Strings of Memory

Extra 1

I looked around me and saw how everyone was smiling—including my mom. Their eyes sparkled with admiration, making my heart pound even harder.

And at that moment, I knew what I wanted to do.

I wanted to perform.

I wanted to be good enough to create the same effect.

I wanted to make the people watching me smile.

I wanted this.

"Rive! Rive!" Luna's voice was filled with excitement as she ran toward me.

Mabilis akong tumayo para salubungin siya—baka kasi madapa pa siya sa sobrang pagka-excite niya.

Hingal na hingal siya nang huminto sa harap ko, pero hindi nawala ang ngiti sa labi niya.

"I finally found something I want to do!" she announced, her voice filled with joy.

Natigilan ako, just staring at her eyes—sparkling in a way they never did before. Unlike the other times we talked about dreams.

I unconsciously heaved a sigh of relief before smiling.

"I also found something I want to do," sagot ko.

Napangiti siya lalo. She extended her hand forward, her pinky finger raised.

"Let's make a promise that we'll achieve our dreams no matter what."

Tumango ako at inabot ang pinky finger niya.

And just like that, I started to chase after my dream.

I started learning the piano. And once I was good enough, I started competing.

People began calling me a genius—just like Vincent Mendoza.

It was like I was a replacement for him after he disappeared from the music scene. They gave me the same title, but I knew the truth.

Vincent Mendoza was a monster. A genius among geniuses.

And I knew my talent would never compare to his.

But I didn't care.

As long as my performances were well-received.

As long as the people around me loved them.

As long as I made them happy.

Then that was enough for me.

It was never my dream to be called a genius.

My dream was to perform.

To make the people watching me happy.

And that... that was what I wanted in life.

Time passed, and the moment I entered junior high school, my father threw away my piano, my music sheets, and all the trophies I had won from the competitions I joined.

"I only let you play that instrument as a hobby. But now that you're in junior high, you don't need a useless hobby like that. You will be focusing on succeeding me, got it?" His strict, cold voice echoed in his study room.

Napayuko ako at tumitig sa sapatos ko.

I was devastated. My heart dropped, and just like how he threw away the things I loved, it felt like he also threw away my dream—deeming it useless. But I know I can't let him do this. I can't let my dream die just like this. Not without putting up a fight.

Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga at tumingin sa mga mata niya. His cold, emotionless eyes met mine. It was hard to hold his gaze, but I had to be brave. I had to fight for what I wanted. Because I promised Luna that we would do everything we could to achieve our dreams.