MIKA
"Anak, there are new arrangements of flowers today," salubong ni Daddy habang nakaupo ako sa garden at nagbabasa ng novel. "It's from them. I think they're planning to turn our house into a flower shop," tatawa-tawa niya pang sabi.
"Dad, tell them to stop. They're just wasting their money by sending me flowers that I don't want."
"It's not wasted if they're sincere," sagot niya at sumandal ako sa balikat niya. "Why don't you let them explain? Pati mga kapatid mo, ayaw mong kausapin."
"Dad, it just feels wrong. That they can decide for me just like that without considering what I'll feel," paliwanag ko. "And that they can be reckless because of their prides. Walang may gustong matalo."
"You think it's just pride?"
I nodded.
"Like getting me is some sort of a competition that the
