Years had passed, and the family had grown and flourished. Ciize, the youngest, was now a lively and curious 6-year-old. Jelly and Daisy, the twins, were 13 and thriving in their own unique ways. Daisy was the calmer of the two, though she could become hyper and excitable within moments, a part of her vibrant personality shaped by her ADHD. Jelly, on the other hand, remained energetic but reserved, opening up fully only to people she felt comfortable with. Despite their differences, the twins shared an unbreakable bond and complemented each other perfectly.
Marc, now 15, was growing into a responsible and protective older brother. His charm and kindness made him popular at school, and he was always looking out for his siblings. Daisy, Jelly, and their cousin Nara, who was the same age as the twins, were also well-known and adored by their peers. The trio’s mix of personalities—Daisy’s quiet brilliance, Jelly’s vibrant energy, and Nara’s confident and warm demeanor—made them a dynamic and inseparable group.
At school, the siblings and their cousin had built a reputation for being kind, hardworking, and talented. Marc was admired for his leadership skills and athleticism, while Daisy, Jelly, and Nara shone in academics, extracurriculars, and social life. Teachers often commented on how well-mannered and close-knit they were, crediting the loving and supportive upbringing they received from their parents and extended family.
At home, life was as lively as ever. Ciize adored her older siblings and often followed them around, learning from their antics and basking in their attention. Fang and Tan continued to nurture their family with love and understanding, celebrating each child’s individuality while keeping them grounded.
The family’s days were filled with laughter, occasional mischief, and heartwarming moments, as they supported one another through life’s ups and downs. Their bond remained as strong as ever, with Fang and Tan at the heart of it all, guiding their children toward a bright and loving future.
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It was a chaotic afternoon when Fang received a call from the school principal. Jelly had been involved in yet another fight, and this time, it wasn’t a minor incident. Fang’s face was grim as he listened to the principal’s explanation, nodding and thanking them for informing him. By the time Jelly arrived home, Fang was already waiting in the living room, his expression a mixture of anger and disappointment.
As Jelly stepped inside, she immediately knew what was coming. She avoided eye contact and dropped her bag by the door.
“Sit down, Jelly,” Fang said firmly, gesturing to the couch.
Jelly reluctantly sat down, crossing her arms. “What now?” she muttered under her breath.
Fang’s voice was calm but sharp. “What now? Jelly, do you have any idea how embarrassing it is to get a call from the principal about my daughter fighting in school? Again?”
Jelly scoffed. “It wasn’t my fault! That kid was making fun of Ciize. I couldn’t just stand there and let them!”
“That’s not an excuse!” Fang snapped, his voice rising slightly. “There are better ways to handle things than getting into fights. Do you think I’ve raised you to be this way? Why can’t you be more like your hia Marc, or even Daisy? They know how to stay out of trouble!”
Jelly froze, her fists clenching. “There it is again! Comparing me to them! I’m not hia Marc, and I’m not Daisy! Why don’t you just say it? You’re ashamed of me, aren’t you?”
“That’s not what I said!” Fang shot back.
“But it’s what you mean!” Jelly yelled, tears welling up in her eyes. “I’m always the problem to you, aren’t I? No matter what I do, it’s never good enough for you! Maybe you’d be happier if I wasn’t here!”
