Leo just came from an arcade game bonding with his dad, Paolo. He was so full of joy and excitement. Remembering his own, Paolo felt delighted seeing it in his son’s eyes. He then took his son to the car and drove him home.
As Paolo was driving, Leo saw beautiful views of buildings, with displays that gave him wonder and imagination. He also saw the sunset by the seaside promenade that sparkled his eyes.
“Do you like to go to the baywalk?” asked Paolo.
Leo nodded.
Paolo then drove to the baywalk, parked the car, and both started walking around the bay area.
Leo was amazed at seeing the sea, the malls, and the food stalls. He felt like he was in a playground paradise.
“I loved this place before.”, said Paolo, “It was simple, and I liked it. You’re lucky enough to have a lot of things to enjoy here.”
“I wish it’s like this forever.”, said Leo.
“Let’s buy dinner and eat while watching the sunset," said Paolo.
And so they did. They had this heart-to-heart conversation.
“You know when I see the sunset, it makes me happy.”, said Paolo, “I forget all my problems. It gives me hope that tomorrow is always a better day. So I’ll tell you. Always be full of hope. Don’t give up. Fight for it.”
Leo looked at his dad as he listened in attention.
“You’re my eldest.”, continued Paolo, “And I want you to be a great man in the family when I’m not around. And since you’re a smart boy, I want you to not only know about the books you read. You also need to know how to be practical in life.”
Leo showed sad eyes on his face.
“I know you’re scared of your bullies in school. But one day, they’ll learn their lesson.”, reassured Paolo, “You’re also scared of your terror teachers. But one day, you’ll thank them. Life is like that. Accept them as part of life. Learn to overcome them. Embrace every challenge. Don’t be afraid to fail. Learn from your mistakes. Always be better every day.”
Leo’s face started to brighten.
“You also need to learn how to get along with people well.”, advised Paolo, “Always talk to people clearly so that they can understand you.”
“Yes, Dad.”, responded Leo.
“Even though they hurt you, do not fight back.”, continued Paolo, “One day, they’ll know they did wrong.”
“But what if they don’t?” asked Leo.
“You just have to accept it. There’s nothing we can do.”, answered Paolo, “I know it’s not fair. But all I know is there is goodness in a person. If he still has goodness, he can change.”
”It’s hard, Dad.”, remarked Leo.
“I know.”, answered Paolo, “But it feels good to do good. You can be a good person to inspire people. So always seek for the good. Forgive always.”
Leo’s glow started to show again.
“Mom told me you’re saving a lot of money.”, said Paolo, “Are you planning to buy something?”
“Not now, Dad.”, answered Leo, “I want to buy a lot of things, so I’m saving first.”
“Keep doing that.”, encouraged Paolo, “So that when you grow up, you will have a lot of money.”
“I want to own a business.”, said Leo, “So that you can rest after I finish college.”
“That’s good, son.”, remarked Paolo, “That’s why I’m telling you. Get along with people well. Because if you have a business, you’ll talk with many people, and you have to tell them your plans clearly so that they can help you in your business.”
“Will do.”, said Leo, “I want to create the biggest business the world will know.”
“That’s a big dream right there.”, responded Paolo, “Go for it. Always get every opportunity to make your dreams come true.”
“Yes, I will. I’ll do it, said Leo.
“You are truly my son.”, thought Paolo.
He then patted his son on the shoulder and said, “You have a big world ahead of you, boy. And I know you have bright aspirations in life. So I want you to remember this. Always keep the paradise no matter what happens.”
Leo started to give his full attention to his dad.
“The paradise we have is a result of us doing the hard work and not giving up.” Paolo continued, “You are a hardworking boy. I want you to continue that. What I want you to work on now is not to give up easily. Life gives you experiences to learn. Be open to all of them, even if it’s painful or hard. Don’t run away from them. Face them. They help you grow. And they help you get to the paradise you want.”
Paolo sensed the fear in his son’s eyes.
He reassured him, “Don’t worry. Your mom and I will help you do that. And we will help you until you know how to do it. That’s why we’re reminding you of what you need to do. We want you to become a self-disciplined person. We want you to be ready to face anything in life.”
Paolo continued to sense his son’s fear.
“I know your Mom can sometimes be annoying.”, continued Paolo, “But listen to her because it’s for your good. As young as you are, you need to start being healthy. Don’t spend too much time on your phone. You need to sleep early, eat a lot of healthy food, and exercise. They help you always do better every day.”
“There are times I want to play. Doing these makes me tired.”, said Leo.
“I know it’s tiring.”, responded Paolo, “But there are things we need to do even though it’s tiring. It can be tiring at first. But once you finish it, it’s not tiring anymore. You’ll feel happy that you did it.”
“Okay, Dad.”, said Leo.
“It’s like that.”, said Paolo, “And you’ll have to face this many times. So, just bear with it for a while. And it won’t take long. It’ll be gone.”
Leo nodded.
“So what do I want you to remember?” asked Paolo.
“Always keep the paradise no matter what happens.”, answered Leo.
“Very good.”, remarked Paolo, “I want you to be the big, intense dreamer you are while we’re here to teach you the things you need to learn. You can be the best person the world will know. Whatever makes you feel down, you can always watch the sunset. You will remember the happiness you feel. It will inspire you to achieve your goals and dreams.”
Leo then hugged his father and said, “Thanks, Dad. You’re the best in giving me the strength I need.”
Paolo hugged his son back for a moment.
“Let’s go home now.”, said Paolo, “It’s evening, and your Mom might be looking for us.”
Leo nodded.
Both father and son held hands, seeing the sunrise while walking together to the car. Leo is hopeful to see better days ahead of him. Paolo hopes to be a stronger foundation for his family and a guide for his beloved son. As they reached the car, they went inside, seated with their seatbelts, filled with their inner hopes. Paolo started driving on the way home.
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