The Failed Coin Flip

I picked up my wallet that was on top of my table. My throat was starting to crave for a breather. A box of yosi would do. There was a bit of eagerness as I searched my wallet for a twenty peso bill. It was again a good day to find fun outdoors. After five sticks, I’ll just send my friends messages and them meet in the mall.

But there were no twenty peso bills. All were a thousand and five hundred bills. Not a single twenty, fifty, or a hundred bill. Who would accept a thousand for a kaha of tens lights?

I patted my jeans wishing to find some money. A five peso coin. Lucky, but not enough. It was only good for probably three sticks, not enough to stifle the itch of the throat.

The old man’s probably downstairs eating his meal. I won’t be able to sneak out so easily. He had the most number of eyes, like the spy cams on malls. I need to escape before he sees me and turns himself into an ogre. Damn, he nags more than my mother. I fixed myself, sprayed a bit of perfume and ran down the stairs while flipping the coin.

But before I reached the last step, I heard them talking at the table:

Why bother buying another place when you can build your own?

We could save a lot of money if we buy the area because we won’t need to construct a new building.

You are still thinking of saving when everyday you’re earning more and more? Lando’s everyday expenses will not make you any poorer. You don’t have to worry.

I am not worrying about my son. I want to earn more because he loves spending. If he has more money, maybe he will be happy.

Maybe? Then why won’t you spend money together? That will be good at least.

Yes, maybe. I am not certain though about his happiness. I think he’s happier going with his friends.

This is good, I said to myself. I flipped the coin and caught it as it went down. Heads, I will follow mom’s advice. But when I opened my hand, it showed the other side.

Better luck next time. And I walked straight to the door and went outside.

-Max Sacala-