Ben's Note
Forgive and forget
Pastor Augustine
Pastor Augustine: Forgive one another, just as Jesus forgave those who persecuted Him. Forgive… and do it seventy-seven times!
Sisi
[thinking] Hmm… everyone’s nodding like they’re saints. I just want food.
Anna
Come, let’s go to the restroom.
Sisi
Yes, please. [smiling] I needed a break from this.
Anna
🎵 Happy birthday to me… 🎵
Sisi
Anna! Lower your voice. We’re still in church.
Anna
Sorry… but did you see Mrs. Daniel nodding her head when Pastor said, “Forgive one another”?
Anna
That’s the same woman who fought in the salon because someone called her son ugly
Sisi
[bursts out laughing]
Anna
Sisi… I’m eighteen today. Next week, I’ll be in college—making my own decisions. Wearing what I want. Going where I want. I wish the same for you.
Sisi
[smiling] You know Mom and Dad… strict about everything. No dating, no certain friends…
Anna
I know. I had to keep my boyfriend a secret.
Anna
Come on, let’s get back before Mom notices we’re gone.
[Later – Church Service Ending]
Pastor Augustine
All rise as we say the Lord’s Prayer.
Sisi
Finally, it’s almost over.
[Outside – After Service]
Sisi
[heart racing] Hi, Ben.
Benedict
I just wanted to give you this. [hands over folded paper]
Sisi
[takes it shyly] Thanks…
Sisi
He walks away before I can say anything else.
Secrets and Suprise
[In the car after church]
Anna
Sisi, you look happy. Did something happen? Did I miss something funny in church?
Sisi
(smiles, looking out the window) Oh… it’s nothing. I’m just happy to go home and celebrate your birthday with you.
Sisi
(thinking): No way I’m telling her about Ben or the paper he gave me… not yet. I still don’t even know what’s written inside.
Anna
(grinning) Well, my boyfriend Josh is bringing me a cake and some chocolates later. You’ll have plenty to eat.
Sisi
Really? Josh is coming over?
Anna
Yep. First time he’s visiting.
Sisi
(raises eyebrow) Do Mom and Dad know about you and Josh?
Anna
(laughs softly) Relax. They won’t do anything harsh. Come on, let’s go change. He’ll be here by 5:00 p.m.
[Later – Knock on the door]
Anna
Coming! (runs to the door)
Mom
(looking at Sisi in surprise) She never runs to answer the door. She’s really excited.
Mom
Sisi, pass me the salt.
Sisi
(hands it over) Alright, Mom.
[In the kitchen – Sisi hesitates]
Sisi
Mom… can I get a phone? All my classmates have one.
Mom
(turns to her) We’ve talked about this.
Sisi
I know, but I’m 16 now, and it would help with my studies.
Sisi
(thinking): Please say yes, please say yes…
Mom
(pauses, then smiles) Alright. You start high school tomorrow anyway.
Sisi
(face lights up, hugs Mom tightly) Thank you!
Mom
Just promise me it won’t distract you from your studies.
Sisi
(thinking): That’s the sweetest thing she’s said to me in a long time.
Anna
Mom, are you done cooking?
Anna
Um… just come with me to the living room.
[They walk in – Josh is sitting on the couch]
Sisi
(thinking): Oh wow… he’s even more handsome than in the pictures. Chocolate-brown skin, neat dark hair, perfect beard…
Anna
Mom, meet my boyfriend, Josh. Josh, this is my mom. And this is my sister, Sisi.
Mom
Hello, Josh. Nice to meet you. I hope you’re hungry—I just finished cooking.
Josh
(smiles in relief) I brought you this. (hands her a wrapped gift)
Mom
Oh, thank you, darling.
[Later – cake and chocolates on the table]
Sisi (thinking): Anna was right. Mom didn’t do anything harsh. Everyone’s laughing, the food smells amazing, and the cake… well, that’s just the icing on the day.
Hidden words Hidden feeling
Mom
Why didn’t you tell me sooner about Josh?
Anna
(bows her head, voice soft) Sorry, Mom… I wasn’t sure if you’d approve. I was scared because you always said no dating.
Mom
(sighs, then hugs her) It’s okay, darling. Josh seems like a good guy, and he’s really well-mannered. I can see why you like him. (smiles)
Anna
(relieved, chuckles a little)
Mom
You’ll be starting college soon, Anna. I want you to always remain a good child of God. (serious tone)
Sisi
(thinking): Earlier today, Ben gave me a folded paper. I held onto it all day, too nervous to open it.
Tonight… I can’t wait any longer.
Sisi
(slowly opens the note, heart racing)
“You are wonderfully and carefully made by God Himself.”
Sisi
That’s all it said… but somehow, it meant everything.
I feel so happy right now. Ben… he’s so handsome, and his voice when he sings in church—he gives me butterflies every single time.
But… did he notice I have a crush on him? I’ve never told a soul.
What if he already knows? What if… he actually likes me back?
Sisi
(murmurs) I wish I had a phone. I’d call him right now.
Sisi
(jumps, clutching her chest) Anna! You nearly gave me a heart attack!
Anna
(laughing so hard she can barely breathe) Got you!
Sisi
(glares) That’s not funny.
Anna
(grinning) Sorry, Sisi. But your door was wide open, and you looked so lost in your thoughts. I thought I’d bring you back to reality.
Sisi: (shakes head, trying not to smile)
Anna
(squints) What’s that you’re hiding behind your back? I saw the paper.
Sisi
It’s nothing… just my wish list for the new month.
Anna
Our secret prayer list?
Anna
Of course! Mom told me about the new phone. Congratulations, baby Sisi!
Sisi
(laughs, trying to act normal) Thanks, Anna. And congratulations to you too… on your new boyfriend.
Anna
(grins proudly) Oh, before I forget—I brought you more chocolates. Enjoy and sleep well.
Sisi
(forces a smile) Thanks…
Sisi
(thinking): She can never know about Ben’s letter. Not now. Not ever.
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