If a few months back people asked him what he wanted to be after high school, he would say that he wanted to be just like his father—a successful businessman. His father was a loving man to his family, friends and acquaintance. He would make time for him and his younger sister no matter how busy or tired he was from work. He was generous. He would take the family along with their neighbor next door on a trip; be it in the country or overseas. His father showered the family with love and care—he believed that he was the best father in the world and he should get an award for it. But now he knew his father didn’t deserve such an award—though the best actor award should fit him perfectly.

If he was asked the same question now, he would answer “nothing like my father” and they would understand. The news of his father’s doings was broadcasted for the whole nation to watch. Not only did it affect the company, it also affects everyone who was related to him—relatives, business partners or just mere acquaintances—in one way or another. To know that his father had smuggled a great amount of money from the company and was receiving bribery in large amounts from god knows who was a shocking news to him and his family.

He couldn’t even imagine how such a kind and loving man would do such a thing and not think of the consequences for him and the people around him. Now that he thinks about it, he should have been suspicious of his father since he decided to take all of them on an overseas trip for the first time. His father’s monthly salary could cover the travelling expenses for their family but not if their neighbor tags along. But he didn’t and he felt regretful because of that.

Now, everywhere he went he was asked about how he felt about the news. Most of the time—all the time—he wouldn’t even bother to answer and would just get away from there. They already knew the answer but they just want the joy of seeing him breakdown right there and then. But he won’t let them. He won’t let this incident get to him because if it does, his mother and sister will not have a place to hang on to—since now he was the pillar of their family.