“Didn’t you even think about what I was going through in Bicol? Didn’t you even remember me? How I would feel every time your man was away?” It hurts so much to hear how disappointed she is to me. I slowly looked at her and stood up. Even though I couldn’t do it, I faced mom.

“I-im sorry, ma…” His palm landed on me again now it was on my other cheek.

“Sorry? Mom?!” This bitter smile.

“She doesn’t have a mother, Fertine. When I decided to go with that man, she lost her mother.” It turned away, but I tried to hug it even though I was weak. My...