62 - Torn Between Desires and Obligations

SEBASTIAN EDISON SIERRA

“What the heck is this, Edison?! You spent what? Hundred thousand for a shoe? Wait—there’s another one hundred fifty for a bag?! A lady's bag?! Are you gay, anak?! Lahat ng nasa notification ay puro pambabae?! Hindi ka naman bakla ano?!”

I could feel my frustration building as Hari continued laughing, barely holding it together. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself as I clenched my fists.

“You’re more worried about me being gay than the money, mom?” I asked, my voice tense, trying hard not to shout.

“I don’t care about the money, anak. Hindi naman kami magtatrabaho ng tatay mo kung hindi namin mabibigay ang mga luho niyo. Pero sana naman, anak,” she paused, taking a deep breath before continuing in a softer tone, “Sana sinabi mo kay mommy na bakla ka. Tatanggapin ka naman namin ni daddy mo,” she added, her voice cracking slightly, as though she were on the verge of tears.

That was it. Hari couldn’t hold it anymore. He burst into loud laughter, n