Expedition towards Success

Epilogue

"Class Valedictorian, Madrid, Ryle Matthew A., Grade 6-Rizal."

I went up to the stage with my parents who are both wearing the smiles on their faces as we walk upstairs. My mother took my medal while I did the handshakes with the teachers and principal. My mom wore it to me as her eyes gleamed with happiness. My father beside us was waiting for us to finish so we could pose for a picture.

"Smile!" The photographer ordered.

I displayed a genuine smile. We took a lot of pictures with my classmates who also topped. In my mind, I was already thinking on how I would deliver my future plans to my parents.

I've made up my mind. I want to be a doctor.

"Kuya, congratulations," my younger brother, Gustav, said.

I smiled at him and we did a fist bump. I ruffled his hair. My father who was behind us also spoke.

"'You should be like your kuya, Stav."

"Of course, Dad!"

I chuckled and looked at my mom. We were walking to the parking lot to go home for my party. My father and Gustav were having random chitchats plus my father's advices to Gustav that he should be like me and be a successful Madrid someday like my father, grandfather and the rest of our ancestors.

Gustav and dad were in front of us, mom and I were behind them. I can already see our driver waiting for us. Mom spoke when we're almost approaching to our car.

"Did you invite your classmates?" She asked.

I shook my head.

"I didn't. They have their own parties."

She pouted, "Who will be your visitors then aside from your uncles and aunties?"

I shrugged. She rolled her eyes.

"But son, you're a valedictorian and you shou-"

I cut her off when a certain topic came out of my mind.

"Mom, I decided to pursue medicine. I'm still deciding of what school I-"

I was stopped with what I was saying when dad turned his head to face us. Both of them in front of us stopped walking.

Dad furrowed his eyebrows and his lips parted.

"What did you say?" He demanded.

I was stunned, I couldn't answer. I sensed the sudden authority and sovereignty in his voice. I remained staring at him.

"What did you say, Matthew?" Dad repeated.

I gulped and looked at mom. She looked at me worriedly but with a hint of displeasure in her face. She shook her head.

When I once more didn't answer, he gritted his teeth and his jaw tightened.

"Gustav, go inside the car," he commanded. My brother did what he said.

I fisted as my breathing became heavy.

"Dad, I want to be a doc-"

I didn't have the chance to finish my sentence because my father took a step forward and held my arms.

"Ramon!" Mom screamed and pulled dad's hands away from my arms.

"Stop it! You're hurting our child!"

Dad glanced at my mom, he bit his lips and shut his eyes tightly. He held his nose bridge. When he opened his eyes, he stared at me calmly. He sighed before he spoke.