Teach Us To Be Forgiving

Utol had a Rhinoplasty early last year. She got it for free thanks to our favorite aunt who moved mountains just to help my mom draw the sister out of her Leftist influences.

You see, genes have gifted us with a bulbous nasal organ. This truth makes us a little embarrassed when being compared to someone who possesses a narrow and high-bridged nose. When we were young, utol would get depressed when someone calls her "pango." I was spared from such shame because I'm a guy, but it cost her an entire high school and college life without finding romance - not even a date.

So the Matriarchs agreed. She will get a Noselift.



I was there at the hospital that early morning. My mom could not be with us and so she had to ask me to look after my sister while the Plastic Surgeon reconstructs her nose. The favorite aunt was also there. She showed up to allay my sister's fears that the surgery might further botch up her perceived distorted face.

While the procedure was ongoing within the Lysol scented operating room, I took a stroll to keep boredom from eating me alive. Downstairs, across the lobby is where humanity fought among themselves to avail of free medical help. I saw with my own eyes how the penniless had to wait an entire day just to have free surgery. Since there is a quota of patients to be admitted, those who came late must return the following day to try their luck again.

Some surgeries get to be performed, while others don't. One thing is for sure, one has to fall in line and get a blue card before a patient gets a treatment. Some would spend several nights sleeping under starless skies just to be at the door before it opens at six. The sick and the elderly choose not to fight against the healthier ones. Most of them merely leave to retire elsewhere.

And because the aunt holds a very high position in the hospital, we were spared from waiting like the rest of humanity did.



Unlike utol, I had to work hard just to acquire something. I had to shell out my hard-earned money when I thought of enrolling in the Masters' program. I had to use my credit card to buy my own TV, and if ever I decide to re-install braces on my teeth or buy a DSLR Camera or Laptop Computer to satisfy my hidden passions, I will bear the price for everything I desire.

But utol almost had everything - if it would mean the end of her wasteful activities.

The Rhinoplasty procedure was a success - and I was told - that real men should never desire such aesthetic implements. There goes my secret plan to boost my market value. But by then, the sights and sufferings of other patients have already made a mark on my head. I felt guilty of ever thinking of competing with them for meager government resources.

"Let the masses have my privilege." I said to myself before boarding my aunt's sedan after the operation. "I could do well by just being me."

Months after the procedure, utol resumed her Tibak activities. Her excuse was life has no meaning without Mao. This time, she was alone no more. One night, she brought home someone. A thin, long haired guy we first thought as merely her comrade.

Weeks later, my mom would tell me, the guy is utol's first (and hopefully her last) boyfriend.