8:05 a.m., I'm ready. It's been a week since I learned that I would be living in the Philippines. My own country. Our suitcases are ready and already on the private plane.
The only person I'll miss is Grandma Rose. She's the one I tell everything to, even if my life is so monotonous. I have no friends, I rarely go out unless it's to have dinner with my parents or (rarely) go shopping with mom. Ah, my life is so boring.
Me: I'm so happy!
Dad: That's good, sweetheart. I love seeing you smile like that.
Mom: Yes. And as I promised, I'll make sure to keep you smiling until death do us part.
They look at each other.
Me: Stop talking like you're ninety years old! Ugh.
The plane takes off, heading for the Philippines!
A few hours later…
A voice: Hiyas, my darling, we've arrived! Come down!
Me: Yes, I'm coming, mom…
Oh no, I fell asleep.
I get off and breathe in the fresh air.
Me: Wow, the Philippine air is amazing!
Mom: Yeah, it feels so good.
A man: Welcome, sir.
Dad: Thank you, Ezekiel. Uh, this is my wife Sorayah and my daughter Hiyas. My dears, this is Ezekiel, my driver.
Ezekiel: Oh, welcome, ladies.
Mom: Thank you, pleased to meet you.
Me: Kumusta… Kumusta po kayo, sir! (How are you, sir?)
Ezekiel: Mabuti naman po, ma'm (I'm fine, ma'am). (To my dad) Mr. Corazon, your daughter handles Tagalog well.
Dad: Don't be fooled, it's the only phrase she knows. Haha.
Me: Dad!!!
Everyone: Hahaha
Dad: Alright, let's go!
On the way, I watch the cityscape, the buildings… Ah, Manila!
Finally, at the house!
The staff are waiting for us. So weird. But wow, the house is amazing! It's so big… I love it!
Them: Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Corazon. And little miss too.
Us: Thank you.
Me: I'm going to check my room.
Dad: Yes, go ahead.
I pick up one of my suitcases…
Dad: What are you doing? Let the staff handle it!
Mom: Yes, sweetheart, you could hurt yourself.
Ah, my illness has really made my life miserable. I can't even do my own things… My parents won't let me.
Me: Stop treating me like that! I'm not paralyzed, I can do this. See? (I push the suitcase.) Look, I can manage!
Oh no! Not a crisis… I breathe slowly, moan, and can't walk.
Mom: My baby, are you okay?
Me: …
Mom: Jul, she's having another episode!
Dad: I knew it! (To me) I told you… but you don't listen! See now?!
Ezekiel: Sir, what do we do?
Dad: Sorayah, get her medicine, quickly!
Mom: Yes, I'm coming!
My father lifts me and takes me to a room. He gives me my medicine. I can't breathe properly, and tears are streaming down my face. I can't speak.
Mom: Hiyas darling, are you okay? Do you feel better? (Tearful, trembling.)
Dad: She needs to rest; she'll feel better afterward.
My father lays me on the bed.
The maids: Mr. Corazon, little miss will be fine, right? She'll be okay, won't she?
Dad: Don't worry, she'll be fine. This isn't the first time she's had an episode. Let her rest.
Mom: I'll stay with her.
Dad: Okay.
I lie on my bed, feeling weak… One, two, three… I fall asleep.