P R O L O G U E

"Be grateful, always."

Before my father left, he always reminded me to be grateful for what I have.

"Papa, sa inyo nalang po ako."

Flashbacks began to appear as I drown myself with thoughts.

I saw myself begging for my father to take me instead of my brother. Clear as crystals, like a bullet waiting to be triggered, he said 'no'.

I remember how much I cried, throw tantrums just to get what I want but it always ends with my mom, delivering her life lessons.

Growing up, I never got the chance to meet my twin brother, or maybe if I did, I'm too young to remember everything.

One thing is for sure though.

We look the same 'cause he's my twin.

Life was pretty until that one day.

When mom enrolled me to this new school.

"It will be fun," she said.

I was not aware that fun means being bullied.

"Bobo na nga, pangit pa."

"Paano ka kaya nakapasok dito?"

"Baka nilandi nung mama niya yung principal"

I chose to ignore their remarks.

But it doesn't mean that I wasn't hurt.

I always choose to be 'grateful' in everything even though I really am not enjoying it.

In my 18 years of being alive, I always asked myself – What would be my life, if I was in my dad's place? Would it be better?

I had my so-called debut, with only one guest... My Mom.

"Anong wish mo Anak?"

She always asks me this question during my birthday. I always reply with a smile for I know that whatever comes out of my mouth won't make her happy.

-

"So ano na? Deal ba?" I snapped back to my senses after remembering how miserable I am.

"Ha?"

"You've been spacing out again, sis. Sabi ko, Deal na ba?"

Well at least once in my life, I deserve a break, right?

"It's for a day. I wanted to experience how to live with mom, of course without her knowing," he stated.

This is it.

There is no backing out.

It's just for a day, right?

"C'mon sis, it will be fun."

I mean this is what I have been waiting for.

This is what I've been praying for.

"Deal."