My Only Sunshine

chapter 7 : ASEAN Beginnings

//Philippines' POV

.
.
.

I was dreaming happily about frolicking amongst mango trees with kuya, Nanay, and Tatay. But then I smelled something burning. I looked a little farther and saw a mango tree in the distance burning. Suddenly, Tatay turned to me and started shaking me violently, telling me to wake up.

I woke up to Tatay frantically yelling at me to get up. Though scared, I did as I was told.

I couldn't help but notice the strong smell of something burning seeping into the house.

I was scared, and my first instinct was to hold on to Nanays' skirt. I looked around for her, but she wasn't around. Even more worried, I walked to Tatay and tugged on his khakis.

"T-Tatay, nasaan po si Nanay?"

Tatay and kuya looked down at me, both with a worried look on their faces.

I don't like this...

Tatay knelt down to my height and pulled me into a tight hug.

"Wag ka alala. Hahanapin ko si Nanay."

"Pe-Pero okey lang ba sya, Tatay?"

He let go and looked at me with a sad look.

"Your mother... is a strong woman. Sigurado ako na ok lang sya." He caressed my left cheek and gave me a sad smile. "But be a good boy and stay here with kuya." He told me. "Babalik ako. Yell, if anything."

Not knowing how to respond, I looked up at kuya. But he didn't look back at me. He just kept looking at Tatay and nodded. Not knowing any better, I looked back at Tatay and nodded as well.

Tatay smiled sadly and kissed kuya and I's foreheads, before running out the door to who knows where.

.
.
.
.
.

"Phil, akak, wake up, damnit! Bodoh, were you drinking last night?"

I try to open my eyes, but the searing pain behind my eyebrows wouldn't let me. I eventually give up and let out a groan, my eyes still closed.

"Aye, puñeta, was I? I... I can't remember..."

"You do smell like beer, akak."

Ignoring the pain, I force my eyes open, and they slowly adjust to see Indonesia standing over me, next to my bed. Malaysia was by the door, leaning against the doorframe.

"Shet... what... what happened last night?" I asked, my head pounding.

"We all went to our siblings' dorms last night." Malaysia reminded me. "And I'm going to make a wild guess and say that you were drinking with your brother at his dorm."

"We were?"

I sighed. That would explain my headache. But what was I doing there drinking? Wasn't my only purpose there was to ask kuya about Nanay and Tatay's past?

"You think you're able to attend classes today?" Indonesia asked me, a little worried.

I smirked. "Aww, Indo's worried about me~ You do love me~"