ONE SWEET SUMMER

Ben, Carlo, and their little sister Mia were already excited for the next school year.

- By Zaida Marie A. Tambis

Ben, Carlo, and their little sister Mia were already excited for the next school year. They loved the smell of new notebooks, the feel of crisp pages, and the happiness of organizing their school supplies before the first day of class. To them, new school items felt like a fresh beginning full of possibilities.

One afternoon, they passed by a store filled with colorful school bags. Some had superheroes, others had cute animals, and some had shiny zippers that sparkled under the light. Carlo picked up a notebook with a bright green cover. ‘‘Imagine starting the school year with these!’’

They hurried home, full of excitement and hope. That evening, they asked their father, ‘‘Papa, can we buy new bags and notebooks for the next school year?’’ ‘‘My children,’’ he said kindly, ‘‘I wish I could buy everything you want. But right now, our budget is tight.’’ The children nodded. They understood. Their father always made sure each of them felt equally loved.