Whispers of Avarice (Casa de Castillo 1)

Chapter 25

Closure

"Taylah!" sigaw ni Lola ngunit nagpatuloy ako sa pagtakbo palabas ng bahay.

"Taylah Viviana Fabroa!" Mom's voice reverberated with anger. "Come back here!"

Hindi ko naman ginusto na matalo. Kasalanan ko ba na makulong sa restroom? Sino ba ako? Sino ba ako kapag wala na akong medal na maiiuwi? Sino na lang ako kapag hindi na ako laging panalo? Sino ako sa mundo kung hindi na ako matalino at magaling?

"Who am I without my achievements?"

It's a question that has been running through my mind. It just sits there, waiting to be answered. I don't know what people would think if I met my downfall. Achieving the image of the 'intelligent Taylah' feels like the only way for them to approve of me, to see me, to acknowledge me.

But the truth is, this desperate desire for attention is a heavy crown. The crushing weight of expectation and the relentless pursuit of "best" makes my stomach churn. It's like I might burst, yearning to vanish without a trace.

Humahagulgol ako habang tumatakbo patungo sa park. Kanina pa tumutunog ang cellphone ko pero hindi ko pinapansin. Lumalabo na ang paningin ko dahil sa mga luhang namumuo sa mata ko. Umupo ako sa bermuda grass sa ilalim ng isang malaking puno. Niyakap ko ang mga tuhod ko at nagpatuloy sa pag-iyak.

Why must I endure living merely to fulfill my parents' greed? Why should I bear these burdens when all I yearn for is a life filled with happiness? I do not seek wealth, power, or intelligence, for my sole longing is to receive love from my parents.

"Akala ko hindi na kita makikita na umiiyak dito sa park," a familiar soothing voice said.

I looked and saw Keanu. "Keanu..."

He sat beside me, offering a comforting presence. "What happened, Taylah?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

"Galit sila sa akin dahil hindi ako nanalo," I confessed between sobs.

Keanu stayed silent for a moment, letting me release my emotions. Then he spoke softly, "Winning doesn't define you, Taylah. Ikaw ay higit pa sa mga medalya at parangal. You're a person with dreams, feelings, and the right to be happy."

His words struck a chord, and I looked at him with teary eyes. "But my family expects so much from me. They only value success."

"True success is being true to yourself, not living up to someone else's standards. If they can't see your worth beyond achievements, then it's their loss," Keanu said.

I've been conforming to the standards set by my parents, but in doing so, I haven't truly lived. They've been the ones dictating my life, making decisions on my behalf, and, in essence, living life for me. Hindi ko pa nararanasang mabuhay... dahil para akong isang puppet na kontrolado ng mga magulang ko.

I wiped my tears, slowly regaining composure. "What if I disappoint them?"

Keanu smiled gently, "Taylah, their disappointment is not a reflection of your worth. You have your own path to happiness, and sometimes it means making choices that may not align with their expectations."

Pagod na pagod na ako sa buhay ko. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko. Pakiramdam ko naliligaw ako at hindi ko alam kung anong landas ang patutunguhan ko. Mabuti na lang dumating si Keanu sa buhay ko. In Keanu's presence, I find tranquility, discovering a clarity about my desires. He resembles a guiding lighthouse, steering me through the vast ocean of life.

Hinawakan nito ang kamay ko. "Taylah, matalino ka man o hindi, prodigy o hindi, mahal pa rin kita. Hindi mo kailangang patunayan ang sarili mo sa akin."