Mother's Daughter, Daughter's Home

Chapter 7: Burdens of the Heart

The hospital bills were piling up like mountains. Manuel needed expensive medicine, special food, and constant care. Lina was getting older, and her hands were shaking too much to work as hard as before. The responsibility of feeding the family and paying the bills fell entirely on Elara’s young shoulders.

"I have to be strong," Elara told herself every morning as she looked at her reflection. "I am no longer a child. I am the hope of this family."

She decided to find a part-time job. After her classes, she would rush to a fast-food restaurant or a convenience store to work until late at night.

"Elara, here is your uniform," the manager said. "You will work from 6 PM to 12 AM. Is that okay?"

"Yes, Ma'am. Thank you," Elara answered politely, hiding her tiredness.

It was exhausting. Her brain was tired from studying all day, and her body was tired from standing all night. Sometimes, she would feel dizzy and want to faint, but she bit her lip and endured.

(Elara’s POV)

My feet hurt, my back aches, she thought while wiping the tables. But when I remember Papa’s face and Mother’s tears, I get strength again. I can do this. I must do this.

But life was not ready to give her a break.

One day, while she was working, she saw familiar faces entering the store. It was her cousins from Rico’s side—the children of the people who bullied her mother before.

They saw her in the uniform, cleaning the floor.

"Look! Isn't that Elara?" one cousin laughed loudly. "Oh my god! She is working as a servant! So cheap!"

"She is poor now," another sneered. "Her stepfather is sick. They have no money. She deserves it. Look at her, so dirty now."

They took pictures of her with their phones and laughed. Elara wanted to cry, but she held her head high. She did not stop working.

"Let them laugh," she whispered. "I am earning money honestly. I am not a thief like them."

But the stress was too much. One day, Elara collapsed in the kitchen.

THUD!

"Elara!" Lina screamed. "Water! Someone help!"

She woke up in her bed, feeling weak. Her mother was crying beside her.

"Anak, please stop working," Lina begged, holding her hand. "I cannot bear to see you like this. You are killing yourself, Elara. We can eat less, we can sell things, but please don't destroy your health."

"No, Mother," Elara said weakly. "If I stop, Papa will die. If I stop, we will lose the house. I am fine. I just need rest."

(Lina’s POV)

My heart is breaking, Lina thought in pain. I suffered so much so that my children could have a good life. But now, my daughter is suffering too. Why? Why is life so unfair?

In the middle of this darkness, there was one light. Julian.

Julian saw how hard Elara’s life was. He saw her tired eyes, her thin body, but he also saw her incredible strength. He did not leave her. Instead, he loved her even more.

One afternoon, they met at the school garden. Elara was eating a simple bread for lunch. Julian sat down and placed a packed meal in front of her.

"Eat this," Julian said softly. "My mother cooked this. It has protein and vegetables. You need to be strong."

"Julian, I... I cannot accept this," Elara said, pushing it back. "We are not rich. I cannot take your food."

"Who said you are taking it?" Julian smiled gently. "I am sharing it. Friends share things, right? Or... do you not consider me your friend?"

Elara looked at him. Tears started to fall.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked, crying. "My life is a mess, Julian. I have problems everywhere. I have no time for love. I have no money. I am a burden. Why don't you just find a girl who is happy and rich?"

Julian reached out and wiped her tears with his thumb. His touch was warm and comforting.

"Elara, listen to me," Julian said seriously, looking straight into her eyes. "I love you not because you are perfect. I love you because you are you. I love your kindness. I love how you sacrifice for your family. Your problems are my problems now. I want to help you carry this burden."

(Julian’s POV)

She is crying, and it hurts me, Julian thought sadly. I wish I could take all her pain away. I promise I will be her rock. I will be her shelter.

"I am scared, Julian," Elara admitted, sobbing. "I am scared that I will end up like my mother. I am scared that men will just use me and leave."

"I am not Rico," Julian said firmly. "And I am not like those bad men. I am Julian. I will stay. I will prove it to you."

Slowly, Elara leaned her head on his shoulder. For the first time in years, she allowed herself to be weak. She allowed herself to be comforted.

"Okay," she whispered. "I will trust you. But please... please don't break my heart."

"I won't," Julian promised, hugging her tightly. "I love you, Elara."

But happiness was short-lived. When Julian’s family found out that he was dating Elara, they were furious.

Julian came from a decent and well-off family. His parents had high hopes for him.

"You are dating that girl?" his father shouted one night at the dinner table. "The one with the bad history? The one whose father was a criminal? And now they are poor?"

"Father, she is a good person," Julian defended her.

"Good people don't bring food to the table!" his mother added. "She will just be a parasite to you! Her family is full of problems! Break up with her, Julian! Or you are no longer our son!"

(Julian’s Mother POV)

I don't hate Elara, she thought. But I want the best for my son. He needs a wife who can help him, not someone who will drag him down into poverty.

Julian was under pressure. He was torn between his love for Elara and his duty to his parents.

He met Elara again. He looked troubled and sad.

"Elara," he said, his voice heavy. "My parents... they don't approve of us. They want me to stop seeing you."

Elara’s face turned pale. She felt the ground shake beneath her feet.

"I see," she said, her voice trembling. "So... so it is the same story again. Your family hates me too. Because of my name. Because of my past."

"No! Elara, wait!" Julian tried to hold her hand.

"Let go," Elara said, stepping back. "You should listen to your parents, Julian. They are right. I am bad luck. I bring problems. Go find someone who is worthy of you."

She turned around and ran. She ran away, crying her heart out.

"I knew it," she cried. "I knew it would end like this. No one can accept me. I am always the unwanted one."