“ A Love That Lasts Forever ”

By: Shane ayessa l. Elio

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“Let’s have a family picture.” mom said. We agreed. I was beside my mother and my two brothers was
beside father, while my parents are in the center. “Nice shot everybody.” Gellia said and continue capturing us.
“Look, at us mom, dad.” I said and they smiled. “You should have a siblings photo to have a remembrance.” Gellia
suggested and we agreed. “On the count of three, one… two… three… Smile everybody!” she said happily.
“Xydem, can you take picture of me and your father?” mom asked me. “Of course mom, why not?” I
smiled and get my phone. At first, they are teasing each other like kids. I wonder why they end up like dogs and
cats every time. Seeing them happy in that picture made my heart melt like an ice cream outside the freezer. “Oh
God, wish this love would last forever.” I said.
Until one day, mom unexpectedly called me when I was at the campus. “Can you come home today
because I have an important announcement?” she asked. “Yes mom, I guess I can.” Hours passed by, I wondered
why she wanted me to go home, even my two brothers aren’t aware of what’s going on between the two of them.
I came home with an unusual look, a messy hair, eye bags, and still sweating because I wanted to come home early
after my class.
“Listen, I and your dad from this day onwards are officially separated, although we live in the same roof
but we’re not with each other’s company anymore.” Mom explained. Hearing those words made my heart broke
into pieces. “Mom, dad, can we still go back in time. I promise I will be a professional Teacher to help you in
everything. Although, we’re poor but I'm going to work just to help you pay our debts. Please don’t do this… Yes,
it’s difficult for you to be this way but what about us?!” I stormed out of the house mourning in pain. That
unpleasant announcement teared my world apart. “I wanted them to be the same as before, but that could only
happen in my dreams. HAHAHA. I want to sleep endlessly and dreaming about our happy family.” I confessed to
Gellia. “It’s quite difficult though, but you can overcome the pain.” She said. “I hope I can go and turn back time,
when all things are organized and happy.” I replied.
“My parents might be separated, but I can assure you a hundred percent that I can prove you wrong.” I
said to Froilan, a bully and my mortal enemy. “So, what? HAHAHA. You can’t because no one’s there for you… So
poor. HAHAHA.” He said while I was running in tears. “Here, you can wipe off your tears. I don’t want to see you
cry.” Kent handed me a handkerchief. “Thank you so much.” I said. I was ashamed that he saw me sobbing in pain,
but we became not just best friends. After that College life and finally graduated as an educator, Kent and I was in
blue when we finally passed our board exam and became Teachers. “Thank you for everything, I will treasure all
the moments we had. Please come back and bring me treats from Korea. HAHAHA.” He hug me and that’s the last
time we see each other.
Times passed by, I finally teach students. As an Educator in Manila and a Fictional Writer at Wattpad, I
wrote short stories for my readers to make them realize on thing… “Family is the most important and precious
thing to have in this world.” I said to my Grade 3 students. “Teacher may I ask why?” Jiana asked me, I smiled.
“Because, you can’t live without them. Parents are foundation and light of your family. Love your parents whole-
heartedly, cherish each special moments with them, and listen to their guidance because they are the experienced
ones. That’s why, family is essential.” I replied. At that moment, my whole class noticed why I was in tears. Seeing
them cared about me made me strong to fight, despite the hardship I had inside my heart.
One summer vacation, I went home from Metro Manila to Oriental Mindoro just to surprise my parents
and siblings. But I was the one to be surprised because I saw my parents happy and laughing. “How? I thought…”
mom stopped me. “It’s just that we realize things clearly. I was wrong about my decisions, I was eager to pay our
debts and have a permanent job for our basic needs. Your father’s promise to give us a comfortable life instantly
came true.” I burst into tears and hug them tight. “You know what, I always pray to God about our family. All I
wanted is unity and love. This was the best gift I ever had. I love you all. It was your love for each other that made
you to be strong and fight. ” I said to my parents while hugging them. I might say that it’s ‘a love that lasts
forever'. We had a group hug and every torn in my heart was instantly vanished.
“Remember class, a true won’t fade in any ways. Maybe people just made up their minds cutting the rope
between their loved ones because of the pain it made, but it is truly justify that true love lasts forever.” I said to my
students after reading a short story about ‘A Mother's Unconditional Love'.