The Smile That Hides The Whole Truth

Prologue

At a young age, I learned how to be independent not because I wanted to, but because I had no choice.

I grew up in a family full of professionals people too busy to notice me. Even as the youngest, I felt invisible, like I never iruly belonged. The only person who ever made me feel seen was my older brother, Jamie.

Kuya Jamie wasn't just my brother he was my shield. Before he became known in taekwondo, we were both overlooked and unheard. But every thing changed when he started winning gold medals, recognition, respect. While the world began to see him, I remained in the shadows.

Still, he never left me there.

He protected me from the words that hurt the most- especially when they came from our own family. Even when I hid behind a smile, he always knew the truth.

Then there was Cairine-my childhood best friend. He had a girl's name, but he was definitely a boy. We trained together, dreamed together, and for the first time, I didn't feel alone.

But not everyone stays.

When Cairine left, I left lost again. I told myself I was strong-that I didn't need anyone-but the silence he left behind said otherwise.

Kuya stayed. He always did 

Then one day, our coach announced a selection for an international taekwondo tournament. I should have been excited. But even as a black belter, I felt like the Weakest one in the room.

The truth is... I only felt strong when my brother was beside me. So I trained harder than ever, holding on to the hope that one day, wouldn't have to stand in anyone's shadow.

The day come.

My brother passed the selection easily as expected of an high-class athlete. Then it was my turn. I stepped onto the mat, my heart pounding.

He gave me a signal. I moved. I executed the scorpion kick and for a moment, everything went silent. I was chosen!

We were called he "Feliciano's Shadow Duo." I ran to him and hugged him tightly. We had finally reached our dream. He smiled and gently patted my head. I tried to smile back, pero parang may mali. I knew something was wrong-but I didn't dare ask.

The next morning, everything changed! 

I saw him leaving, carrying a suitcase and his passport. At first, I thought it was for a tournament. But deep down, l knew. He was leaving me一just like Cairine did.

I tried to stop him, but he only smiled and walked away, not daring to look back. And just like that..he left me... without wishing me a happy birthday.

I locked myself in my room for months!

I was tired tired of expectations, tired of feeling like I was never enough. Kahit saan ako magpunta, parang kulang pa rin ako. I still felt empty.

Then I found the letter Kuya Jamie left behind. My hands trembled as I read it the answers to everything I couldn't ask.

"Achie... I'm sorry for not telling you that I'm leaving. I'm really sick, and I didn't want you to see me like this. I'll fight whatever it is I'm facing while you fight for our dream. Ikaw ang magiging lakas ko. I promise I'll try my best to come back, alright? And don't you dare hurt yourself! Love you, Achie... I always will and have! Happy Birthday!

                                                                                              -Yah, Jamie."

I read it again and again.

My brother didn't leave because he wanted to. He left because he had to.

I broke down completely, drowning in everything I tried so hard to ignore.

Kaya pala niya ako iniwan... hindi para sa kanya, kundi para sa akin. I cried until there were no tears left.

Then I remembered something and smiled. Naalala niya ang birthday ko. And somewhere between the pain and silence.. something changed. I stood up and made a promise.

I would go back.

So I started training again-slowly, painfully. There were days I wanted to give up, but I kept going. Because this time... I wasn't just fight for myself. I was fighting for us.

Then one day, I received an email. I had been selected to represent my country-and to transfer to a prestigious school: EI Trinidad International School, where only the greatest athletes were accepted.

I had been selected to represent my country-and to transfer to a prestigious school: El Trinidad International School, known for their exeptional training coaches and instructors playstyle and strategies.

Lastly, where only the greatest athletes were accepted. But I didn't even sent an application, they wanted me to join their school. So l accepted their offer.

For the first time, I felt like I was finally stepping out of the shadows-living not just my dream, but my brother's too. But he still wasn't here

Pero hindi ito ang panahon para magluksa muli. I have to fight-for my dream, and for his.

And I am ready.

I just hope he's still fighting too...

Cuz it's been years since I last heard from him. 

And I know I should trust him.

Especially when he made a promise.

He would come back!...