"If you persist in trying to fix others, it's you who remains broken."
"Good morning Dad, good morning, Mom!" I kissed Dad's cheeks and gave mom a flying kiss she seated at the opposite side of the table. I sat next to Dad, tumikhim siya at inabot ang table napkin, nagpunas ng labi bago ako kausapin.
"Good morning, NuNew. How was your sleep?" I smiled sweetly when I heard him asked, I felt so lucky to have parents that was able to communicate with me so well, who were able to break the generational cycle. Dad once told me that he and Mom are committed to not repeating the actions their own parents took towards them when it comes to raising me.
"Kulang sa tulog Dad, tinapos ko pa yung Digital Design and 3D Modeling Project ko." I sipped on my juice after complaining about my project. Patapos na ang second semester I thought first year is supposed to be chill, nagkamali ako, I'm so stressed out.
"It's okay anak, you still have much time masyado mo namang pinu-push ang sarili mo, naalala ko sinabi mo ang deadline is next month pa, hindi ba't malapit mo na din naman yan matapos? And isa pa, you're almost at the end of the second semester for sure kakayanin mo yan." Mom sweetly assured me.
"Thanks, Mom. I love you!" She giggled and mouthed she loves me too, I smiled and turned to my father. "Dad do you have operations today?" My father possesses healing hands, and I am proud to be the son of a renowned surgeon and while Mom is a dedicated corporate lawyer.
"I have a scheduled one today, NuNew." Dad answered and then looked at Mom, "What time are you going to the office, hon? I can drive you."
Mom smiled at Dad's offer, appreciating the gesture. "That would be great, love. I have an early meeting, so the sooner, the better."
Dad nodded, "I'll make sure to drop you off before heading to the hospital."
As we continued with breakfast, lumipat ang usapan sa mas light na topics. Mom shared a funny anecdote from the office, and Dad recounted a lighthearted moment with his surgical team.
Despite the busy schedules, our weekends were a time for connection and support. It was during these moments that I truly understood the significance of breaking the generational cycle my parents had talked about. Their commitment to open communication and understanding made our family bond stronger.
Matapos ang almusal nag-aayos na sila para umalis, before they left Dad raised an eyebrow and looked at me suspiciously.
"NuNew Addison, ano nga pala itong naririnig ko na nakita kayo ng parents ni Jake, you're kissing him inside his car? Gulat na gulat siya." Dad and Mom knows my sexuality, it wasn't a secret anymore. We had that heart-to-heart conversation on the summer of my 17th birthday, I remember the mix of emotions – nervousness, relief, and an unexpected sense of freedom. Dad, being the amazing person he is, simply nodded, smiled, and said, "You're my son, and I love you for who you are."
Napangiwi ako ng marinig ko ang sinabi ng Mommy ni Jake binigyan ako ng matalim na tingin ni Mom.
"Dad, it wasn't..."
"Can't you find someone who's suitable for you NuNew? Wala namang plano magseryoso yung anak ni Romualdez itsura palang." Ani Dad habang inaayos ni Mom ang kaniyang necktie. Kilala niya ang mga Romualdez dahil they're also a family of Doctors. Hindi ko masabing ako ang walang balak magseryoso, I am not into relationships, but I enjoy the thrill of flirting and the lighthearted connections that come with it.
