THE SECOND DAUGHTER

by: Naupele

Loren was very excited to see her sister. She always tells stories and sings beside her
mama's belly to let her sister hear her. She was very excited to see her sister and play dolls with
her. Before her sister just arrives, her parents can do all the things she asked for, like take her into
a shower, make her laugh, give her kisses, and feed her. But the day after her sister was born, all
the attention was gone. She goes to shower on her own, and every time she asks for kisses and
makes fun of her, they always refuse because they're busy pampering a crying baby. Tears
suddenly roll down her rosy cheeks while holding the door knob. Her parents were peacefully
asleep beside her baby sister.

"I am nothing now," she said, running back to her room. She was so jealous, thinking like she
never existed.

The next day, she never talked to her parents; she only saw them coming back and forth; they
were so busy. She learns to eat her food on her own without the help of her parents; she plays
outside together with the other children in their neighborhood to have some fun; she even takes a
shower on her own; and she falls asleep without her parents singing her lullaby.

"Marlon, Loren is such a great child," her mama said.

"She really is, honey," said her papa, who then kissed her mother in the forehead. Her mama put
her blanket on so Loren wouldn't be cold, kissed her daughter’s forehead, and left, saying
goodnight. The next morning, Loren went to the kitchen and sat on the chair to have some
breakfast.

"Baby, what do you want? A hotdog or an egg?" asked her father.

"Hotdog," she replied.

"Okay, on your way, madam." Little Loren just smiled, remembering the time just like this where
her parents used to do it for her.

"Good morning, sweetie," says her mama, who kisses her on the forehead.

"I know it's been hard for you, honey," her mama started.
"You're too busy taking care of your sister, and we almost forgot you, but we still love you,
honey, and we care for you," Loren hugged her mom and cried.

"Sorry, mama, if I get angry," and tears started to flow.

"It’s nothing, sweetie, said her mama.

The days go by, and Loren helps her mom take care of her sister while her father is away for
work. She always sings and tells stories, like she always did back when her sister was still in her
mother’s belly. She is the happiest sister every time she makes her sister laugh.

"You were such a cute little one, sister; don't grow up too fast, okay?" she said, then kissed her
sister.