Jem's POV
"Good morning! Good morning!" I yawned as I open my eyes because of Menchie's greeting. He's been saying it a thousand times and it happens everyday, it became our routine. That's why I already removed my alarm clock in my room. I already have mine. I have Menchie, he's my parrot.
I stood up and stretched my arms, "Good morning din pero kainis ka. Kulang ako sa tulog, okay?" I said and he didn't utter a word. Of course, he's a parrot. Muntik ko ng makalimutan na hindi siya tao talaga, so hindi ako makakabuo ng complete conversation.
And it's totally fine, at least he doesn't judge—
"Pangit! Pangit!" He shouted. Okay, except from that.
"Hoy! Diyan ka nagkakamali, ang cute ko kaya. Crush nga ako ng 7-year old na kasama ko sa chemo eh!" I shouted as if he'd answer.
Yes, that's true. I'm Jem Christopher Lim, 13 years of age. I've been diagnosed when I was 8 years old. Leukemia is a tough rival but I am more tougher. Even though I was only 8 that time, I am aware about everything. I know what's going to happen and I made sure to know my medicines well.
"Ano? Di ka ba sasagot?" I asked and he just stared at me.
I just chuckled. Ganito ba ang nadudulot ng chemo sakin? Maybe yes and maybe no, baka bored lang talaga ako. And Menchie has been good to me, he's my lucky charm.
As I went out of my room, I can already smell the aroma of our breakfast. Food is life but we need to be careful. Maraming bawal kainin at kung ano ang bawal, 'yon pa ang masarap. It's so unfair.
"Ano pong ulam?" I asked my mom who is now cooking.
"Fried chicken na walang balat." she responded.
I sat beside my Dad who is already eating, "Sana all may balat." I joked.
"Bakit wala ka ba?" He said seriously.
"Pa!" I cringed, "Ma, si papa ano pinagsasasabi."
"Shh!" She scolded us, "Umagang-umaga ah, Jem Christopher Liam!" Mom said completing my name.
"Ba't ako? Si Papa po." I defended myself.
My Dad covered himself as he continue reading newspaper but I can see that he's chuckling because I'm the only one who got scolded from Mom. I sat quietly while my Mom went back to the kitchen to continue what she's cooking. My Dad's job starts at 9am in the morning, my siblings are already doing their own stuffs by this time and that's why we aren't able to eat together which is sad. I always crave for my siblings' presence but on the other hand, I always get annoyed when they are here.
"Nako Jem, malaki ka na." He said and I didn't even utter a word.
"13 palang po ako."
"13 age mo pero kung mag-isip ka, lagpas sa edad mo." He glanced at me, "Kaya 'wag ka ng nagsusumbong sa Mama mo."
I thought he's going to teach me lessons about life, 'yon lang pala sasabihin niya. Ayaw niya kasing nagbabangayan sila ni Mama, daig pa nila ang teenagers.
"Akala ko po ano na." I scratched my head.
"Darating pala ang Ate Mia mo ngayon."
A bright smile escaped my face. Finally, someone is going to visit me. 2 years ago I met Ate Mia, she's a new nurse back then. Chemotherapy unit was so boring that time not until she came. Although I also have chemo buddies, Ate Kate and Kevin. Ate Mia became my best friend even though there's a huge gap between us. There's no conflicts, we understand each other even with a big gap of our age.
