Arlon and Liliana - Love in The Midst of Family Feud

Arlon's Brother's Whereabouts

Arlon's brother's new life under the registry of offenders was far from the one he had envisioned for himself. His days were now filled with solitude and restrictions, a stark contrast to the life he had enjoyed before. In his new house, he found himself disconnected from the digital world he had once thrived in. The absence of the internet, TV, and modern gadgets left him feeling isolated and bored. He longed for the days when he could freely connect with friends and family online, browse social media, and stay updated on current events. The lack of technology made him realise just how much he had taken for granted in his previous life, and he yearned for a sense of normalcy that seemed out of reach.

The only technological connection he had was an old-fashioned cellphone with no camera, which allowed him to communicate solely with his parents. It was a stark reminder of the life he had left behind, and it did little to ease his frustration. He longed to see the faces of his loved ones and share their daily experiences through video calls and photos. The constant stream of news and updates on social media also left him feeling disconnected from the world, making him crave a return to the fast-paced, interconnected society he once knew.

As he wandered through his new living space, he couldn't help but notice that the books available to him all had religious topics, something that held little interest for him. It seemed like another layer of restriction, limiting his choices and further isolating him from the world he had known. But it will teach him a lesson: spirituality, which he turns away from is important for his behaviour. and personal growth, and turning away from it will do more harm than good which in his case makes him worldly and arrogant even to his own family. He couldn't help but feel frustrated by the lack of diversity in the available reading material, as he yearned for a broader understanding of the world and different perspectives.

To make matters worse, he had two officers who were assigned to guard him on a rotating basis. Every week, a new pair of officers would take their turns overseeing his daily activities. It was a constant reminder of his status as an offender, and he resented their presence. Their constant presence felt like a heavy burden, a constant reminder of his past mistakes and the consequences he had to face. Their watchful eyes and strict adherence to the protocol made him feel suffocated as if he was constantly under surveillance. He longed for the freedom he once had, where he could interact with different people and engage in meaningful conversations without judgment or scrutiny.

Every week, Arlon's parents made the journey to visit their son. They brought him food and checked on his well-being, a small act of care amid his confinement. Despite their care and concern, Arlon's brother couldn't help but feel trapped in the routine of his confinement. The constant presence of his parents only served as a reminder of the life he had lost and the limited choices he now faced. He yearned for a sense of independence and the opportunity to make his own decisions, longing for a future where he could regain control over his own life.

In the first month, the guards provided his meals, which consisted mostly of factory-processed Pancit Canton. It was a deliberate choice, knowing his penchant for the instant noodle dish. The repetition of Pancit Canton served as a lesson in maintaining a balanced diet, a subtle attempt to break his unhealthy eating habits. As he ate the instant noodles day after day, he began to notice the effects they had on his body. The high sodium content left him feeling bloated and dehydrated, while the lack of nutritional value left him constantly hungry. Despite his yearning for independence, he realised that relying on instant noodles as a primary source of sustenance was not sustainable for his health or well-being.

In the following month, the guards changed his meals to nutraloaf, a less appealing but nutritionally balanced option. It was made from fresh ingredients, ensuring its quality, but its taste left much to be desired. It was another lesson, teaching him not to be overly picky about the food he consumed. His behaviour was meticulously observed and recorded, and every aspect of his life was scrutinised for signs of improvement or regression. The constant monitoring of his actions and habits made him acutely aware of the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations set by the guards. Despite the initial discomfort caused by the change in his diet, he gradually learned to appreciate the value of maintaining a balanced and nutritious intake for his overall well-being.