chArONIMOUS

I gave a cunning smile as I kissed my mom goodbye and tapped my brother’s back. A scent that rarely surrounds our abode lingered as the two packed their stuff. A silent glee formed in my heart for finally, independence spelled its way into my vocabulary.
In the entire 15 years of my living, never have I been left alone at home for days. So when my mom told me that she would be accompanying my brother at Manila for his first days as a college student, I felt a surge of excitement and anticipation. Ok, so I was also quite worried but it was like I was being officially labeled as a teen, which, I thought was totally awesome. So after making sure that I had everything I needed just within my reach, my mom, together with my brother left, giving the rest of the week of independence for me to indulge in.
I was actually envisioning a week of relaxation, fun, independence of course, and lesser stress. I was thinking that it is only me for myself, so there would be fewer worries. I can cook and eat whatever food I want, watch my favorite shows on TV non-stop, or surf the net unlimitedly. I can take a bath whenever a want, or I may not even take a bath! No one would know, for it is me for myself and only I would be the witness to my actions. A week of fun! Of independence sweeter than the first waving of the flag of the Philippines!
Or so I thought.
As the days passed, the experience was becoming...er...tormenting. It was kind of hard to admit at first because I was so excited to take on this challenge of independence and now, the only challenge I had to face was to force my mom to go home earlier than scheduled. I had never felt so helpless in my entire life. All the exact opposite of my visions happened. I was starting to have more stress because I had to do everything; I mean everything around the house. I had to clean, wash the dishes, sweep the floor, and while juggling around homework, review for quizzes and projects! It was a circus of mayhem!
God really is wise in making me realize these stuffs. There was more to independence than freedom. It spells freedom with its twin brother, responsibility. I was so thrilled to be labeled a teen that in the process I acted so childish looking at independence that way. I was too excited to grow up that I never realized that I was missing out on the greatest part of it, the journey itself.
And as I am writing this, my mom is again at Manila with my brother. And when she gets back, I’ll give her a cunning smile, a kiss in the cheek, a warm hug and again, a scent that have always surrounded our humble home will linger.