2025/Apple Kate-31452

Cecelia Andrada; the only child, the daughter of Angela Andrada and Ricardo Andrada. Cecelia Andrada was born in Cebu, Philippines. When she was born, all her aunties, uncles, grandparents, parents, and even other people she barely knew circled close around her and expressed in such awhs. Phrases like, “Ay ang cute naman!” or “Kamusta baby Cecelia” repeated near her. She lived in a mansion with antique vases and paintings hanging on the wall. There were three floors to her house; the first floor for guests and other visitors, second floor for bedrooms, and the third floor for storage. Large stairs were made of marble with beautiful designs and patterns. Everything in her house consisted of many fine, rich materials like gold and diamond. The paintings were created by her mother, as she usually enters her art room on the first floor and paints whatever she can find inspiration from. Expensive bills were paid and they had less than 114,488 pesos left ($2,000). By the time Cecelia turned 5, her father joined the navy as a source of income. They moved to Japan 3 weeks after and stayed at a Navy hotel on base for most of their time. Cecelia was only a baby and didn’t mind her father staying in the office overnight sometimes, thinking he just went to the store or a friend’s house. As time and time went by, she didn’t mind her father’s absence on the weekends.

One early morning it was December 2 and Cecelia jumped right out of bed. “Happy Birthday Cecelia! Me and Papa got you lots of gifts for your 9th birthday. Although, papa isn’t here.” Her mom exclaimed with a smile. “Oh did Dad go to the train station to buy me a gift?” Cecelia replied. “Your papa will be going on the ship for a few months. He left last night while you were sleeping. We were going to wake you up so you could say goodbye, but Papa felt bad. He left you a card on the top of your drawer as a gift for your birthday.” Mom walked out of the room to bake a cake and prepare the celebration. Cecelia closed the door and a few minutes later heard groups of guests entering her house. As she read the card silently in her room, tears began to fill her eyes. She knew she missed Papa and felt unsure. Her Papa was never absent on her birthday and she was not-in-the-mood the whole day, wearing fake smiles and taking pictures of just her and Mom. “This isn’t even my birthday without the full family. I miss you Papa.” She thought as she started cutting the cake.

The next day she went to school with a look, presenting in such sorrow and misery. “Are you okay Cecelia? It was just your birthday yesterday, what’s wrong?” Her friend questioned in a concerned manner. “Oh. It’s nothing! Don’t worry, I'm fine. Just sleepy from the great party yesterday!” Cecelia lit with a bright smile, but she knew that really wasn’t how she felt. Over time, she began to feel more discouraged. After school ended, she would always come home to hug her Papa and they would play at the playground in her free time, but she knew it all changed. Her Mom observed the sad or neutral expressions on Cecelia’s face and came to the conclusion it was because of her Papa. “I know you feel sad and I do too, but just remember, he is coming soon okay? Besides, we can always chat or call him whenever we feel lonely. You can talk to me about it or write it in a diary to help you indicate your feelings. I’m here for you.” 2 months have passed since her father’s dismissal and eventually she learned to accept the truth. She knew that this would happen often and she had to get over it. Mom always kept smiling at her and even baked leche flan often, one of Cecelia’s favorite desserts, as a way to cheer her up.

A classmate of her’s came to school with tears dripping on their red cheeks as they wiped their tears with their dark sleeves. “If you don’t mind me asking, are you okay?” Cecelia said in a worry. “No.. My mom had to go underway for a couple of months and she was always my number one supporter. I have a math competition starting in a few weeks and can’t bear the fact that she won’t be here.” Her classmate exclaimed, as their voice faded. Cecelia replied with a quote from her mother, “I know you feel sad, but just remember, she is coming soon okay? Besides, you can always chat or call her whenever you feel lonely. You can talk to me about it or write it in a diary to help you indicate your feelings. I’m here for you.” The classmate wiped their last tear and gave a big hug to Cecelia, eventually making Cecelia realize what she did was right. After school that day, she walked home as she was eager to tell her Mom on how she helped her classmate. As she took her dangling keys out of her pocket and opened the door, there standing was her very own father. Her face lit in pure joy as she squealed in relief and happiness. This surprised shock made her own day and she realized how much she self-grew towards her feelings.