Orphaned

The cold breeze of air filled my small room. I opened the window and realized that it’s already evening. Another day is about to end and I’m on to making my assignments and projects. Oh, I remember, I would still cook for dinner. Hmm.. it’s really hard to be alone. How could I forget this when it has been the same thing I do everyday. Argh. This life is making me sick.

I would waste my time again waiting my phone to ring. Yes, I’m expecting a call...from my busy parents. Oh, I hate this life, living away from them. I have no one to talk to, to ask about my assignment. I do not have a father who would cook for me and a mother who would wash my clothes. I missed it—the life I used to have.

It’s hard to live independently, especially when you are just 13. It feels like you are alone in your life. Your parents are busy working. Yes, you know it is to support your studies and financial needs. But you are still longing for their love and attention, for their presence.

They say I’m lucky. I’m studying in a good school, in a private school. We have a good shelter and we have sufficient needs. My parents have work and I can have most of the things that I want—material things—but not a family.

That’s what others think. They do not know how hard I strive to have good grades in order for them to notice and be proud of my performance. But then, I would wake up seeing the card on the table, beside an envelope—a reward. During the school’s family day, I was very excited as I may have time bonding with them. But as I open the door of the room I’m renting, I saw our maid carrying plenty of food in a basket and told me that my parents could not come. They would not be around even it’s my birthday. They would just come to give me a gift and would ask our maid to arrange a party. And they would not stay for long. Living this life is causing me pain. I find it hard to compete with their time.

I’m not saying that I hate my parents for this. I keep on opening my mind and understand them. But I feel like an orphan, longing to have a family who would be with me, who would guide and support me. I don’t really need material things, as I can have happiness when I spend time with them. I’m longing to have a home—not just a house.