Jaime glanced at Mei, he felt so  sorry for her.

The way she cried and the pain in "I'm not alright". It felt heavy.

Jaime patted her shoulder, trying to reassure her that it's okay to share the pain.

Mei knew Jaime had been trying to unravel the story of her life since three years ago. She knew Jaime wanted to help, but she feared she'll be judged and left out once her story was open.

This time however, She felt comfort in his presence. Like a father she never had.

She hesitated too much to say anything, so all she could do was cry the pain away. Washing her sorrow alone.

"You don't have to burden yourself all alone. Sometimes, it's better to open up to people."

He said. Her heart so heavy, and the tears that blurred her eyes. She felt so alone in this world. Like there's nothing waiting for her.

A long period of silence and whimpers had gone by, no one daring to move, and Jaime determined to stay until she felt safe.

"I..."

Mei broke the silence. Having big gulps from the bottle of beer she bought.

"I... Lost my house today."

Jaime glanced. Raising an eyebrow. Questioning and doubting what he just heard.

"I promised to pay her. But I was kicked out.

Kinda sucks don't ya think?"

She looked at Jaime. Drinking again as she glanced up in the sky. So hopeless.

"Your mom makes you pay?"

"The Landlord."

"Oh."

was all Jaime could say. Having second thoughts. Should he ask her where her parents are?

Is it too insensitive to ask her such thing?

He just sat there quietly, not knowing what to say.

"My parents abandoned me years ago, if you're wondering."

At this point, Jaime is perplexed. Lost at words.

"I started highschool on my own. I worked my ass to enter Saint Carmel High. It took a lot of effort, but I managed. I managed myself for years. But now, everything is falling apart.

........

" What happened to you?"

Jaime asked with all sincerity. Concerned and pitiful.

Mei just looked at him with dead eyes.

At this point, she doesn't care anymore, and its not like she can do anything at the moment. She figured, it won't hurt to share a tragic story to a stranger. It's not like anything will change anyway.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was in the middle of graduating grade school. One by one, parents and guardians arrived at the gymnasium. I closely looked at the entrance of our school, waiting for my parents to come. The gymnasium was getting crowded, but not once have I seen my parents in that crowd. I waited and waited, reassuring myself that they've just ran late and would come eventually. Time was up and the ceremony was about to begin.

I asked for a little more time, but they insisted to start now because they didn't have much time.

During the ceremony, I glanced at the entrance more than I could count. Our turn was almost near, and my parents was still no where to be found.

When my name was called, I ignored it for the first time. Waiting for them to miraculously pop up.

"Miss Mei Dela Rosa"

The second time, still not a soul entered the gymnasium

"Miss Mei Dela Rosa, With high honors and Loyal Awadree"

The third time, the silver lining fading away.

The fourth and final call. No one came, so I stood up and walked alone. My eyes started to tear as the staff looked at me.

While I received my award, the principal apologized to me

"I'm sorry your parents aren't here, but you did a great job coming this far with your awards. You'll do great in the future."

He gave me a bright smile as my tears dropped.

I faced the audience,

with one last search for my parents, I waved and bowed. Then, returned to my seat.

The graduation ceremony has come to an end.

I walked home with a frown, I held my diploma and medals low, my head staring at the ground with tears falling down my face.

When I reached the gate of our house, I grew angry, wanted to scream and question why they weren't there. The biggest achievement of childhood. Why weren't they there?

When I opened the door, I saw nothing but bags on the floor. The once crowded house I always hated, is now nothing more than a spacious unit.

The decors are gone, the floor is but full of dust. The furnitures we've bought, are all gone.

No curtains or bedsheets, not even plants. It went back to when we just moved in.

At that very moment, I knew I've been left behind. I felt so unwanted. I felt so worthless.

That was indeed, the worse day of my life, and one, that changed my life forever.