SAD REALITIES

SS S AA A D R E A L I TD R E A L I TD R E A L I T By: Mark Carlos G. Imperial II I EE E SS S

People do come and go in life and this is a harsh reality I never wanted to face. I always value people in my life, especially people who made a mark in my heart. However, as time becomes more challenging and as I develop as a person, I know that one day, the friends that I make, the great experiences I’ve encountered and the best moments will soon fade away.

I was born on September 5, 2003, to a family of four, my mom, dad, and my twin sister. Growing up was a challenge for me. I was never the person I am today back in grade school: loner, no friends, and the person who always sat alone at the very side of the canteen table. People talk to me but it was a matter of “hi” or “hello. ” However, I never minded it. I was also never an achiever. Being competitive before wasn't my nature. If you were to conclude my grade school life: I was a nobody. My cousins were my only friends, we were very close to each other until today. Time flies to grade four. My summer that time was in Manila in Medical City taking care of my dad, who has liver cirrhosis, and yes no more stories, he died. At such a young age I was exposed to the reality of what others take for granted-life. After this, I saw the true meaning of life, living your fulfilling self until you die. Until today that is how I understand life.

High School kicks in and I learn to make my life more fulfilling. I made groups of friends, became better in school, and winning is always in my head, no matter big or small. I made a lot of friends, and memories in school and outside. My circle of friends became bigger and bigger. I have friends from Lasalle, St. Scho, St. John’s, NOHS, UNO-R, and more. However, a great almost fulfilling life created another personal dilemma for me, I never want my friends out of my life. There is a family to me. I always set a standard for myself in how I treat my friends. I never want to let down any friend I have. I always see to it I have their back even though I don’t have theirs. You may be asking: is it fine? Of course not. I never really felt appreciated by most of my friends. I always ask myself: why do everything and even more to your “friends?” I cannot give you an answer, but one thing is certain: I can never get over the fact that my friends will leave me soon. I know that they are never bad people but maybe it’s not their problem, it's mine. Should I stop?