Published by: Aliyah Margareth Imbat
Date published: September 17, 2022
Time published: 2:56 PM
Category: Prose
Theme: Regrets, Child Labor
Synopsis: They always say, “be careful of what you wish for….” but an innocent child would not really understand what a wish would actually cost.
All the way back from my childhood, I used to wish to have money. Even at a young age, an image was already painted within my mind in which everything in the world has its condition to be earned.
“Have a job,” said father when I asked. “How to earn money, father?” Although he only made a hundred or two every day, he was the only one whom I could rely on with the question.
At the age of nine, I started hoping to grow faster. My desires as a child were never entertained, and neither was I asked to be. I'd seen my father struggle to make ends meet while trying to provide for my needs. It was insensitive to ask for something that was far removed from what I was obligated to have.
So I grew insensitive to what I’d been yearning for.
Every time I celebrated my birthday with a piece of cupcake, instead of wishing for random stuff a kid could play with, I always wished to grow up and have the capability to work to at least provide for myself. Sadly, I was unaware that what I had been wishing for was beyond what a kid could handle.
“Are you free tonight?” A few of my friends asked. Some are quite busy planning how they would make an excuse to cover their strolls, while some took a second to try the persuasion.
I hardly shook my head. “I have work to commit to, we also have an assignment to do.” I made a half smile to try to conceal the disappointment I felt every time I'd been invited to enjoy, but never had the privilege to.
I sighed, they left me with unsatisfied reactions. A tear escaped through my eye. “At least I am happy with my job.” My mouth mumbled half-heartedly.
As I hurried back home, I quickly changed into my work clothes and attended to my job. It was past nine when I returned home, shoulders lumped while my legs began to jelly.
The moment I passed the mirror, something hooked my peripheral view. It was a sight of a teenager, tired and lifeless. “Hush, Fia. Hush.” Her mouth swayed the words I'd uttered.
God, must I had realize, I was her?
I shrugged my shoulders to stop what I’d begun to ponder. My toes instantly led me their way to the study table, and there I began to do the school work.
At midnight, I accomplished half of the work. I began to feel drowsy. My tummy growled the moment I stand to clean the mess I made. I came to my senses that I hadn’t eaten supper and now, I was famished.
“Ugh great!” I arched my back as I paved my way to the refrigerator. A cupcake caught my attention. "Happy Birthday, dearest..” was stated.
While I hold the small cupcake in my hands, all I could feel was nostalgia. I blew the cake and wished, just like what I always used to do.
“In another lifetime, I wish to live like a sixteen-year-old at sixteen.” Eyes closed as I drew castles in the air.
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