A CHILD’S SIMPLE WISH

Ramon was an ordinary, hardworking father. His wife had passed away years earlier, leaving him to raise his seven-year-old daughter, Nina, on his own.

It was Nina’s birthday.

As they rode together in a jeepney, she tugged gently at his sleeve.
“Daddy,” she said softly, “can I have a doll? The pink one we saw at Luxe Mall last time.”

Ramon glanced down at himself. He had just come straight from inspecting one of his construction sites outside the city. His old T-shirt was dusty, his jeans worn, and his slippers still streaked with dried mud.

Still, he smiled and nodded.
“Alright,” he said. “Let’s go get it.”

They stepped into Luxe Mall hand in hand. Heads turned immediately. The place was filled with people in polished shoes, expensive perfume, and tailored outfits.

Ramon and Nina smelled of heat, dust, and honest labor.