Gabi didn't make it in his bid to join the Student Council for next school year. And this despite all his hard work in making his campaign materials and miting de avance speech.
He was disappointed. But he didn't want others to notice. I felt so bad for him.
He even wanted to go home early from the Year End celebrations because I guess, he didn't want to hear the official votes announced. He just wanted to go home. And lick his wounds perhaps, in private.
But he did have a request: he wanted to have merienda first in his favorite KFC.
And as he wolfed down the second of his customary three piece original recipe chicken, I finally got the courage to ask him how he felt about the loss.
"I'm okay, Papa. At least I didn't have to go up the stage with all the winners."
He then smiled and quickly turned to devour the last piece of his comfort food.
It was then that I too felt a bit better.
"Yes, my son, life has its fair share of losses and disappointments." I wanted to tell him.
"And we must all learn that it's not the end result but the effort and the struggle that ultimately counts," I would have added.
"As long as we try our best and have the right intention, we are already winners."
I didn't tell him this anymore. I guess he already knew this.
I just smiled at him. And proceeded to finish my own recovery meal.
