his alarm and finally got up so that he can do his morning routine.

Once the chore, workout, and bath are done, It was inevitable that Karlos will not examine his physique in front of the full-length mirror.

There was a proud smile on the Cuban’s face as he noticed how masculine his body looked now. A size that matches his average height.

His perseverance paid off!

He never thought he could achieve it, considering how physically weak he was.

During his teenage years, Karlos was fine and comfortable with his appearance. He is skinny and short but somehow he has a talent for basketball. However, this was the major hurdle for him to join the team and despite numerous rejections, he still believes determination is the key to success.

Years passed, everything has changed and so has Karlos' perspective. He learned the hard way that the secret to success is not just determination. To achieve your heart’s desire, you must need to improve some things about yourself.