Love Persist

Kabanata 27 - Sentiments beyond the fold are knit together in solidarity.

When reminiscing about the times spent with my whole family, there were many good aspects worth acknowledging. These reunions allowed us to reconnect and catch up on the events and experiences that we had missed due to our busy lives. These moments offered a venue for sharing our individual journeys and strengthening cross-generational relationships. I recounted how our family reunions provided an avenue for me to learn about my family's history and pass down important family stories from one another. As much as I cherished these moments, there were also adverse aspects that could not be ignored. It was given that differing opinions would arise during conversations, and at times, judgments would be present, whether intentional or unintentional. Being part of a close-knit family meant that personal boundaries were occasionally crossed, with some of our family members feeling too comfortable delving into personal aspects of my life.

As a person who highly valued privacy and carefully selected those with whom I shared personal information, it became second nature for me to create boundaries with others, whether they were part of my family or not. Considering my family was already included in my personal sphere, I deemed it unnecessary and invasive for them or anyone else to delve into the delicate details of my life. Therefore, I took it upon myself to establish my own identity and control how much detail I disclosed about myself, thereby maintaining that I had the agency to decide who could have access to my personal life. I felt relieved ever since I started my career that I had made it known to them that I did not want to be the center of attention in conversations, especially when I was involved in the discussion. I had consistently expressed my preference for being a listener rather than a talker, and I was grateful that they respected this appeal by not prying into my personal life or asking unprofessional or nonsensical questions. However, while I appreciate not being subjected to invasive questioning from my aunts and uncles, I was not pleased with how they treated my cousins in the same manner.

As we all gathered in the garden, patiently awaiting the New Year's countdown and sitting down to a family dinner, Aunt Beatrice monopolized the conversation with a barrage of pressing questions directed at my cousins. Not only did this make the atmosphere slightly uncomfortable, but it also prevented any of us from having a chance to contribute to the conversation.

"It's no surprise that Morgan allowed you to study in the Philippines, Moesha. If you continue your studies in a lighthearted manner, I see that you won't reap any rewards in the future," Aunt Beatrice stated, responding to Moli's joking remark about reconsidering her current field of study in architectural design and expressing a desire to pursue photography instead.

Moli abruptly halted her steak-cutting and directed a scornful glance at Aunt Beatrice, though she quickly masked it behind a timid smile. Meanwhile, seated next to me, Maude seemed to be struggling to maintain her patience. Our cousins also appeared uneasy and dissatisfied. I began to question who had allowed Aunt Beatrice to join us at the table, considering that people of her own age were congregating in the living room while only we were intended to be in the garden.

"Auntie, I was just kidding. It's not like I'm going to quit my field of study since I've already invested time and effort into it, and I'm almost done," Moli reassured, sounding a bit defensive and awkward all of a sudden.

"I know that it's impossible to happen, considering how much kids your age love to joke. However, you need to consider the implications of your words. Do you not feel embarrassed about making that joke in front of your ambitious cousins? Take their success as motivation for your own achievements." Aunt Beatrice pursued the topic, and at this point, I couldn't stay silent any longer.

Although my cousins were kind enough to let her express her thoughts, I had a strong feeling that they were on the verge of silencing her completely. Unfortunately, I was not like them, who could act like nothing was wrong and let her do her thing even though she was already provoking and offending one of us. I was not going to allow this matter to be ignored or overlooked tonight.