STRINGS (UNDER REVISION)

Introduction

"Alam ko pong bawal magdala ng bata dito sa opisina. Boss, I am so sorry. They were supposed to be with their Dad now pero-"

"I don't want to hear any more of your excuses, Ms. Sanchez. Magaling ka. I like how you do your job. But you're too distracted especially this past few months."

"Sir, please. I can't afford to lose this job."

"I'm sorry too."

She exited the office feeling like her world had crumbled.

"Mama!" Red and Rex ran to her and embraced her. She desperately wanted to cry but she couldn't show any weakness in front of her children. She couldn't let them see her vulnerability. She knelt down to their level and held their faces.

"Pwede niyo bang tulongan si Mama magligpit ng mga gamit?"

In the car, Red and Rex remained seated even after arriving at their house from the office. She noticed that Red had been observing her for quite some time, so she asked her son.

"Did you get fired from your job because of us?"

"Ano?" She turned to him, shocked. She never expected her nine-year-old son to even have the slightest understanding of what had happened to her. "Come on. Of course no. And I really wanted to quit that job, anak."

"They fired you, Mama?" asked Rex.

"Mama quit her job, Rex." Red explained.

"So that means you'll always be with us from now on?"

"Hey. I am always with you." she smiled as Rex pouted his lips.

"Not all the time kaya." He crossed his arms on his chest, looking away from her. It felt so bittersweet because Rex always reminded her of her ex-husband. He resembled him in every way, making it incredibly difficult for her to move on.

"Fine, fine. Should we just watch Cars tonight so I can make it up to the both of you?"

The two boys beamed and eagerly nodded their heads excitedly.

After dropping off Red and Rex at school the next day, she embarked on a job hunt. She tirelessly went from one company to another, facing immense difficulty in finding the right job. Despite graduating with flying colors from a prestigious university, her background seemed less convincing due to her lack of experience. It was only after her divorce that she began working. While she may possess the necessary skills, she lacks the required experience as they say. Alternatively, some positions demanded youthfulness. There were even opportunities that required her to relocate to a different city, which was not feasible considering her responsibilities towards her children.

Days passed by before she resorted to seeking help from her friends.

"Hey, Ann?"

"Billy?"

"Yes, it's me."

"How are you? And the kids?"

As she gazed at her sleeping children on the bed, she sighed. "Not that good. I am currently looking for a job right now. I know I declined your offer last time. Is the job still open?"

"Ow. I'm so sorry pero hindi na eh. may na-hire na sila last month. "

""Hindi. Okay lang. "

"Ganito. I'll ask here if merong opening. I'll call you right away once meron, okay?"

"Okay. Thank you talaga, Ann."

"No worries. Call me if you need anything."

She composed herself. She was determined not to give up.