Chapter 9: Her First Heartbreak

In the Philippines, 1993

Manila was a packed and vibrant city, serving as the Philippines' capital. The city of Manila was densely populated, with a mix of modern high-rise buildings, residential areas, and slums. The cityscape was a mix of old Spanish colonial architecture, mid-century structures, and newer construction.

There were several iconic landmarks and tourist attractions in Manila. Intramuros, the historic walled city constructed during the Spanish colonial era, was a popular tourist destination for those interested in the country's rich history. Rizal Park, named after national hero Jose Rizal, provided green spaces and recreational opportunities for both locals and visitors.

The public transportation was primarily provided by jeepneys, colorful and uniquely designed passenger vehicles, as well as buses and taxis. The Manila Light Rail Transit System, or MRT, provided transportation within the city and its surrounding areas. Squatter settlements, or informal settlements, were common, reflecting wealth and social class disparities. Traffic congestion was a major concern, as was a lack of efficient mass transportation options.

The soft hum of medical equipment filled the air in a cozy labor room in a Manila hospital as a newly minted father stood near the hospital bed. A soothing atmosphere was created by the warm, gentle light streaming through the window. Mario lowered his gaze to the precious bundle he held in his arms. His daughter's tiny fingers curled around his own, and her flushed cheeks mirrored his own.

Mario could feel her heartbeat against his chest as he held her close.

Slyvia, exhausted but elated, smiled at the lovely scene unfolding in front of her. She observed her husband bonding with their daughter.

The soothing melody of a lullaby playing softly in the background added to the magical moment. Mario swayed gently from side to side. His voice, a mix of nerves and tenderness, filled the room.

The nurse walked into the room, carrying a tray of celebratory treats. She congratulated and rejoiced with the proud parents, admiring the remarkable bond that had already formed between father and daughter.

As the sun began to rise, casting a soft golden glow across the room, Mario found himself standing in the nursery, cradling his precious two-month-old daughter, Mayu, in his arms. His wife, Slyvia, was leaving for overseas, and it was time for her to catch her flight.

Mario gently rocked Mayu.

Sylvia hugged Mario tightly. "Take care of our little princess, Mario," she whispered. "You're going to be an amazing dad."

He reassured Slyvia, "I promise, she'll be in the best hands."

Sylvia handed Mario an envelope. "I've written down everything you need to know, from feeding schedules to emergency contacts."

Mario nodded, "I'll keep you updated."

With a final, lingering glance at Mayu, Sylvia kissed her daughter's forehead. She paused, taking in the sight of her husband.

Finally, the time came for Sylvia to leave. Mario walked her to the door, holding Mayu close to his chest. As Sylvia stepped outside, she turned to face Mario.

It was a bright morning, and Mario was looking forward to spending the day with his energetic toddler daughter, Mayu. Mario woke up early to prepare a nutritious breakfast for them both. He prepared a traditional Filipino breakfast of garlic-fried rice, scrambled eggs, and sweet longganisa sausages. Mayu began to stir, and I gently woke her up with a smile. They sat at the table together, sharing their meal. After breakfast, Mario assisted Mayu in brushing her teeth.

Mario decided to take Mayu to the local park. He brought a picnic blanket, snacks, and a few toys for them to play with. Mario encouraged Mayu to explore and play as they arrived at the park. They swing on the swings with each other, slide down the slides, and build sandcastles in the sandbox. Mario kept a close eye on Mayu to ensure she was safe and having a good time. They took breaks to enjoy the snacks Mario packed, and he told her funny stories that made her giggle uncontrollably.

As the day came to an end, Mario got Mayu ready for bed. He took a warm bath with colorful bath toys, making it a relaxing and fun experience. He assisted Mayu in putting on her cozy pajamas. He rocked her to sleep in his arms. Mario stayed by Mayu's side until she fell asleep.

Mayu's 6th birthday party was a lively and vibrant Filipino celebration. The party was held in a large backyard that was decorated with colorful balloons, and a beautifully decorated table.

The guests were greeted with warm smiles and cheerful greetings as they arrived. The kids were running around excitedly and playing games. In the background, traditional Filipino music was playing.

The party began with a fun game of "Pabitin," which involved hanging a bamboo frame filled with treats and small toys from above. As the pabitin was lowered and raised, the children took turns trying to grab as many goodies as they could.

Following the game, it was time for the much-awaited "Hapunan" (dinner). A variety of delectable Filipino dishes were served on the table. The main attraction was a succulent "Lechon" (roast pig) that was perfectly cooked and golden brown. There were trays of pancit (noodles), lumpia (spring rolls), adobo (marinated meat), and other Filipino delicacies alongside the lechon.

A Filipino birthday party is not complete unless there is a birthday cake. Mayu's cake was a work of art, lavishly decorated with vibrant colors and intricate designs. The sponge cake was moist and decadent, layered with creamy buttercream frosting. The room erupted with applause and cheers as Mayu made her wish and blew out the candles.

A hired clown entertained everyone by performing magic tricks and parlor games. The kids also had a fun dance party where they showed off their best moves to upbeat music.

Slyvia arrived in the middle of the party, and Mario was surprised to see her after so many years. Mario approached his wife while holding Mayu in his arms. With teary eyes, Slyvia spread her arms. Mario embraced her tightly. Slyvia kissed Mayu on the cheek. Mayu pushed her away, her gaze fixed on her mother.

"That's Mom, Mayu," Mario said.

Mayu turned away from her mother and hugged her father as he carried her.

"Do you want to go to Seoul with me, Mayu?" Sylvia asked.

In the Seoul, 1999

The city was known for its busy markets, shopping districts, and department stores, which offered a diverse range of products ranging from local brands to international luxury goods.

During this time, the street food culture was thriving. Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and gimbap (seaweed rice rolls) were among the delicious and reasonably priced local delicacies available from street vendors and food stalls. These street food vendors energized the city's culinary scene.

Mayu recently moved to Seoul with her parents. They decided to relocate to Seoul in search of better opportunities and a fresh start for their family.

Mayu and her parents exited the plane into the bustling atmosphere of Incheon Airport. They were astounded by the modern infrastructure. Mayu's eyes widened with delight as she inhaled her first breath of Seoul air.

In Seoul, the family found a cozy house in a friendly neighborhood. They were greeted warmly by their Korean neighbors, who assisted them in settling in.

Mayu was already 8 years old when she was eating dinner with her parents.

"I made a new friend, "Mayu said after swallowing.

"And who was that friend?" Mario asked.

"Hwan, the young boy next door."

Mario and Sylvia exchanged glances.

"How was he?" Mario asked.

"He seems nice, "Mayu told him.

Mario chuckled. "Is Hwan a special friend?"

"What do you mean, Appa?" Mayu confusedly said.

Mario playfully smiled. "Well, Mayu, you know, when boys and girls become friends, sometimes they end up liking each other more than just friends."

Mayu's eyes widened. "Really, Daddy? But I'm only eight!"

Mario nodded. "But you know how boys can be sometimes. They might start pulling your hair or teasing you, and that usually means they like you."

Mayu giggled. "That's silly, Appa! Hwan doesn't pull my hair."

Mario pretended to be serious. "Maybe he hasn't started yet, but you never know when those mischievous boys will strike!"

Mayu giggled again. "I'll be careful, Appa. But I think Hwan is nice."

Mario smiled. "I'm sure he is. Just remember to be yourself and enjoy your friendship. Boys can be great friends too, but always listen to your instincts and be kind to yourself. And if any boy starts acting too silly, you can always come to eomma and me for advice."

"Araso, Appa," Mayu said.

Mayu, 10, sat at the kitchen table, anticipating her father's famous tteokbokki. As her father skillfully tossed the rice cakes in the spicy sauce, the savory aroma filled the air. Mayu's mouth watered as she watched the pot on the stove sizzle.

The doorbell rang just as her father was about to serve the tteokbokki. Mayu rushed to open it, revealing her dinner guest, Hwan.

"Hey, Hwan! Perfect timing!" exclaimed Mayu, motioning for him to enter. "You're just in time for my dad's delicious tteokbokki."

Hwan grinned and joined Mayu at the kitchen table. "Your dad's tteokbokki is legendary!"

Mario smiled warmly at Hwan. "Welcome, Hwan! I'm glad you could join us. Have a seat, and let's dig in."

The steaming pot of tteokbokki was placed in the center of the table by Mayu's father. The vivid red sauce clung to the rice cakes, making for an enticing sight. Hwan eagerly took his chopsticks and prepared to dive in.

Their taste buds were immediately delighted as they each took their first bite. Mayu could not help but moan in contentment.

"Hwan, you have to try it with a boiled egg on top," Mayu exclaimed, pointing to a plate of perfectly cooked eggs her father had prepared.

Hwan enthusiastically nodded and added a boiled egg to his bowl. The creamy yolk oozed out, mingling with the spicy sauce and adding a rich layer to the dish.

Mayu and Hwan could not stop talking between bites as they ate. They shared school stories and laughed at inside jokes.

Mayu's father smiled contentedly as he watched the two friends.

The tteokbokki vanished from their bowls all too quickly as the dinner conversation flowed. As they sat back, satisfied and content, Mario asked, "So, how was it?"

Mayu and Hwan exchanged glances before bursting out laughing. They cleared the table together with happy hearts and full stomachs.

Standing tall in the bustling streets of Seoul, Mayu, already in Middle School, and Mario strolled through the vibrant city. As they walked hand in hand, relishing the beauty of Seoul, they noticed a gathering of locals at a street corner. They moved closer to see what was happening. As they approached, they heard derogatory comments being hurled in their direction.

A middle-aged man from the group pointed at Mario and shouted, "Hey, you foreigners! What are you doing here? Go back to your own country!" His friends joined in, their voices filled with disdain and prejudice.

Startled by the sudden confrontation, Mayu clutched his father's hand tightly. Mario took a deep breath and calmly replied, "We are also citizens here, just like everyone else. We mean no harm."

Unfortunately, the group remained hostile, with their anger escalating. One of them shoved Mario, provoking him further. Sensing the situation could escalate into violence, Mayu tugged at his father's sleeve, imploring him to walk away.

Mario decided to diffuse the tension. With a measured voice, he turned to Mayu and said, "Mayu, we will not let their prejudice define our experience. Let's walk away peacefully."

Mayu nodded and bravely stood by his side.

They slowly backed away from the confrontation.

As they retreated, the crowd's aggression subsided, and they began to disperse.

As they continued their stroll along the sidewalks, Mario said, "Don't tell Eomma what happened."

"Araso, Appa." Mayu responded with assurance.

###

Mayu and Hwan, both senior high school students, were excitedly seated in a Korean restaurant, discussing their plans for dinner with Mayu's dad. They had been looking forward to spending time together and catching up with her father.

"We've been keeping this tradition since we were ten; I'm glad *Samchon always gives us time," Hwan said.

*Uncle

"Appa has been busy due to his work these past few days," Mayu said.

"Imo told me he had been promoted."

"Yeah, that's why I planned this dinner with him to celebrate it."

"I am kind of jealous of your relationship with your dad," Hwan said with a sad tone.

"You can also treat my appa as your appa."

Hwan slightly smiled. "Do you think he'll allow you to have a boyfriend?"

Mayu frowned. "I don't think so."

Hwan grinned. "I'm just asking."

Mayu's phone rang on the table, and as she answered it, her face shifted from excitement to disappointment. It was her father explaining that he had to cancel their meeting due to an urgent work situation.

Mayu hung up the phone after a brief conversation and turned to Hwan. "Hwan, I am so sorry, but my dad just called and said he will not be able to make it tonight because something urgent came up at work," Mayu explained.

Hwan nodded. "That's alright, Mayu. We can always plan another dinner when your dad's schedule allows," he suggested.

Mayu managed a small smile and said, "You're right, we can reschedule."

###

It seemed like Mayu was observing some changes in her family. Seeing her dad come home late and noticing small arguments between her parents It was becoming a common occurrence for him to arrive after dinner, leaving her mom frustrated and upset. As the arguments between her parents grew more frequent, Mayu became increasingly concerned.

One evening, Mayu found herself sitting alone in the living room, contemplating the situation. The clock ticked past the usual time her dad would arrive.

She decided to approach her mom. Entering her parents' bedroom, Mayu found her mom sitting on the bed, deep in thought.

She hesitated for a moment before softly speaking up, "Eomma?"

Sylvia looked up, momentarily surprised by Mayu's presence, but quickly composed herself. "Yes, Mayu?"

Mayu took a deep breath. "I've noticed that Dad has been coming home late quite often lately, and it seems like you two have been arguing more frequently. Is everything okay between you?"

Sylvia sighed. "Your father and I have been going through a rough patch lately."

Mayu nodded and sat down next to her mom. "Is it because of work? I've noticed that Dad has been working long hours lately."

Her mom nodded. "Yes, work has been a major factor. He's been working late to meet deadlines and tackle unexpected challenges."

"But why are you arguing more?"

Sylvia let out a weary sigh. "When your dad comes home late, I feel like he's not giving enough time to our family. It's been hard for both of us. We're trying to communicate and find a balance, but sometimes the stress gets the better of us."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

Her mom smiled. "Just being there for us, understanding and supportive, means a lot. Your presence itself is a source of strength for our family."

Mayu nodded. "I'll be here for both of you, Eomma."

Mayu and her mom embraced each other.

###

Mayu went home alone after class. When she arrived home, she decided to take a nap in her room since her mom was not around.

When she woke up, she heard muttering words outside her room. She stood up to slightly open the door. She was surprised to see her father early in the evening. He was alone on the sofa while he was talking over the phone.

She heard words like her wife was not at home, and so was her daughter.

He said that tomorrow he would meet her in the same place.

What surprised her was that he repeatedly said, "I love you," over the phone.

Later that same evening, her mother arrived. Her father was in the bedroom while her mother was in the kitchen arranging the grocery items.

Mayu went beside her mom. "Did you call through the phone earlier?"

"Ani, I was in the supermarket with Hwan's imo. Wae*?"

"N-nothing." She hesitated to answer.

The phone rang in the living room, which made her a bit nervous.

She went near the phone, as it had rung several times already.

She swallowed first before she answered the call.

"Yeo-yeoboseyo?"

"May I speak with Mayu?" a boy answered in the other line.

She frowned, "Who's this?"

"It's Hwan."

"Wae?"

"Imo said you did not go with them earlier. Why would you lie?"

"Why does it matter to you anyway?"

"Are you sick?"

"Maybe? I felt sleepy. Where the hell did you get my number?"

"Areum gave it."

"Why the hell would you call me? We're just neighbors."

"Why the hell not?"

"Why bother chatting with me?"

"Wae? Am I not allowed to talk to you?"

"You can call me on my personal phone."

"I'm not comfortable using that kind of phone."

"You're so old-school."

"Come outside."

"Wae?"

"Just come!"

"Tell me why first."

"You're so stubborn. You won't listen. Let's eat chicken together. Imo brought it home."

"You know I don't like that kind of chicken."

"Ara*, that's why I'm asking you."

*I know (informal)

"Jugule*? *

*Do you want to die? (informal)

"Wake me up tomorrow again."

"You won't even wake up."

"Araso, see you tomorrow, Jalja," Hwan said, ending the call.

*Good night (informal)

###

One afternoon, the phone kept ringing persistently. She decided to answer it, but there was complete silence at the other end.

As days went by, the mysterious calls continued.

One night, the phone rang, and Mayu's father promptly answered it. This time there was no silence; a voice on the other end muttered.

She finally realized that these past few days, someone had been calling on the phone, but no one had answered on the other line. But when her dad answered it, the caller spoke.

Mayu did not sleep well that night. When she went out of her room, her father and mother were in the kitchen. Her mother was preparing breakfast while her father was reading an English newspaper at the dining table.

"You're awake already?" Her mother asked.

"I have some important things to do at school," she said before she went to the bathroom.

When she was inside the bathroom, she did everything fast while she focused on her hearing outside.

After 10 minutes, she was done doing her thing. She immediately ran towards her room to change into her uniform and put on her autumn coat outside. While she was preparing, she heard her father saying goodbye to her mother. She suddenly went to open the door slightly to see him leave the house.

She waited for minutes before she went out of the room.

"I'm going, eomma," she said to her mother.

"You're not eating breakfast—" Her mother said, but she proceeded to the door to go out.

When she reached outside, she ran and searched for his father. When she saw him, she followed him until she reached the bus stop. When they arrived at the bus stop, she removed her backpack to get the face mask, and then she wore it to cover her face. She stood meters away from her father while waiting at the bus stop. Minutes later, the bus arrived. She let her father and others enter the vehicle first before she went inside it. Her father stood at the tail while standing because the bus was full. Meanwhile, she stayed at the front while standing.

After 20 minutes, her father got out of the bus.

She frowned and said, "This is not his office," but still, she followed him.

When she went outside the bus, she saw her father talking to a Korean woman who had pale white skin and wore red lipstick. When they started to walk away from the bus stop, they held hands.

That made her speechless. She stared in surprise as they walked.

Mayu rode the bus to school without the face mask on her face. She remained silent the entire trip.

She got out of the bus when it arrived near her school. She strolled, looking sworn out, while she sluggishly wandered on the street.

Seconds later, she stopped walking at the center of the side road. Suddenly, she felt her knees weak. Her eyes became teary until she wept with indescribable pain in her chest.

A boy behind her who was wearing the same uniform came towards her.

"Gwenchanayo*?" he asked.

*Are you okay? (Formal)

When he saw that she cried her eyes out, he became conscious of their surroundings. He looked around them, feeling awkward with people passing by. She kept on crying, so he took off his autumn coat to cover Mayu's head.

###

The boy helped Mayu set foot in school while she was covered with his autumn coat. She's still crying inside that layer. So, the boy brought her to the bleachers near the football field, surrounded by a few students. He sat next to her while she silently wept.

Many minutes had passed when Mayu removed the coat from her head. Her whole face was red, and her eyes were swollen. The boy reached out his handkerchief to her, and she did not refuse. She used it to wipe her eyes and cheeks, then she blew her nose.

"You need to wash your face with cold water." He suggested.

"G-g-gahamsanida." She slightly bowed her head, and after that, she sluggishly walked away from him.

Mayu wandered on her own on the way to the girl's restroom at the building. She washed her face under the faucet. Then she also washed the handkerchief before she wiped it on her face. After that, she drank some water from the faucet. Then she looked at herself in the mirror. Her nose was red, and her eyes were swollen. She breathed with her mouth to relax.

She stared at the handkerchief she was holding.

She tried to move her legs as she walked steadily down the hallway to the classroom. As she was moving, an arm encircled her neck, and someone walked beside her.

"You're early!" Hwan said on her side.

Mayu did not talk.

"I went to your house earlier. Your mom said you will be doing something important in school—" He stopped talking when he saw her face, "What happened to you?"

"I watched a movie last night with a tragic ending,"

"You still cried because of that?"

"Y-yeah, it is painful."

"For a second, I thought your teacher talked to you because you have a failing grade."

"Failing grade would never make me cry."

"What was the ending?"

"They both died."

"What movie is that?"

"I don't know how to say it; it's in English."

"You probably did not entirely understand the movie since it's in English.

"Do you think I'm an idiot?!" Mayu frowned while she removed his arm from around her neck.

He stopped walking. "With a failing grade? Yeah."

Mayu also stopped walking while she stared madly at him. But Hwan walked away from her to enter his classroom, while Mayu followed him by sight.

###

Mayu was sitting at her study table with her diary in front of her. She wanted to write about what happened and what she found out. But her hands could not move an inch.

She stood from her desk and went to the door of her room. There, she slightly opened the door to catch a glimpse of her parents in the kitchen. Her father and mother were standing side by side with each other. Her mother was washing the dishes while his father was arranging the plates in their place.

Seconds later, her father grabbed her mother's buttocks. Her mother tried to remove his hand from her, feeling flirtatious, and then she mumbled to him while he grinned.

Mayu shut the door in disgust.

She went back to her desk and aggressively wrote in her diary.

When the morning came, she woke up because of the loud conversations outside her room. She stood up from her bed to slightly open the door. Her parents were arguing in the kitchen. His father and mother were facing each other. They were exchanging words in Tagalog that she barely understood.

She opened the door to go to the bathroom. Her parents paused for a moment when she came out of the room. When she arrived at the bathroom, they muttered words.

Minutes later, his father left for work while Mayu was finally having breakfast in the kitchen while wearing her school uniform.

"What happened? Were you two fighting?" Mayu asked her mother. "Did you already know?"

Her mother signed, "Did you know?"

"When did you know?"

"Last week. He told me."

"He told you? You're supposed to be mad."

"I am mad. We could not afford to live in Seoul anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"We need to move with him."

"W-what do you mean?"

"Quitting his job is also our loss."

"Is he quitting his job? Why?"

"He found a job, but it's in Busan. But he wants to leave us here. Will it be okay with you to transfer there?"

"That's the reason you were arguing earlier?" Mayu asked.

"Y-yeah, what do you mean?"

"I followed Dad to work last time."

"So?"

"He has a mistress! He's cheating on you!"

"Wh-what?"

"I-I-I saw it. They were holding hands." Mayu suddenly felt like crying. "He's cheating on us, eomma!"

"M-M-Mayu..."

"Maybe those overtime excuses due to work were an alibi to spend time with his mistress! Have you not also noticed? These past few weeks he suddenly went home on time, but the phone was ringing consistently, and no one answered on the other line! M-Maybe that was his mistress! M-Maybe they changed their ways so they could make time for each other!"

Sylvia could not speak with shock in her eyes.

"Try following Appa tomorrow morning; you'll see." Then she walked away.

###

Mayu wandered while going to school.

"I think what I did was wrong. I shouldn't have said it that way. Maybe I destroyed us. But I couldn't stand that father was having the best of both worlds. It's unfair for Mother, and I also pity her for being dumb."

She was walking in the hallway when a boy approached her.

"Are you okay?" The boy asked him.

She looked at him. He has slanted eyes while wearing round eyeglasses, and he has pale white skin.

"Y-yeah, I'm okay."

She was about to walk away, but the boy continued talking, asking, "Do you remember me?"

Mayu slightly frowned, then shook her head.

"I was the one who helped you when you wept in the middle of the street."

"Ah, was that you?"

"Yes, it was me. You seemed broken-hearted that day."

"B-broken-hearted? Me?"

He nodded. "You were weeping."

"I guess I am."

Mayu tried to touch her pocket to search for something. "I'll return this. I already washed it." Mayu handed over the handkerchief.

The boy shook his head and said, "It's alright; it's yours already."

"Gahamsamnida." Mayu bowed her head. "Are you also in the second year?"

"Aniyo, I'm a senior."

"Ah, jinjjayo?"

"Are you feeling okay now?"

"Aniyo."

"May I know what made you cry that much?"

"It's a family problem."

"Ah, I understand."

"What's your name, anyway?"

"Han Joon-woo. How about you?"

"Mayumi Acda."

"Mayu." Suddenly Hwan arrived and walked beside Mayu. "Do you know each other?"

"Ah, y-yeah?" Mayu responded unsurely.

"I'll go now," Joon-woo said before he left.

"Do you know him?" Hwan asked.

"He just said his name, Han Joon-woo?"

"Yeah, he's the smartest in their batch."

"Jinjja?"

"How do you know him?"

"Geunyang..." Mayu said.

"He approached you first."

"Ah, you saw?"

"Yeah, I was just standing there," He pointed to the hallway, "I was about to call you, but he approached you."

"Do you need something from me?" Mayu asked.

He smiled, then encircled his arm around her neck. "Both of us have been early in school these past few days!"

"Haist!" She removed his arm from her neck before she walked away from him.

"Come home with me later! My imo called and told me that your mom said you need to stay with us after class!" Hwan shouted as Mayu moved away from him. "I'll go to your classroom later to get you!"