Written by: Win Nie Tan (Sec 1-4, 2023)
I was over the moon and skipping joyfully throughout the house. In a few days time, it would be my 13th birthday! I was overjoyed thinking of the things I would be doing on my birthday. I planned to ask my parents to bring me to Universal Studios Singapore. Although we were facing some financial problems, I’m sure they would consider it my request since it is a special occasion.
“Mom! Dad! I have an idea on where to go on my birthday!” I chirped. I found them sitting on the couch with a pile of envelopes. Without thinking, I told them my wonderful idea. With a frown, my father sternly responded, “We cannot. We are tight on money”. My heart dropped. I was so sure they would say yes.
“It’s my 13th birthday! Also, we’ve never been to USS!” I retaliated with rage. My father clenched his fist and slammed the table. Surely, my neighbours could hear it. His face flushed red and it was a clear sign for me to go back to my room. However, I was determined to fight for it. I narrowed my eyebrows. At this point, my blood was boiling and I let out a scream in frustration. “I said no! Go back to your room!” He hollered. Tears started flowing down my red cheeks like a river as I stomped back to my room.
My head was on my knees. Tears flowed non-stop. How can my father be so cruel? Just then, there was a knock on my door. My mother came in and placed a hand on my shoulder to show support. I ranted all my feelings out. She soothed me down and explained, “Honey, we’re tight on money and we’ve just received more letters about rent. We’re overdue. I understand your father may have been too much, but I hope you also understand. He is very stressed right now. “ My heart softened. Overdue? Maybe I was the bad guy here. As I thought about the ticket which costs around seventy dollars each, I realised I should have been more considerate.
After a few moments, I knocked on my father’s door. I had taken up the courage to apologise to him. As the door unlocked, I tiptoed in and as I took a look at my father, I could now see how stressed he was. Immediately, I broke down in tears and apologised to him. My father hugged me. The silence was loud, but it was very comforting. This was his way of apologising to me too. He took out his wallet and offered me a ten dollar bill. It was all he had. I shook my head. Maybe a hug as a birthday present would not be so bad.
“It was wrong of me to shout at you without a valid reason. I-” He admitted his mistake but I cut him off. “No, I’m the one who is sorry for not understanding you sooner and putting you under pressure,” I reassured him. My father pulled me into a tight hug. What a way to end the day. At that moment, I realised I had received the best birthday gift. A hug is a meaningful gift. It is filled with love.
MJR World of Words 