The misserable wife

JAM KIRSTEN CELESTIAL's POV

"YES! My part is done, 'Dad!" I happily exclaimed, showing my father the wooden toy I just finished.

Wood carving has been our livelihood over the years, or more accurately, it's what kept Dad Jasper busy even before I was born into this world.

My dad is a skilled carver, creating structures and various wooden items like tables. He also has a knack for crafting children's toys, affordable for their parents.

Despite being made of wood, his creations are impressive, showcasing my dad's incredible talent. It's something I deeply admire.

Apart from carving, Dad has a creative mind, coming up with innovative ideas for his projects and skillfully drawing different cartoon characters or toy designs.

I inherited my father's artistic talent. He once said I could become an architect or an interior designer, but I still prefer carving wooden toys.

However, I pursued a different course – I'm graduating in Business Management. If I manage to save enough, I dream of opening a shop specializing in crafting children's toys. Maybe, in the future, we won't limit ourselves to wood. Who knows? Evolution might happen. Char!

"Wow! My child is truly amazing! Dad is so proud of you, Jam!" Dad happily exclaimed, giving me a tight hug. I hugged him back, and he took the toy I made.

It's a small figure with a big belly – actually, it's a dwarf. I drew these characters on paper.

"It's beautiful! Still as brilliant as ever!" he said in awe, laughing heartily. He put his arm around me.

We were in our modest home, sitting on the floor, smiling widely as we admired the toys that bring life to our world.

Sweat, blood, exhaustion, sleepless nights – that's the foundation of our creations, completed within a few days. Every emotion is part of the process, but we find joy in carving together. It became a game for us – whoever gets caught treating the other to Aling Sahara's pancit canton.

Dad serves as our inspiration, giving us the motivation to start and finish his envisioned projects.

"Noodles, Dad!" I shouted. He burst into laughter, tousling my shoulder-length chocolate-colored hair with bangs. I'm used to it by now.

"Oh, come on! Let's go!" he shouted, and I even clapped my hands due to overwhelming joy.

It's like those are my rewards – to eat pancit canton.

I stood up, grabbed my black hoodie from our small chair, and put it on. I also handed Dad my wallet. I raised an eyebrow and grinned. Dad just shook his head, smiling. It became our favorite, you know.

"Yeah! It comes with an egg and a soft drink!" Dad said, and we both exited our small house simultaneously.

Dad Jasper and I live in a small home with two rooms. We only have a few belongings inside, except for the handmade toys in the living room.

It's just the two of us living together because Mom Fei passed away when I was only ten. She had a heart condition, and due to financial constraints, we couldn't afford her treatment. Dad's job only covered our daily expenses. Mom chose to rest and didn't want Dad to struggle to find a large sum of money for her medical bills. She preferred us to save any extra money for my education.

I was okay with stopping my studies back then because my mom's health was more important. But it didn't matter.

I know Dad was deeply hurt by my mom's loss, but he said there was nothing we could do. That was what was meant for Mom. It was God's will, and her life ended there. We all go through that; it's just that some go first...

Dad somehow moved on, especially since he had a child – me. So, he said he would live for me.

For many years, Dad Jasper played both the roles of mother and father. Even if I grew up without a mom, Dad never lacked love for me as his child. I'm content with Dad, and I'm happy he's my father.

He does everything he can for what he claims to be my bright future, but I already have my parents with me... even though Mom Fei is no longer here. I know she's happy and in a good place now.

My dad and I are at peace because we both know that my mother no longer feels any pain.

Today is Sunday, my dad Jasper's day off from work, so it's the only day we get to be together. Dad is also quite busy with his job. Back in the province, he was just a carpenter, but now he works in a shop.

We traveled to Manila when I passed the scholarship exam. I'll only be paying half of my tuition because of my high grades, and I'm graduating this year.

Luckily, I made it to the dean's list, and Dad is really proud. I did my best.

Sahara's noodle shop is just a short distance from our house, and as expected, many customers are dining inside. It's around 3 PM, snack time, and students frequent the place since the school is nearby. Those on a tight budget come here because the food is affordable.

Sahara's business has been around for a long time, well-known in the area, and their noodles are delicious.

"Even at this hour, there are still many customers," Dad commented, glancing at me.

"Yes, Dad. Sahara's pancit canton is really good," I replied.

"Oh well, you'll keep looking for it. That's why you always beat me," he teased, messing with my hair.

"Not really, Dad. Even if you win, I still get to eat our favorite pancit," I defended. He just chuckled.

One of my joys is seeing Dad happy. If I see him sad or struggling, it feels like I'm going through it too.

As we approached Sahara's noodle shop, we saw her busy at the counter, almost bowing down. When she looked up, she unintentionally glanced at us.

She greeted us with a broad smile before playfully tapping a woman nearby. I didn't hear what she said. The woman just nodded.

"Good afternoon, Sahara," Dad greeted her warmly, and her smile widened, her cheeks turning red.

I didn't want to read too much into the emotions she showed to my dad, but I couldn't help but think of possible scenarios.

I'm not foolish; I know Sahara's true feelings for my dad. But I know...she'll only get hurt if she continues with those feelings.

I'm not saying I don't like Sahara for my dad. There's nothing wrong if they end up together, both being widowed. My concern is how he'll feel about it, considering my mom still holds a special place in his heart.

Even after many years since we lost mom, Dad Jasper's heart still beats for her. My dad truly loves Mom Fei.

Sahara is a widow with two kids, a boy and a girl. Her husband passed away five years ago due to lung problems, mostly caused by his vices, including alcohol.

"Good afternoon, Jasper," she greeted my dad and turned to me, "and to you, Jam." I just nodded in response.

"Get us two noodles with egg for my kid, Sahara. Add a cold soft drink too," my dad requested as he helped me take a seat. Luckily, there was an available table.

It was spacious, but almost cramped for us. Nevertheless, the place was cool with a ceiling fan and a large TV, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

"I'll guess... Maybe your son beat you again, Jasper..." I burst into laughter uncontrollably because Sahara's predictions about my dad losing to me in various scenarios were always accurate.

Whenever she sees us heading to her noodle shop, she can guess if Dad lost again. Occasionally, we also buy food from them. If it's not me, Dad volunteers to buy, or he stops by on his way home.

"Because my son takes advantage of his father's slowness. You know, when you get old, you become too slow," my dad joked.

I grinned, and Sahara joined in our laughter.

"Oh, I'll go get it now. Your child is very smart," she commented. I'm not used to receiving compliments, so I could feel my cheeks turning red.

"Oh, my child's ego is growing again. Just one compliment," my dad teased me, and I couldn't help but pout.

"`Dad, seriously. You always love teasing me," I said with a frown.

"I'm right, though. Look at those cheeks of yours. Redder than a tomato," he remarked, making my face scrunch up even more.

Despite Dad teasing me, he eventually fell silent and sighed. It seemed like he was feeling a bit down again.

"Oh, by the way, dear... Your mom Fei's death anniversary is coming up," he said. I let out a sigh.

"It's been eleven years since mom left us, huh, Dad? But we both know she's happy wherever she is at this moment," I said with a smile, noticing a glimmer in Dad's eyes.

"Always guiding and watching over us," he said with a smile.

"Eleven years, but your mom is still in my heart, Jam. She'll never be gone from here," he said, gently tapping his chest, as if pointing to his heart.

That's one reason why I worry about Sahara's feelings.

Loving someone is never wrong...

"I still love your mom Fei so much..." he said sincerely.

"Maybe Mom has an angel she loves now, Dad!" I teased, widening his eyes.

"That's what I don't like!" I burst into laughter just as Sahara arrived with our order.

Dad and I enjoyed our pancit canton with boiled egg and cold soft drinks.

I'm Jam Kirsten Celestial, almost 21, and I share my life with my amazing dad, Jasper Celestial.

This is the beginning of the first chapter of my life... with my dad.