At the family gathering, my nephew m0cked me: “Mom said you never contributed anything here.” I smiled and replied, “Good. Then she won’t miss the ₱290,000 I send every month for your house.”

got disconnected last year? I paid it.”

I paused.

“Twice.”

Nobody spoke.

“When Mika’s grades dropped and he needed tutoring, I paid for that too.”

My nephew lowered his head.

“Even the Christmas presents from ‘Santa’ were bought by Paolo and me.”

The silence became unbearable.

I turned to Regina.

“After everything I’ve done, this is the story you tell people continue reading …