La Familià (Lim X Vergara Family) Au

II

As the sun began to rise, Wen and Iyah hurriedly packed their backpacks at the kitchen table. Ariah fussed over their lunches, ensuring each box was filled with their favorites.

“Don’t forget your water bottles!” she reminded, glancing at them with a warm smile.

Wen, turned to her little sister, “Are you excited for your first day, Iyah?”

Iyah nodded enthusiastically, her pigtails bouncing. “I can’t wait to meet my teacher!”

Mac entered the room, tying her shoes. “How about I take you both to school today?” she offered, a playful grin on her face.

“Yay! Can we listen to music in the car?” Iyah chimed in.

“Of course!” Mac said, ruffling her hair. “But only if you promise to sing along.”

As they gathered their things, Ariah added, “Remember to be brave and have fun. We can’t wait to hear all about it when you get home!”

Wen, stood by the window, watching the world wake up outside. The sky was painted in soft hues of pink and orange, a perfect backdrop for her first day of school. She took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.

As she turned away from the window, she spotted her little sister, Iyah, bouncing with energy, her pigtails swaying as she rushed around the kitchen. Wen couldn’t help but smile at her sister’s enthusiasm.

“Are you ready?” Iyah asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

“Almost,” Wen replied, adjusting her backpack. She felt a wave of reassurance as she remembered their parents’ encouraging words.

In the kitchen, Mac and Ariah shared a glance, both smiling at their daughters’ excitement. “You two are going to have a great day,” Mac said, pouring coffee for Ariah.

“Just remember to be yourself,” Ariah added, giving Wen a gentle squeeze on the shoulder.

Wen nodded, feeling a sense of warmth from her family. As they gathered their things, she took one last look at the sunrise. With a determined smile, she was ready to embrace whatever the day would bring.

The girls exchanged excited glances, and with a final check of their bags, they headed out the door, Mac leading the way with Ariah following close behind. The morning air was crisp, filled with the promise of a new adventure, as they all climbed into the car, ready to start the day together

                  ---------------

Evening at the Mansion

Wen stepped through the grand doors of the mansion, the familiar creak echoing in the quiet hall. The aroma of a sumptuous dinner wafted through the air, guiding her toward the dining room.

As she entered, she spotted her parents seated at the long, polished table, the flickering candlelight casting warm shadows on their faces. They were deep in conversation, laughter punctuating the air, a stark contrast to the lonely silence she had felt at school all day.

Wen hesitated for a moment, absorbing the scene, her Mama animatedly gesturing with her fork, her mom smiling softly as she poured wine. A pang of longing hit her; she missed the easy connection they once shared.

“Wen, sweetheart!” her mom called, noticing her at the doorway. “Join us!”

With a smile that masked her unease, Wen stepped forward, hoping to bridge the growing gap that had formed between them.

Ariah and Mac exchanged glances as Wen walked in, both curious and welcoming. “Hey, Wen! How was school?” Ariah asked, her voice light. Mac leaned back in her chair, a smirk on her face. “Did you survive another day?”

Wen felt a flicker of warmth at their banter, but beneath it lingered a hint of uncertainty. “It was okay, I guess,” she replied, trying to shake off the day’s heaviness.

Wen looked at her parents, the exhaustion evident on her face. "I'm really tired from school today," she said softly. "Can I go to my room? I need a little time to rest." Her parents exchanged glances,“sure honey” understanding her need for a break, and nodded in agreement.

during dinner, Ariah and Mac discuss their daughters, Iyah and Wen.

Ariah shares how Iyah is blossoming in school, her creativity shining through in her art projects. Mac nods, but then expresses concern about the pressure Iyah faces to fit in.

Then they turn to Wen, who’s more reserved. Ariah mentions how Wen often looks up to Iyah, trying to find her own voice. Mac reflects on how she worries about Wen feeling overshadowed.

The conversation flows between pride and concern, highlighting their different parenting styles. Ariah’s encouragement contrasts with Mac’s protectiveness, but both are deeply invested in nurturing their daughters' unique paths. By the end, they find common ground, determined to support both Iyah and Wen in their journeys.