2 Chapter 2: Best Shot

My eyes danced in happiness upon seeing people with different nationalities. Tourists, sort of like me, getting amazed by the mere structure. Who would not? Even I cannot believe what my eyes are seeing. Aside from the fact that this is just a dream and it is so realistic as if I am here, the massive structure is a beauty itself! As excitement continues to eat me whole, I ran past through the sea of people and walked inside the amazing man-made art piece.

The closer I get, the closer I see the things that I missed my whole life. I touched the metal barriers that connects everything up until the tower’s shining edge. Slowly, I touched the puddled iron and rivets that took 2 years to be built. This execptional achievement showcases the technical and architectural prowess of the engineers and the people that helped to build this magnificent masterpiece.

I continued my personal tour, gasping for air for every step I take. I am so amazed even though I am just down here, but what if I go up?

I shouted on top of my lungs while riding the lift to the tower’s top. When other tourists started filling the lift, I was already shouting. None reacted so I assumed that they do not care even a bit. Maybe they understand me so much because they did this too in their first time here?

I stopped shouting when I reached the tower’s peak. I gulped when the elevator doors slowly opened and even that moment feels nerve-wrecking. I quickly get out of the lift, leaving everyone behind. I puffed when I finally look down from where I am standing. I feel so mighty! I felt so big while looking at the people that is now ant-like up here.

When I got tired, I sat on one of the available benches in the corner. I closed my eyes as a smile slowly formed in my lips, wishing that this dream will never end.



I woke up with a loud bang somewhere inside my small room. When I open my eyes, I saw my mother frowning upon me, still laying down peacefully asleep, with something on her hand. I rubbed my eyes for a clearer view and was a bit startled to see her holding a bit worn-out bat. My bat. This view I am witnessing right now had me having goosebumps. She is a petite woman with soft facial features and having to see her holding something that can be used brutally is a total nightmare. Even though I know that she will not use it up against me, it is still something to take note about.

Whoa! Mothers and their capability to transform into something unimaginable!

“good morning young man.” She greeted me ice cold. “it is already past your time to wake up. Get up and get ready for school.”

Like a robot in a full a+ battery, I got up and fixed myself in a rush. She had me going nuts sometimes, but I love her. My Mother and I have been living for years without my father, and for all those times, she also became a father to me. She gets up early for me and prepare my food. After I left for school, that is the time she fixes herself for work. She almost always spends most of her time in her work and going home cleaning and doing the household chores in our house. She was the one who also does the manly job. I give the help that I could offer but most of the time, she does everything.

I wonder, what does my father thinking leaving a woman this awesome? What did the world offered to him to leave her just like that? Is it worth it? Does it worth everything they accomplished together? And if not, is he happy? Well, I hope he is happy, and he did not regret the choice he made, because if he chose to leave her, his reason will not matter to me.

I asked my mother about him for couple of times now, but when I see her face contorted with the emotion I cannot name, I simply dismiss the idea and open a new topic to talk about. We usually spend our quality time when we have the chance. But recently, she almost always gets home too late that she caught me in deep slumber.

I stepped out of the bathroom after several minutes. I had a quick shower to keep up with the time, because knowing my mama, she will not let me go to school with an empty stomach. And truth be told, I saw my mother waiting for me at the dining table, tapping her feet on the floor.

“sit down, now. It is your fault for waking up late. You are not getting out of this house without eating your breakfast.”

I walked straight to my seat, with my shoulders down as I scratch the back of my head.

“by the way mama, did you ever had a chance to travel outside the country? To go someplace else besides downtown?”

“why do you ask?” she asked back as she continue to wash the dishes with an apron around her waist and a pair of yellow gloves on her hands.

“I am just wondering.” I swallowed my cereals. “have you been outside the country? Paris, with its Eiffel tower, perhaps?” I asked innocently.

She turned to face me; forehead creased. Her eyes barely showing any emotions.

“Go get yourself ready. Finish your food quickly. It is getting late.” She, instead, said dismissively.

I hurriedly filled my mouth with cereals before chewing them and swallowing them together with a sip of water. I coughed to clear my voice, afterwards, ready for another query. I lift my used bowl and walked to my mom. I placed the bowl in the sink while she is busy wiping her hands with a towel placed around the refrigerator’s door handle.

“you did not answer my question.”

She lifts her head to meet my eyes. “I hope that I did, that we could. You could at least.” She caressed my cheek. I moved a little to the sudden contact. Though I anticipated it, I was surprised to find her hands cold and dry.

“I-I did not have the chance. Just do your best in school and you could have the chance in my place, one day.” She smiled wearily.

I touched her hands on my cheeks, trying to warm her hands before I gave her a smile and a nod. She then reached for my bag and led me to the door.

“go son and give them your best shot!”

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