The Unfinished Story By: Gloria Margareth T. Bolotaolo

      Family, seven letters, but when combined, they paint smiles on your lips that can't be erased.

      By the way, my name is Gloria Margareth T. Bolotaolo, 17 years old. Since I was young, I was happy with my parents. There was laughter, storytelling, and eating together at the dinner table. It was the kind of feeling where you had no worries because they were there to support you. Like, your mom and dad are there when you're not okay, and they're willing to listen to you. And your parents who would talk to you before you go to sleep, and they're there when you need them and always guide you. From the moment you open your eyes, learn to write letters, write your name, answer math problems, read the alphabet, do your assignments and projects with a mix of nervousness, joy, and tears because there's a punishment waiting. The kind that makes you suddenly smart because you're afraid of getting punished.

     When I wake up in the morning, my mom and dad's smiles greet my morning, and the breakfast we share. Then, I get ready for school, and my mom happily walks me to school. I listen to the teacher's discussion, and when I get home, I reflect and get confused because I didn't know that all of this was just a dream. I woke up to a reality filled with sadness. The happy faces were replaced with sadness and boredom because my mom and dad had separated.

     I woke up in a dark cell, crying as if no one could hear me because the light and the pillar of the house were gone. It felt like I was crushed and drowning in the pain I felt. I was losing hope, but the Almighty didn't abandon me. Someone approached me and led me. It was my dad, and he said to me, "Child, you will understand what's happening now. Not now, but later when you're older." He also said, "If someone leaves, someone will come," and it was true because my stepmother came and took good care of me. So, I used my past as motivation and didn't let it stop me from continuing what I am today.

     Even though my dream of being happy with my real family didn't come true, what's important is that I'm happy now and who I am now because I know God has a better plan for me. That's all, thank you.