Corrine was the eldest daughter. She belongs to a lively, close-knit family. Not rich but respectable commoners. Her grandfather was a war hero, and lived their days in tranquility. Her father married into the family and wield the Padilla name.
The morning sun rays poured through the window. It was casting freshness and warmth across Corrine's shared bedroom in the Padilla family home.
As the eldest daughter and also eldest granddaughter of the Padilla clan, Corrine carried a proud upbringing. She has high confidence, and a sense of responsibility beyond her years. Though at this moment... she was simply a child, lazying in the comfort of a carefree morning.
"Up, Ate! You're the first born! You should be an early riser!" called out Carmen, her younger sister but never shy about teasing the eldest.
"Aaagh, Carmeen, you doofus! You knew I was dreaming about Kotaro Minami," Corrine protested with a laugh. She sat up on the single bed that held stories and memories of her family's legacy.
Carmen grinned and hopped onto the bed beside her. "Sleepyhead, Masked Rider won't get you breakfast with our Lola's special honey."
Corrine couldn't argue with that. She cringed, swung her legs over the side of the bed, feeling the weight of her position and yet the joy of sisterhood.
"Silly.. you only want me to do the dishes afterwards!"
Downstairs, the Padilla household buzzed with life. Juana Padilla - their Lola- the matriarch of the family, sat at the dining table with content expression. While Lucia, their mother directed the cooks with her rap-style speeches.
Fresh tea leaves and coffee scents mingled with sweet aroma of garlic. A Saturday tradition signaling both indulgence and ritual.
"Corrine, dear, don't just sniffing around like a dog! Come help set the table," their mother called with a chuckle. "You know the family looks to you as the eldest! Lead by example."
Pouting, Corrine nodded heavily, balancing pride with the innocence of her youth.
At the table, voices mingled. Her sibling and cousins chattered. Aunts arrived with snacks from the city. They were too talkative but the steady presence of their Lola brought a feeling of security in her heart.
As portions of sinangag [1]were passed and stories exchanged, Corrine felt the weight of her place in the Padillas. But also felt the joy of a family bound together by love and expectation.
After breakfast, the sisters played under the old mango tree in the yard. Laughters echoing as they wove between branches and hid from their elders' eyes.
Though the family insisted on tradition and decorum, Corrine's childhood was still full of bubbly afternoons and childish ideas.
"Careful, Ate!" Carmen warned as Corrine scrambled higher than usual, her usual grin stretched wide. "You're gonna get us all in trouble."
Corrine grinned, her eyes sparkled with mischief and whispered, "shush.. that's the point."
Her fingers clutched the frail branch too tightly. All a sudden, the branch cracked and gave way beneath her weight. A stifling yelp escaped her lips as she toppled down. She landed quite hard on the soft grass.
"But not like this!! Awwww... aw.. aw.." she hollered.
Carmen laughed hard while trying to climb down safely. And even harder when Corrine stumbled and rubbed her bottoms, cursing childish words. Unaware their elders are running with fumes.
"Corrine!" Juana's voice was sharp, stern with worry as she hurried over. "Be careful! You're the eldest granddaughter, anak! Your cousins and sibling look up to you! You must set a good example, not cause us worry!"
Corrine bit her lip as Lola's gaze softened but remained firm. "Eldest granddaughter means responsibility, not reckless climbing."
Before Corrine could respond, Ferrerro-her grandfather-approached with his usual calm presence. He adjusted his reading glasses. "Corrine, the world is vast beyond these trees. Reading and knowledge will open doors that games cannot. Spend more time with your books, child. Let your mind roam free, even if your feet cannot."
She loved the freedom of climbing and running wild. But these words, though kind, felt like invisible chains tightening around her spirited heart.
"Yes, Lolo…" Corrine nodded slowly, brushing grass from her knees.
"But Lolo, the trees are my playground! Books can wait for me to come inside, but these branches wait for me to climb," she mumbled to herself, afraid she would offend her grandfather. Juana cupped her cheeks with a relieved sigh. "That's enough excitement for today, young lady," she said firmly. "You. Must. Learn. Your limits."
Corrine's mischievous expressions faded. Carmen tiptoed back to the house, while Corrine tried to absorb their elders' attention to herself. "I'm not a baby anymore, Lola! I can take care of myself."
Ferrerro gently ruffled her hair. "We know you can, Corrine. But we also want to keep you safe. Growing up isn't just daring feats. It's about learning to be cautious, too."
The tension hung briefly in the air, but soon Corrine's stubbornness softened. She glanced around at the watchful eyes of her family. Despite her defiance, Corrine understand the wisdom behind their words. She could feel it. Yes.. she was a really bright 10 years old. Her family's love like firm roots. The love that would hold her steady even in the fiercest winds. Their love and their expectations also weaving a cage disguised in care.
Later that afternoon, the sun dipped low, casting golden hues across the horizon. Corrine sat on the porch. Her knees hugged to her chest. Carmen accompanied her in silence.
The warmth of the fading light wrapped around them like an embrace. There was comfort in the quiet moments shared with those who loved her most. Corrine thought that adventures could wait… for now.
The constant reminders of the eldest granddaughter's burden burned deep in her. And her yearning of freedom linger in her head. Free as the wind in her dreams, yet grounded by tradition and duty. Corrine felt the ache of both worlds.
The playful girl, the tomboy who laughed and basked in sunlight, was also the eldest Padilla granddaughter. The hopeful example for all.
With a deep breath, she whispered to herself, "I'll be both. But on my own terms."
[1] tasty garlic fried rice