* The air is polluted by smoke and air coming from public and private vehicles. It is indeed another busy day. The people around me are minding their own businesses. I can hear the sound of the vendor shouting as she sales her products. The dog is barking outside and its owner is on the phone, talking. Noise pollution really became rampant.
Here I am, on the way home. I am currently riding in an old Jeepney. The driver's hair is grayish white. His clothes are looking ragged, and he drives his vehicle while coughing and taking fares. *
"Anak, what do you want to eat for dinner? Do you want some fried chicken? I will buy as soon as I pullover. Come with me, okay?" The driver asked. Yes, it is my father. He drives an old vehicle for a living.
"Yes, Papa. I'll come with you. Did Mama cook rice already? I'm really starving!" I answered. I am really hungry, I want some chicken!
As soon as my father turned over the keys, we immediately bought chicken. There are lots of fresh ones here in the market.
** I can see my Father smiling at every vendor here, it seems like he knows them very well! We stopped by a bakeshop and saw cakes. They all look delicious. I can see plenty of flavors, but what caught my attention are Black Forest and Ube Cake! **
••• "Papa, can we buy the Black Forest? My birthday is fast approaching, can you please buy it for me as a gift? Please! I promise to clean the house and help mama cook all the time!" I pleaded. I really want to take a bite on that cake!
"Uh, Anak. Let's buy some other time when Papa gets his pay. The cake costs 435 and I only have 150 left, I still need to pay our rent. But I promise that Papa will buy that soon." He answered. •••
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### "Thirdie, what did Papa bought for dinner?" Kuya Juan asked. He is our eldest in the family. He has a black aura all the time. He was never closed to Papa because they always fight even on little things. They understand each other sometimes but most of the time, he wants to be alone by himself, he even talks seldom.
"Did he buy the supplies I needed for tomorrow?" Kuya Dos asked. He is the middle child. He is my mother's favorite because of his jolly attitude. He's the joker of the family, he makes fun of everything all the time, but in times of serious matters, he is the one who understands it the most.
"I think so, Kuya. Is that the charcoal pencil you needed for tomorrow's class?" I answered.
"Yes, okay." He thanked me and he proceeded into his room.
"Mind answering my question, kid? Are you that tough now, huh? Ignoring me? Come on, fight back kid!" Kuya Juan got mad at me for not answering his question, why is he so impatient? Kuya Dos was talking about his priorities that's why I answered him first!
I got punched.
"He bought chicken for dinner, Kuya." I answered and apologized. I don't want to get into fights with my Kuya. Last time we fought, we did not talk for a week straight.
He glared at me and walked away. I shrugged off my shoulders. That's his life, let him do what he wants! ###
My father saw what happened and he got mad.
• "Juan! Juan, come here! Who are you to punch Tres, ha? Do you already have a job? What's your achievement in life? Smoking? Drinking? What's next? Drugs? Ha? You're a disgrace to this family! Why can't you be like Tres and Dos? Tres is a consistent honor student in his class and Dos helps your mother here in our house. They are all obedient, unlike you, you are nothing! You only relax! Selfish!" My father shouted. I did not expect that to come out from his mouth. I saw Kuya Juan glared at both of us. Papa got mad that's why he punched Kuya! •
