The Last and the Lightest
In Filipino families, being the bunso, the youngest child, comes with a certain expectation. People often see us as the “baby of the family,” the one who runs away with things, receives the most attention, and carries the lightest responsibilities. From the outside, it may look like a life filled with privilege and comfort. Growing up, I had a seven-year gap with my middle sibling, which made our bond even more special. Even though our house had two bedrooms, my family preferred to sleep together in the living room. Every night before going to sleep, we would play, watch TV, and study side by side. I cherished those nights deeply, never realizing they wouldn’t last forever. As time passed, our home began to change. The once makalat, maingay, at masaya (messy, noisy, and joyful) atmosphere slowly faded, replaced by silence. Even a single chair stayed unmoved because my two older brothers were too busy facing the challenges of college and adultho...