The sun was blazing overhead, but Jayden hardly noticed. This was the day of his graduation as Summa Cum Laude from a prestigious university. Beside him stood his parents—Mang Karyo and Aling Ising—holding a worn woven bag and a small hand fan.

“Rules are rules, Mr. Santos,” the coordinator insisted while fanning herself impatiently. “We can’t allow the graduation ceremony to look like a public market. It would be embarrassing in front of the sponsors and donors who will be arriving.”

Jayden’s face turned red with anger and shame for what his parents were experiencing. He was about to respond when Mang Karyo gently held his arm.

“It’s alright, son,” his father whispered, though sadness filled his eyes. “We’ll just stay here outside the gate. What matters is that we can see you walk up the stage. Don’t worry about us.”

Jayden’s voice trembled.

“But Dad…”

“Go on, go inside. They’re waiting for you,” Aling Ising urged, forcing a smile even as tears welled in her eyes.

With a heavy heart, Jayden went inside. As he walked down the aisle, he saw other parents wearing barongs and elegant gowns, laughing and chatting.

His own parents remained outside the gate, peeking through the metal bars like strangers to their own son’s success.

The ceremony began. Every round of applause sounded like an insult in Jayden’s ears.