Dessert for Dishonor (Culverin Series 1)

Chapter 1

"Congratulations, College Graduates!" the school president’s voice echoed throughout the entire hall.

The moment those words were spoken, the entire venue erupted into applause, cheers, and even a few quiet sobs. The air itself felt heavy—not in a bad way, but in a way that carried years of effort, sacrifices, and dreams finally coming into reality.

The crowd filled with joy, laughter, and emotional moments—sino ba ang hindi maa-emotional? Our hard work finally paid off.

For others, this was just a ceremony.

But for me?

This was survival.

As I sat there, wearing my toga, my hands resting quietly on my lap, I found myself drifting—not physically, but mentally. My thoughts wandered through every sleepless night, every breakdown I had to silently endure, every time I questioned if I could even make it this far.

As I reminisced about the experiences I had in this school, I realized that this moment is bittersweet.

We are ending something we once prayed for…

And beginning something we’re not even sure we’re ready for.

As we close this chapter of our lives, another one begins—uncertain, unpredictable, and terrifying. But despite all that, it’s also filled with hope.

I am forever grateful to this school for giving me the opportunity to be here.

Kasi honestly?

I don’t belong here.

Not financially.

Not socially.

Not even emotionally.

This prestigious school was something I could only admire from afar before. Something I thought was meant for people who had everything—money, family, support.

Yet somehow… they gave me a chance.

A chance I held onto with everything I had.

I watched everyone around me.

Students laughing, hugging their parents, taking pictures, crying in their arms, thanking them.

Their smiles were genuine.

Their happiness was shared.

Their success… celebrated.

Sana all.

That’s all I could say to myself.

I mean, I’m not bitter.

I’m grateful.

But hindi mo maaalis sa akin ang maiinggit.

Because how can you not? They have people. They have someone to run to after this ceremony.

Someone to say, “We’re proud of you.”

Someone to say, “You did well.”

Pero ako?

Wala.

Kasi ano ba ang aasahan ko?

My parents left me before I could even understand what “family” truly meant. I grew up without knowing what it feels like to be tucked into bed by a mother or guided by a father.

I don’t even know my relatives.

If I have any.

Iniwan lang ako sa mga madre.

Left.

Like something that could be forgotten.

But despite everything… nagpapasalamat pa rin ako sa kanila.