When the Last Peso Falls

Chapter 36 The Toll of Conflict

The turmoil within the Manlapig family was taking its toll in ways far beyond financial instability. The once lively household had become a battleground of stress and strain, with each family member struggling to cope with the effects of their ongoing conflicts.

Patricia sat at the kitchen table, her eyes fixed on a pile of medical bills that had accumulated over the past few weeks. Her hands trembled as she picked up a prescription bottle, its label glaringly white against the dark wood of the table. The weight of responsibility seemed to be crushing her, both financially and emotionally.

"Mom, are you okay?" Carla's voice broke through Patricia's thoughts. She stood in the doorway, worry etched across her face.

Patricia forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm fine, Carla. Just trying to figure out how to manage all these expenses."

Carla stepped closer, her concern growing. "You look exhausted. Maybe you should see a doctor. This stress isn't good for you."

Patricia waved her hand dismissively. "I'm fine. We have enough to worry about without adding another doctor's visit to the list."

Meanwhile, Luis was pacing in his office, his brow furrowed as he glanced at the financial statements spread across his desk. His hands were shaking, and his usually sharp mind was clouded with anxiety. He had been struggling with frequent headaches and sleepless nights, symptoms he couldn't ignore any longer.

Diego entered the office, a concerned look on his face. "Dad, you need to take a break. You've been working non-stop, and you're not doing yourself any favors."

Luis snapped, his frustration evident. "I don't have the luxury of taking a break, Diego. We're in serious trouble, and I need to fix it before it's too late."

Diego placed a hand on his father's shoulder. "You can't help the family if you're not taking care of yourself. Maybe we should consult a financial advisor or someone who can help us get back on track."

Luis's eyes softened, but he shook his head. "I'll think about it. Right now, I just need to focus on sorting out these issues."

In the family's living room, Rosa and Maria were having a quiet conversation. Maria had noticed her mother's increasing bouts of anxiety and fatigue and was deeply concerned.

"Mom, you've been on edge lately," Maria said softly. "Is everything okay? You seem so stressed out."

Rosa sighed heavily, her eyes weary. "It's been tough, Maria. The constant fighting and the pressure to keep everything together...it's taking a toll on me."

Maria sat beside her mother, placing a comforting hand on her arm. "Maybe we should talk to someone. A therapist or counselor. It might help to have someone to talk to about all this."

Rosa looked at her daughter with a mix of gratitude and hesitation. "I don't know, dear. I've always tried to handle things on my own. But maybe you're right. I'll consider it."

In the dining room, Marco and his wife, Eliza, were grappling with their own challenges. Marco had been struggling with his sense of identity and purpose, and the ongoing family disputes were only exacerbating his feelings of inadequacy.

Eliza noticed Marco staring blankly at his plate during dinner and decided to address the issue. "Marco, you've been so distant lately. What's going on?"

Marco sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping. "I don't even know where to start, Eliza. I feel like I'm just drifting, caught between everyone else's problems and my own insecurities."

Eliza reached across the table, taking his hand in hers. "We need to face this together. Maybe a family therapist could help us all sort through our feelings and find a way to heal."

Marco nodded, his eyes filling with tears. "I'll think about it. I just want things to get better, for everyone."

The overall strain of the conflicts was clearly taking a significant toll on the Manlapig family's well-being. The financial instability was only one part of the picture; the emotional and physical health of each member was being compromised as well.

One evening, the family gathered for a rare moment of togetherness. Despite the lingering tension, they sat around the table, each lost in their own thoughts. The room was filled with a heavy silence, a stark contrast to the lively conversations of the past.

Patricia finally broke the silence. "I know we've been through a lot, and it's been hard on all of us. But maybe it's time we consider seeking professional help. For our health and for the sake of the family."

Luis looked around at his siblings and their families, his expression softening. "I agree. We can't keep going like this. We need to take care of ourselves and each other."

Rosa nodded slowly. "I think it's a good idea. We've all been affected, and it's time we do something about it."

Carla, Diego, Maria, and Eliza all voiced their support, and for the first time in a long while, there was a glimmer of hope that the family might find a way to heal and rebuild.