Within the cement walls of the spacious square dining room adorned with neutral tones, the hardwood floor stretched out underfoot while pendant lights cast a soft glow from the ceiling. 

Family pictures hang on the walls. Moonlight streamed in through tall windows on the side. 

In the center of the room, we sat on black metal chairs encircling a rectangular ebony table, our feet resting on rugs. 

The air conditioner cooled the room, allowing for a mix of casual and formal attire among us. 

As family surrounded the table, the sounds of utensils clinking against fine glassware filled the air alongside lively chatter and laughter. Each moment felt like a celebration of togetherness and connection as parents, siblings, and their children came together over shared meals and stories, their voices creating a tapestry of memories and experiences. 

Despite the weight of our family ties, my thoughts wandered elsewhere, barely hearing the voices around me.

"I... I believe that we feel the same way. I look forward to the future that awaits us as we discuss personal matters," I mumbled. 

I was in the midst of expressing this thought when I suddenly remembered something she had mentioned that day, leaving me to consciously ponder over the significance of her pause after mentioning the word 'I' during our previous intimate moment on the couch. It struck me that there may be more to her unspoken words. 

However, what she uttered was relatable, the idea of prioritizing personal matters over the collective future.

"Agnes, did you say something?" Upon hearing my mother's inquiry with a sense of wonder, I was taken aback and shifted my focus towards her.

My posture was composed as my arms rested on the table, hands grasping the utensils, while she sat across from me in formal attire:a knee-length, sleeveless sheath dress in a navy blue paired with nude shoes. 

The others at the table turned their attention towards me, ceasing their conversations but continuing to enjoy their meal.

"Ah, it was merely related to my work," I replied calmly, initiating the act of slicing the meat on my plate. "I must be tired. I should allow myself some rest after the day's endeavors," I continued, simultaneously conversing and dining.

""Agnes, you remain looks youthful," my sister said with a smile, gazing at me, who was younger. 

"I believe there are other men showing interest in you. You should assess them and if you find someone suitable, consider asking them out." 

I simply smiled and nodded in response, observing her donned in a shirt and jeans, with her long hair tied back into a ponytail, seated beside me.

"How is your work progressing?" 

My father asked showing a smile, adorned in formal attire consisting of a tailored charcoal gray suit, a single-breasted jacket, flat-front trousers, and black shoes, with my mother seated beside him. 

"It has been a year since you were promoted to manager."

"Dad, I did well. I worked hard and did my best," I replied calmly. "I must admit, achieving success in the role of a manager can be difficult. However, I am determined to persevere and live up to the responsibilities entrusted to me."

"That's excellent. I am proud of your dedication and hard work," he responded calmly, displaying a smile. "Remember, perseverance pays off and leads to rewarding outcomes. I am confident that you will continue to achieve great things," he continued. I couldn't help but smile with joy.

"Dad, at what point did my sister begin her life?" Arzen inquired, directing his meaningful gaze between my father and me, a gesture that caught a sudden surprise for all of us. 

In that instant, I felt curious, as I used to ponder the age at which my parents welcomed me into the world.

"Cough, cough, cough," A sudden cough interrupted my father, who had been eating slowly, prompting him to quickly cover his mouth with a handkerchief. 

"Let's see, your sister started her life when your mother and I were 17 years old, and now we are both 49 years old," he revealed, causing my eyes to widen as I attempted to process this information. "Your mother bears a resemblance to Agnes in her younger days."

"Wow," I expressed, feeling a mixture of surprise and admiration, while Arzen sat beside me, enjoying his meal. 

As my father slowly nodded, his expression softened with nostalgia: it is a look of fondness and yearning for something that has happened in the past.

"Indeed, it presented us with numerous challenges," he acknowledged, sharing a meaningful look with my mother. 

"Despite the difficulties, we cherished no regrets," she responded, her face serious as she continued eating.

"We are content with the journey. It would not change a single thing because you and your siblings are truly the greatest blessings we have received," he stated with a smile as we listened.

As a result, we expressed gratitude altogether. 

However, I observed my siblings staring at me.

"Our older sister appears to be blossoming, don't you agree, Tia?" 

"Lucrecia, I have also noticed the change in her. She seems more energetic and lively now, a stark contrast to her previous demeanor that was weak and lethargic." 

"Perhaps someone is looking after her? It's my theory." 

"We are of the same opinion." 

My siblings were conversing happily about me, which caught me off guard, leaving me in silence and apprehension. I remained silent and gulped nervously. 

"Agnes seems to have found someone good and it makes suitable."

"Lucrecia, we cannot confirm that."

 As their discussion concluded, they directed their attention towards me.

"Agnes, do you have a partner now─"

"I am pleased to meet with everyone," I interjected, causing Lucrecia to stop speaking and fall silent.

"Mom and Dad, I am grateful for bringing us all together," Tia remarked, tactfully changing the subject. It seems she sensed me.

"Yeah, your mother and I have missed you all."

"Your father is correct. We also wished to meet our grandson and granddaughter from both of you." My mother stated, her serious expression earlier changed to happily beaming at my siblings. I felt jealous. In a way, I observed her gaze shifting towards me.

"Both of you are younger, yet your older sister has not had a child yet. It's unbelievable," she sighed, avoiding eye contact with me. 

At this moment, I felt uneasy. Nonetheless, I continued eating along with the others. 

"Lucrecia, your daughter has grown a lot," Father said after glancing towards the living room where my niece was watching television while holding a gerbil and wearing a light blue sleeveless dress paired with white leggings and socks. Beside her, Tia's child, who is still a toddler, my nephew, dressed in a blue polo shirt, khaki shorts, and brown leather shoes, remained captivated by the child learner.

"Yes, she will soon be graduating from primary school and moving on to secondary education," she responded cheerfully. "My husband has been spoiling her quite a bit."

"Goodness, I would like to meet my son-in-law as well," he replied after her admission. "You should warn him that we both may end up competing in a drinking match."

"I will," she responded, chuckling while adjusting her blouse and skirt.

"Father, I will always remember the prank I played on you when I was younger," Tia giggled.

"I will never forget. You sneakily trimmed my mustache while I was sleeping, then painted over it with a brush," he calmly recalled.

"Hahaha," Tia burst into laughter at his statement. 

"You were sleeping so peacefully that I just had to pull that prank on you," she explained with a mischievous grin.

"It is fortunate that I did not use permanent paint when I brushed it on your face," she continued speaking.

"Yeah. But now that you are grown up and have a husband, you will never tease me again," he chuckled.

"Indeed, father. Those were such happy memories for me. I am glad you were not mad back then."

"You were still young back then, so your innocence and curiosity were showing. I would never get mad at you or my children," he said with a smile, and we all found ourselves smiling.

"Mother, let's go somewhere else next time to create more memories once again."

"If that is what you want, Tia, we will go. It makes me happy to spend time together with my children," she responded. They nodded with a smile. Before her, I refrained from nodding as she did not turn towards me, instead I observed Tia directing her attention to Arzen, who had just finished eating and was quietly listening. 

"Arzen, how is school life treating you?" she inquired with a calm manner. "Have you experienced any instances of bullying? If someone is mistreating you, it might be advisable to consider changing schools." 

"I settle for what is optimal. However, there are moments when I lack the motivation to strive. In any case, many are really envious and looking for something for them," Arzen responded meaningfully with a serious expression, leaving us astonished once again. "Sister, nobody has bullied me." Following his unexpected statement, he stood up clad in a gray t-shirt, brown shorts, and socks.

"Noted. Don't push yourself, simplicity is easier to manage as well," Tia concluded. 

"It's a good thing that you settle for the best," Lucrecia acknowledged. "Your reflection on your academic performance shows an understanding of the balance in accepting what is achievable."

"Arzen, your recognition of social disturbances like envy resonates with your point of view. Also, your honesty is evident in instances of reduced motivation that show self-reflection," I uttered in realization. The three of us observed his blushing expression, and we chuckled, noting his surprise at our remarks as siblings. I was aware of our parents glancing at us, attentively listening.

Arzen nodded to our advice and started to walk towards his niece, who held a gerbil and caressed it, while his nephew, who was engrossed in the child learner. Meanwhile, my parents and siblings engaged in conversation again, and instead of listening, I directed my attention towards my siblings' children and my younger brother.

"Celeste, that is a small and adorable gerbil. May I hold it to feel its long tail and soft fur?" Arzen cheerfully said, standing in front of her, with me able to see his back, as my niece looked at him. They remained silent for a moment.

"You can hold my gerbil, but there is one condition."

Condition?! T-That's too much.

"What is the condition?" he responded and nodded, showing willingness to agree.

Are children of this generation different?

"Wear a mascot costume and a girl's outfit with a wig for one week."

"..."

Arzen was taken aback and spoke in disbelief upon hearing her, while seeing her serious expression. I found myself staring in astonishment at them. I didn't realize my mouth had fallen open.

"That might be going too far," he said nervously.

"No objections. Here." 

After her statement, he was left speechless, and my niece took his hand and placed the gerbil.

 "You are expected to wear the clothing that I suggest for one week even when going outside. Do you understand?" she continued, and Arzen nodded in agreement.

"Allow me to show them as well. My mother and I will be returning home after one week, too. Therefore, don't complain; is that clear to you? Be grateful that I have brought my gerbil pet along with me," she expressed with a pout and crossed arms.

"Y-Yeah. However, could you possibly alter or adjust the terms?" he stammered and wanted to change the condition.

"No, it will not change."

How could the middle childhood think that way?! It is quite astonishing. I-I surmise it must be the influence of their friends.  

"Sergio."

During the gathering, as I observed and listened attentively, I heard my mother mention my older brother name in a cold manner, while he sat quietly eating. The conversation came to a halt as everyone else had finished their meal. 

"Every time I visit your house, your young children inform me that you have been physically harming your wife," my mother mentioned with an air of detachment. She then calmly arranged the utensils on the table, wiped her mouth with a tissue that was placed on the table, and threw it in the slim, stainless steel bin under the table.

"Tsk," he clicked his tongue in response. "You don't know anything," he grumbled, tinged with a sense of displeasure, under my father's intense gaze, causing him to lower his head in submission. 

"Is resorting to violence against a woman truly necessary?" she questioned, sitting upright. As the words left her lips, she observed him gazing back at her.

Anxiety and tension replaced the once cheerful atmosphere, casting a gloomy mood over our gathering. A collective silence enveloped us, it seemed we were momentarily holding our breath, as if someone hesitant to speak would break the quietude. 

I observed Tia's gradual rise from her seat, displaying her movements with precision as she advanced towards the child. Their expressions, which were once filled with joy, now displayed confusion and unease, reflecting the uncertainty that surrounds us all. In a calm but determined demeanor, Tia took the hand of my niece, with her son in tow, and looked to my brother, gesturing to Arzen to guide them towards the staircase leading to the bedrooms.

The sound of their footsteps echoed in the silence that followed. When they were out of sight, a silence still fell over us, causing tension in the air and prompting us to maintain our silence.

"What did I teach you?" she queried, with an exasperated expression. Sergio met her gaze, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processed her inquiry.

"The person must be treated with kindness and dignity, even if they are of both genders," he stated calmly, showing no signs of regret.

"I resorted to hitting her due to certain circumstances. Since we are married, please refrain from involving yourself in this matter." 

As his declaration lingered in the air, we exchanged silent glances, unsure of how to react. Nonetheless, my mother maintained a stern expression, her brows furrowed in disbelief.

"Tell me, why did you choose to strike your wife?" she demanded, her voice piercing through the tension.

Sergio paused for a moment. He seemed to struggle, but I noticed his mouth open slightly, displaying his decision to speak

"While I was at home, she frequently went out to see her friends. However, one day, she returned with a man. It felt like an act of betrayal. I only became aware when I witnessed them together."

"Is that the extent of it?" my mother inquired, her tone laced with anger. 

"Yeah," he responded, his defense evident in his voice.

In a tense silence, my mother's expression darkened and her anger became palpable. 

"It seems that what you saw from others makes you think that they are all the same!" 

She exclaimed madly. They remained quiet for a moment, and we felt heavy with the weight of her words as we faced the conflict.

"Listen!" Her voice grew louder, startling us. "Your wife actually informed me that her friend simply drove her home, but then it was revealed that the friend instructed her boyfriend to help your wife out of the car due to her being drunk!"

I observed my brother's widened eyes, her eyebrow raised, indicating shock as he recognized his error, rendering him momentarily speechless. Witnessing his reaction, my mother let out a sigh.

"Agnes and you are causing me a lot of stress and are making it difficult for me," she lamented. 

Upon hearing my name, I felt uneasy, prompting me to slightly lower my head. The food in front of me seemed to lose its taste as I ate, amidst the mounting tension in the room. 

"Where did both of you inherit your behavior? You both appear to be different," she expressed her disappointment, resting her arms on the table. One elbow was propped on the table, while her hand rested on her forehead, a gesture reflecting the emotional weight and turmoil she was experiencing.

"Sergio, ensure that you prioritize making her happy again. Don't let your negative emotions take over. Think before you act. Listen and learn. Do you understand?"

"I-I understand, mother," he responded, his shoulders slumping.

"Agnes and you are both 32 years old, thus it is essential to carefully consider the implications of aging and the life experiences you are both having," conveyed she with a sense of frustration. 

As I paid close attention to her words, I found myself listened, yet unable to maintain eye contact. Instead, a sharp throb in my chest grew more intense, almost as if my own self-value was once again being questioned.

While my mother's words lingered in my thoughts, emotions surged within me. I struggled with conflicting feelings: bitterness towards feeling judged, exasperation at the expectations imposed on me, and a persistent doubt regarding my own decisions and ambitions.

At that instant, all I wanted was to see Athy.

"Agnes, it is in your best interest to start a family," she remarked, her tone reflecting a hint of concern, prompting me to raise my gaze towards her.

"I don't desire to have a family." In a display of defiance and frustration, I responded with a cold tone, causing the room to fall silent as everyone was left speechless by my uncharacteristically blunt reply. 

As they turned towards me, I rose from my seat and made my way towards the open corridor, securing my phone in the pocket of my olive green mini skirt that was paired with an ivory sleeveless blouse. 

"Agnes, where are you going?" my father inquired with a hint of concern. 

"I wish to meet Athy," I responded without facing them, pausing briefly outside the dining room. 

I make a turn to survey the horizontal pathway in front of the open door leading outside. 

I heard they started talking. Ignoring the whispers around me, I furrowed my brows until I reached the door and stepped onto the porch. 

From there, I gazed out at the front yard, stepping down the short steps of the porch, and walking along the footwalk that stretched horizontally towards the sidewalk, each side bordered by grass and a bench positioned at its edge. Approaching the bench, I take a seat. On the side, the paved parking pad extends into the front yard.

As night falls, the light pole illuminates the surroundings. With my phone in hand, I begin typing a message. 

[Could you step outside and meet me? I am waiting outside the house.] //

Upon sending the message, she quickly saw it, causing me to chuckle. 

While waiting, I momentarily diverted my gaze to the grass, gently pressing it with my sandals. 

I consciously raised my head. I couldn't contain a smile as I waited. 

In a few seconds, I observed her emerging from the door and walking quickly, crossing the road. I noticed she was clad in a white long-sleeve collared T-shirt and slim black jeans, paired with black combat boots, her outfit showing practicality and versatility once again. 

However, her infectious smile lit up her face as she approached. 

Upon reaching me, I continued to sit on the bench as she stood before me.

"Agnes," she happily called me, with her smile still intact. 

Within the silence, the emotions were hiding as we exchanged glances. 

A calm feeling washed over me upon seeing her. 

Without hesitation, I reached out and pulled her into a hug, feeling the warmth of her presence.

"Did something happen?" she inquired calmly as she realized. I couldn't see her expression; all I could feel was her concern. "You seem a bit down."

As I sat, I held onto her as she stood, burying my face in her attire that covered the stomach, my arms wrapped around her waist. 

I let out a sigh, feeling the weight of my emotions. "I found their conversation unsettling," I expressed, frustration evident in my voice. 

"The tense situation is causing me worry and anxiety, leaving my mind in a continual state of turmoil," I continued, a gesture of silence overcoming me. I found comfort as I felt her hands patting my back slowly and my head.

"I regret that you had to endure that," she responded sympathetically, her voice gentle and understanding. "Would you like to discuss it further?"

"There is no need," I remarked before releasing her from the hug and standing up. 

Within the silence, we looked at each other. I noticed a subtle mix of concern and curiosity reflected on her face. Her eyebrows were slightly raised, showing her interest in the conversation and willingness to listen carefully. She maintained a composed expression without a smile or frown, indicating a calm demeanor. Her attentive eyes conveyed warmth and empathy, showing her genuine care for me.

Upon seeing her, my heart quickened with excitement. 

I couldn't resist the impulse to reach out and gently hold her hand, feeling a rush of affection and closeness. 

As she stood in front of me, I drew closer and tenderly caressed her cheek with my other hand. 

I couldn't help but reflect on the ties that bound us to each other.

It was at that instant that a realization swept over me.

– – I really love this person.

As night fell and the surroundings became quiet, a soft breeze whispered in the air. 

I could sense the warmth of the moment as our lips met in a gentle kiss. 

I awkwardly forced my mouth as we stood upright with my head raised and her bending as she was tall.

"Agnes?!"

Suddenly and unexpectedly, the peaceful silence was shattered and the moment was interrupted by the familiar, forceful voice of my mother calling out my name.

It elicited a surprised reaction from me, causing my eyes to widen.

I immediately turned to meet her gaze, and our lips briefly brushed.

Only to find her standing upright on the porch behind the open door.

However, my body involuntarily went numb and trembled as I noticed her angry expression.

"M-Mom," I stammered in fear as I managed to call out to her.

In the tense atmosphere of the silent moment, we both remained motionless. 

At this sight, we found ourselves caught up in my mother's resentment. 

Anxious thoughts filled my mind about the consequences of this interaction on our relationship.

In the same way, I realized I had made a mistake by kissing her in front of the house or in public. 

I couldn't bring myself to face the consequences, and I couldn't witness her expression behind me.

Within the turmoil, I felt fear as I saw her walking towards me. 

Each approaching step my mother took caused my heart to pound in my chest; her silent demeanor was intimidating. 

As she neared, her hand rose in a gesture of retribution. 

I prepared and braced myself for the impending strike, closing my eyes and lowering my head in acceptance.

Smack!

The sudden slap reverberated through the air, startling me with its intensity as I heard it in my ears and resonated in my mind. 

Yet, I felt bewildered and in disbelief. There was no physical pain; as a result, I cautiously reopened my eyes. 

My eyes widened only to find her standing before me, shielding me.

A wave of conflicting emotions washed over me as I realized her act of protection. 

Instead of my mom hitting my cheeks, she was hit. She intervened, placing herself as a barrier between my mother's anger and me, providing an unexpected shield of defense which I didn't expect. Yet, her bravery deeply moved me, offering comfort in the middle of the tumultuous situation.