Hello, welcome to my first story. Please bear with me because I am just an amateur in this profession. It is also my first time writing a story. I will try my best to be as creative as I can be. Also, I am a Filipino and the settings of this story are in the Philippines. Thank you. Stay safe, God bless, Enjoy reading.

"Wow, cool uniform and occupation" I mumbled as I saw a snappy man passed by with his Golder retriever dog. Since I was a little child, my dream was to become a soldier someday to serve and protect our country. I guess it's not gonna happened.

" 'Nak (Child), I'm looking forward to you to become a Master Chef someday like your father. You're already in Third Year college and you only need Two semesters more year to finish your studies." Mom said while looking at my report card. Yes, I am a Culinary student and with one more year left. I will finish my studies, and I can fulfill my Father's and Mother's wishes. I only want them to be happy.

"Hmmm. Yes, Mom. I will finish my studies to support our family needs and to make you and Father happy." I sweetly said and smile bitterly but I know she didn't notice the difference between my genuine and bitter smile.

"Mom, let's dig in before this food becomes cold" As I arranged the plates and dishes I notice an opened brown envelope with papers under the cabinet. I should check it out later maybe it's my papers in school.

"Voltaire!" Conor, shouting at my left ears.

"Stop it. idiot!" I shout back. I lost my concentration because of this guy.

"Hahahahahaha. You're too focused. what are you watching?" He asked.

"This." I show him my phone.

"Idiot, why are you always watching such a thing like that? Hello bro, Let me remind you, your course was too far for that job." He exaggeratedly said.

"It's just too awesome," I said and taps his shoulder.

"Naaah. No, it's not. It's kinda scary, any time you might die and you can't go back to your family again. You want that?" He asked.

"Nope. You know what? Stop being negative thinking. It's not always like that." I replied.

"Whatever. I need to pee bro." He said and left the room.

CRIIIIING!!

CRIIIIING!!

At last, it's already time I can go home now and relax my head. This is a hard day. So many pop-up quizzes, luckily I reviewed my notes last night.

"Volt! wait for me! let's go head home together!!" I paused after I hear my name. It's Conor again. Why he always shouting? Even in the hallway he still shout. Tsk! "Yeah. Let's go home idiot." Conor and I were childhood friends and we live in the same neighborhood also. He is a happy-go-lucky guy and his family had a Food business. His parents always busy with their business, they don't have time to guide their child that's why Conor was like that but he is a good and soft-hearted man. That's his best trait.

"John will pick me outside. I will give you a ride, okay?" He offers me a ride. Great! I can save my fare for this. "Okay then," I replied.

HOME

"Mom! I'm home!" I shouted as I opened the gate. Our dog rush towards me while wagging his tails and licking at my face. "Hello there Agustus! How's your day buddy? Did you poop on the grass? The garden smells bad. You little big boy. Let me kiss you." I kiss Agustus, my beloved and cute dog. I will clean the garden first before I get inside.

It's kinda weird here. Where's Mom? "Mom? Mom? Mom?" I shouted but no response. Maybe she was doing groceries. Let me put my bag in my room and get some water. I'm thirsty.

"Oh. My school papers." I mumbled as I saw the papers I saw last night. I forgot to take a look at it last night.

READ--

READ--

"CRAAAAP!!" I was surprised after I read what's in the letter. It's a diagnosis from the hospital. Where's my phone? I grab my phone from my pocket and dial my Mom's number.

RING--

RING--

"Hello Vol--"

"MOM!! WHERE ARE YOU!! WE NEED TO TALK!!"