One Day
September 13, 2016
Today is a bright Sunday. The summer sun glares at the streets and makes the cross on the top of the roof glisten. Like every Sabbath day, my family and I walk to
church, hand in hand. We all are sweating like crazy under the harsh, blazing sun while the hot winds blows into our face. While walking towards our destination, mama
broke the silence by asking, "Maria, tomorrow is your birthday. Why don't we pray about it?" I stared at papa for help, but he just smirked at me. So I just decided to stare
at my feet to avoid the hopeful gaze becoming disappointed.
"Uh, maybe a no." I answered. Like how I predicted, the puppy eyes came out as soon as the words came out. What can I say? I just can't imagine praying in
front of everyone in the church. Even God might think that it is stupid for me to pray about my birthday, since that is what younger kids do, not teens. Even the adults
pray about more important things like cancer and war. How can I just talk about my birthday?
"Oh come on sweetheart," my papa said with beads of sweat dripping off his face. "It can't be that bad, so why don't we give it a try?" I could almost see my
mama perk up and go back down again when I said, "No."
"Sis," My 8 year old sister joined in. "You made mom sad again! Just say yes already and ask God for a bucket of butter!"
Puzzled, I ask, "What for?"
"So you can get fat!" She smiled mischievously.
"You-"
She yelled, "Come and get me, blaaaa!" while slapping her butt and running off. The next thing I knew, I was chasing after her, shouting, "Get back here, you little!"
The running made my body feel all sticky and the heated wind is not making it any better. But, I do not care for the chase is fun and I can hear my parents chuckling
way behind us. Our laughter can be heard from miles away while the distance between us and the House of God is closing in. Everything is perfect on this joyous day,
except for that old broken down building right beside our church. It has a gloomy feeling to it and no one tried to do anything to it ever since 1945. Most of all, I for
some reason, feel some kind of connection between us. It can't tell why though. Either way, it does not matter much to me. My sister and I are already in the church,
and what is the use of thinking of anything other than God in his house? Today is such a joyous day, so I shouldn't make myself feel uncomfortable at all. One day, I will
know the truth between me and that building, one day.