Now or Never

How do you know that it's the perfect timing? Can people predict time?

There have been countless attempts already since a young lad wanted to confess a secret that beheld his truest soul. He always looked for opportunity, thinking that such would be the best time to breathe the words from the pit of his heart. Unfortunately, the lad would always get tongue-tied, his throat not feeling air.

One morning, a woman wore a bright smile anyone could imagine in a familiar morning scene. She was happily making breakfast for her son, who would go to school afterwards. She served the dishes, placed a glass of water, and even prepared a small dessert for him—a bar of Hershey's chocolate. 

The young male saw this tranquility as he went near the dining room. He greeted his mother, kissing her forehead respectfully. When he turned to his seat, the lad's eyes slightly dilated when a sudden bolt of idea came to him for the nth time.

This breakfast could be the perfect time to confess!

Just look around! Calm surroundings, a good breakfast, and his mother wearing the most precious smile! No doubt. This is the moment the son was waiting for.

He swallowed and began to eat while silently recalling his confession script. As he was eating, his eyes couldn't help but glance at his mother. The son was losing his focus, as if his mind were digesting every negative thought he could think of. When she knew the truth, could she still love this young man the same way?

The woman is strict, but she would encourage her son to go out of his comfort zone. She's kind and loving, but she's nailed with her principles and rules, which sometimes made the son cower. So if she knew the truth, would she accept the path that her son wanted to take?

Unbeknownst to him, the mother became intuitive. She smiled inwardly and reached for the bar of chocolate she had prepared for his son's dessert.

"Here. Baka makatulong."

The lad eyed his mother, and she just returned his look with a reassuring one. He picked it up and tasted it. When the chocolate linked his senses like a whirlwind, past memories were instantly remembered.

When he failed his exams, when he won a singing competition, when he was nervous during class recitals, when he experienced his first heartbreak—all those meaningful encounters—the mother would give her son a particular brand of chocolate either to comfort him or as a gift.

He had eaten the same chocolate, and every time he did, its sweetness would melt the chains that held him back from doing his best. If he felt unfortunate, Hershey's gave him the strength to embrace defeat.

Now, he also realized that such a unique taste made him want to act on the chances that could show his truest self. It's now or never.

"Ma, I like guys."

He had imagined the worst. However, he didn't expect her reply.

"Hmm... and I like girls, anak." She too bit into a piece of Hershey's.

The End