WHAT WE VALUE MOST

Written by: Unna Lhy M. Buenaventura and Veronica F. Manuel

Illustration by: Mic Santiago

December 22, 2022 | 7:56 P.M.

Nothing is as important as family. Luxury and power pale in comparison to the time and memories we spend with our loved ones. Daniel Chole is a devoted father who would do anything for his family, even enduring being away from them if it meant that it would put food on their table and a roof above their heads. 

The sky was starting to get dark as the sun went down, signaling the start of Daniel’s night shift. The only sources of light for the otherwise black street would have been the moon and stars if it had been a usual night, but it wasn't. The streets were littered with bright and shining parols of different colors and sizes, and children were going house-to-house to sing carols. It was the night of Christmas Eve.

Despite the spirit of Christmas, Daniel was working in the restaurant instead of celebrating with his family. He felt something vibrating in his pocket and picked it up to see that his wife was calling him. “Love, are you sure you won’t be home this Christmas? The kids really want to spend Christmas Eve with you this year because you missed it last year.”

Daniel could hear the sound of children laughing in the background and the voice of his eldest son scolding them. “I know love, but we really need money to pay off the debts we owe to our neighbors.” 

There was a brief moment of silence before she finally answered, “I understand Dan, just… come home safely, okay?”

“I will, I love you.” After a faint ‘I love you’ back, Daniel hung up and placed his hands against the counter to hold himself up. He thought about what he should do, but his train of thoughts were cut off when the bell jingled and the first customers of the night—who appeared to be a family—entered the restaurant. He immediately stiffened and gave a smile to welcome the customers. Steve, one of his co-workers who was also working the night shift, came to greet the customers and direct them to their seats.

As more customers enter the restaurant with their families, Daniel continues to work while keeping in mind that this hard work is being done for the sake of his family. Although Daniel is feeling a little gloomy, he tries to stay positive because he is at work.

After an hour and a half, one by one, the parols and Christmas lights began to dim. The shops across the street were shutting, and there were hardly any people left on the street. Daniel gazes sadly at the few remaining families’ shared laughter and smiles in the restaurant as he waits for more customers to arrive. His coworker Steve observes this. 

Steve approaches Daniel and begins to chat with him by tapping his shoulder, “So, how are you?” 

Daniel, who was spacing out, turns his head to Steve in the spur of the moment and smiles, “Oh, all is well. I just can’t believe it’s Christmas again.” He continues, “Last Christmas only felt like yesterday.” 

“That’s true. Actually, it’s nice to see that our customers are enjoying their food while they spend time with their loved ones.” Steve smiles as he gazes at the customers. 

“It must be nice to celebrate Christmas with your family,” Daniel expressed when his smile slowly disappears as he turns to face the ground and adds, “It doesn’t feel like Christmas to me, but seeing them enjoy it makes me feel like it is.”

“What’s wrong?” Concerned, Steve glances up at Daniel as he asks. 

“I miss my family.” Daniel responds quietly after a long pause, “I’ve never gotten the chance to spend my time with them since the year started. At the very least, I wish I could spend this Christmas Eve with them.” 

“Is that so? Well, what’s holding you back?” Steve furrows his brow.

Daniel replies, “I can’t miss the double paycheck today.”

“You see, you really won’t feel the essence of Christmas without your family,” Steve says after pausing to sigh. “You’re lucky enough to have a family of your own. Other people don’t have a family—like me,” Steve gently smiles. 

Daniel responds in disbelief as his mood deflates, “Really? I’m sorry; I didn’t know you didn’t have a family. It must be difficult.” 

“It’s nothing. I’ve lived like this since I was a child, so I’m used to it. Also, I have a cat and I consider him as my family.” Steve smiles at Daniel, “So, what are you waiting for?” He said lightly, “Stop worrying about work and go home to your family. We only have a few customers left, anyway.”

After hearing what Steve said, Daniel smiles at him gratefully. “I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Steve, you can always join us if it gets lonely.” Steve nodded but said nothing as Daniel quickly asked their manager for permission to leave early.

As Daniel was riding the bus home, he saw that the otherwise dark and empty street he grew accustomed to was filled with colorful lights and parols. Although they were beginning to dim, it did not dampen the message it expressed. The closer he got to home, the more it felt like Christmas. 

At last, Daniel got off the bus and made his way into their house. As he was strolling by, he could see his neighbors eating and laughing together through their windows. Some people were even singing their hearts out through karaoke. The singing slowly faded as he went closer to the house until he was standing right outside the door. 

He raised his hand to knock and after a few moments, the door opened to reveal his wife with a surprised look on her face. The silence between them was destroyed by a loud squeal as Daniel felt something clutch his legs. “Papa! You’re here!” He looked down and saw his youngest son, Kai. Behind his wife were his two other sons looking shocked, but happy. 

“I thought you weren’t gonna come home until tomorrow?” His wife asked as she ushered him inside. Although it sounded like she did not want him there, her smile said otherwise.

“I just realized what I value most.”

“And what is that?”

“You, and our family.”