Hope in Darkness

I was busy preparing my things for my departure. Yes, today was the day I was going to Manila to work. I didn't continue college yet because I wanted to help my family first. I was the breadwinner. "My child, are you sure about your decision?" Mama asked me. "Yes, Ma. Everything is prepared." I smiled. My Papa and siblings were there too on our home. I smiled at them. "Papa, take care of yourself, Mama, and my siblings." "Of course, my child. You take care too in Manila. There lots of strangers there." "Yes, Pa." I said. "If only I had money, so you wouldn't have to work... I wouldn't let you do this." "Pa, it's okay. The important thing is Chandy and Arnold can finish their studies." "Thank you, Ate. You're so kind to us," Chandy said. She's two years younger than me. "You're the best older sister ever!" Arnold said. He's three years younger than me. I laughed. "You guys are like joking at me again... Of course I love you, that's why I'm doing this. Be good to Mama and Papa, okay? Or else no gifts when I come back." I said and they laughed. "Okay, Ate. Anyway, it's okay if no gifts, just come back safe." They said. I was touched, I hugged them. "But maybe bring still if you want," Arnold added. "Sure thing," I said, laughing. "Stop it my children. Let's pray now first before you go, Franz." Papa said. We prayed. It's our habit when someone leaves the house or before sleep at night and after we woke up on the morning— for safety, gratitude, and to strengthen our relationship with Him. After that, they hugged me one by one... Like I wouldn't come back . They even walked me to where I was getting to board the ship. When we're about to go, someone called me. "Hi Ate Francia!" I heard a familiar voice, so I turned — it was Carmela, one of my cousins. She greeted my family too. "Hello, Carmela! You came! " "You're leaving, Ate Franz?"She asked and even looked at my luggage. "Yes... Goodbye for now." I' said sadly. "Sad... Good thing I caught you." "Yeah. Let's write to each other or call to each other. And I'll come back, Carmz." I assured her. "Long time..." "It's okay, time flies." "Okay, take care! I'll miss you!" she said with tears on her eyes. "Me too! Give my regards to your family." I said as I hugged her. "Sure!" She said with smiled. Carmela walked with me too to where I was getting to board a ship . I waved at them as I boarded the ship. I wanted to go back and not go... But I made my decision clearly — not just for myself, but for my family too.