[Preview] The Filipino Dream: Rising Above and Beyond

When I set out to write "The Filipino Dream: The Ambong Family's Journey," I wanted to capture more than just a story of financial success and upward mobility. I aimed to tell a story about the unbeatable human spirit, the unyielding power of family, and the courage it takes to chase dreams against all odds. As I embarked on this journey, I found myself reflecting on what it truly means to dream, to strive, and to succeed.

The Ambong family’s journey is one that resonates deeply with me. Like many Filipino families, they started with very little. Life in Catbalogan City was a constant struggle, yet it was also filled with moments of love, resilience, and an unbreakable bond that held them together. As I delved deeper into the lives I have written, I was continually inspired by Joselito and Periah Ambong, and their daughters Monica, Jasmine, Kristine, and Sofia, who exemplify the virtues of hard work, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a better future.

Writing about the Ambong family, I was reminded of the many families around the world who share a similar dream—the desire to rise above circumstances, to create opportunities, and to achieve a life that reflects their deepest aspirations. The journey of the Ambong family takes them from the crowded streets of Manila to the towering skyscrapers of New York City, illustrating the diversity of the Filipino experience and the myriad paths one might take to realize their dreams.

Throughout the story, I explored the entrepreneurial spirit that led the Ambongs to transform an ambitious vision into a successful family resort. This was not just a business venture; it was a testament to their unity, perseverance, and relentless determination. I found myself drawn to the sacrifices each family member made in pursuit of their dreams, each adding their unique contribution to the family's collective success.

One of the most moving aspects of their story is the realization that success is not solely measured by financial gain but by the strength of familial bonds and the courage to face life's adversities. Through the highs and lows of their journey, the Ambong family reminds us that the essence of the Filipino dream, and indeed any dream, is found in the relationships that sustain us, the dreams that drive us, and the resilience that keeps us moving forward.

As you read about the Ambong family, I hope you are inspired by their journey as much as I was while writing it. Their story is a reminder that no dream is too big, and no obstacle is insurmountable when approached with love, determination, and unity. May this book encourage you to pursue your own dreams with fervor and resilience and remind you that the journey, with all its trials and triumphs, is as significant as the destination.

Preface………………………………………………………………………………………….I

1. Roots of Struggle……………………………………………………………………………1

2. The Proposal……….………………………………………………………………………11

3. The Departure……………………………………………………………………………...22

4. New Beginnings in Lyttleton………………………………………………………………33

5. Kristine’s Path………….………………………………………………………………….43

6. Rising Above…………..…………………………………………………………………..53

7. Kristine’s Decision……..………………………………………………………………….64

8. Life in the Big Apple.……………………………………………………………………...75

9. The Resort Dream…………..……………………………………………………………...85

10. Shadows of the Past………………………………………………………………………95

11. Trials and Triumphs……...……………………………………………………………...106

12. The Filipino Dream Realized………..…………………………………………………..116

13. Epilogue…………………………………………………………………………………123

In the heart of Catbalogan City, Samar, stood a small, weathered house with chipped paint and a rusty tin roof. This humble abode belonged to the Ambong family, a testament to their resilience and unwavering hope amidst a life of poverty. Joselito Ambong, the patriarch, rose before dawn each day. The streets were still cloaked in darkness as he prepared for another grueling day of driving his jeepney. Beside him, Periah, his wife, was already at her sewing machine, mending clothes for their neighbors to bring in a few extra pesos.

Joselito and Periah's love story was one of shared dreams and silent sacrifices. They had four daughters, each with their own aspirations and struggles. Monica, the eldest at 24, worked as a cashier in a small convenience store. Her meager earnings were a lifeline for the family. Despite her long hours, Monica never complained; she saw her job as a stepping stone, a way to support her younger siblings and maybe one day pursue her own dreams.

Jasmine, 22, was the scholar of the family. She was in her final year of college, studying to become a teacher. Her tuition fees were a collective effort, funded by her parents' hard work and Monica's contributions. Jasmine was acutely aware of the sacrifices being made for her education and studied diligently, hoping to lift her family out of poverty.

Kristine, 18, was a graduating high school student. The school years were challenging for her, but she faced it with a determination inherited from her parents. She dreamed of becoming a nurse, inspired by the medical missions she had seen in their barangay. Sofia, the youngest at ten, was a bright and cheerful grade four student. Despite the family's struggles, Sofia's innocence and optimism brought light to their household.

Every morning, Joselito started his jeepney, its engine sputtering to life like an old friend reluctant to wake up. The jeepney was more than just a vehicle; it was a symbol of his relentless pursuit to provide for his family. As he navigated the crowded streets of Catbalogan, he thought of the peso coins he would collect, each one a small step towards a better future.

Periah's days were equally demanding. Her sewing machine, an old but reliable companion, hummed steadily throughout the day. She repaired clothes for their neighbors, charging only what they could afford. Her earnings were meager, but each stitch represented her love and dedication to her family.

Monica's day began as soon as the sun peeked over the horizon. She quickly dressed and grabbed a piece of bread before heading to the convenience store. The store's owner, Mr. Lopez, appreciated Monica's hard work and often allowed her to take home near-expired goods that couldn’t be sold. These items supplemented their meals and were a godsend to the family.

Jasmine's routine was no less strenuous. Her mornings were filled with lectures and her afternoons with part-time tutoring jobs. She tutored younger children in the neighborhood, earning just enough to cover her daily expenses. The evenings were her time to study, and she often stayed up late into the night, poring over textbooks and preparing for exams.

Kristine and Sofia, despite their young ages, understood the family's struggles. They helped with chores and homework, and even found small ways to contribute. Kristine often helped Periah with sewing, learning the craft herself. Sofia, with her bubbly personality, brought smiles to everyone around her, even turning mundane tasks into moments of joy.

The Ambong family had their share of hardships, but they faced each day with a strength forged from love and unity. They lived in a community where everyone knew each other’s struggles, and this bond of shared adversity brought them closer. Neighbors often helped one another in times of need, exchanging goods and services in a system of mutual support.

One evening, after a particularly long day, the family gathered around their small dining table. It was a simple meal of rice and dried fish, but it was shared with gratitude. Joselito recounted his day, describing the passengers he met and the stories they shared. Periah talked about the clothes she had mended, and the girls spoke of their school and work.

“Monica, how was the store today?” Joselito asked, his eyes tired but filled with pride.

“It was busy, Papa. Mr. Lopez said we might get a new shipment of goods next week, which means I can bring home more for us,” Monica replied with a hopeful smile.

Jasmine chimed in, “I helped two students with their math today. It feels good to help them understand. Their parents also gave me some extra income, they were very generous and grateful for my help.”

Periah looked at her daughters with a mixture of pride and worry. “You girls work so hard. We’re proud of you, and we’re doing everything we can to support you.”

Kristine, ever observant, noticed her mother’s weary eyes. “Mama, let me help with the sewing tonight. I finished my homework early.”

“And I’ll help too, Mama,” Sofia added eagerly. “I can organize the buttons!”

The room filled with laughter, a precious sound in their modest home. Despite the challenges they faced, the Ambong family found solace in their togetherness. They drew strength from one another, knowing that their collective efforts were the only way forward.

As the night wore on, the family settled into their routines. Joselito and Periah continued their work, while the girls prepared for the next day. Jasmine studied quietly, her eyes heavy but her spirit undeterred. Kristine and Sofia, after finishing their tasks, drifted off to sleep.

In the heart of Catbalogan City, amidst the struggles and hardships, the Ambong family clung to their dreams. They believed that one day, their hard work would pay off, and they would rise above their circumstances. And as they lay down to rest each night, they held onto the hope that tomorrow would bring new opportunities and the promise of a brighter future.

As the night wore on, Monica sat by the windowsill, staring out at the dark evening. Her view was that of clustered rooftops, some torn and rusted, while some had cable wires strapped above. Old tires and plastic covers were thrown over holes to keep the rain from getting inside people’s homes. It was a far cry from an urbanized view littered with street lights, apartment homes, and cars buzzing to and fro, but still, this was home.

The quiet hum of the fan was the only sound in the dimly lit room as Monica sat by the window, staring out into the night. The street outside was deserted, save for a few stray dogs rummaging through the trash. The stillness was a stark contrast to the turmoil in her mind.

Monica had always taken pride in her work. As a cashier in Mr. Lopez's convenience store, she felt a sense of fulfillment knowing she was contributing to her sister Jasmine's college education. Each peso she earned brought Jasmine one step closer to graduation, one step closer to lifting their family out of poverty. Yet, lately, a nagging feeling had taken root in her heart—a feeling that no matter how hard she worked, it wasn't enough.

She sighed deeply, her thoughts swirling. She had never gone to college, a sacrifice she made willingly to support her family. But now, as she watched Jasmine nearing the finish line, Monica couldn't help but feel left behind. Her job, though stable, offered little room for advancement. The pay was barely enough to cover their daily needs, let alone save for the future. She dreamed of more for her parents, of a life where they didn't have to work so hard just to survive. But how? With her limited education and skills, her options were few.

Jasmine, coming home from a long day of tutoring, noticed her sister's pensive silhouette by the window. She set down her books and quietly approached Monica, concern etched on her face.

"Monica, are you okay?" Jasmine asked softly, taking a seat beside her.

Monica turned to her sister, forcing a smile. "I'm fine, Jas. Just thinking."

Jasmine frowned, not convinced. "You don't look fine. What's bothering you?"

Monica hesitated, then decided to open up. "I was just thinking about everything, about us. I'm glad I can help with your college fees, but sometimes I feel like it's not enough. I want to do more for Mama and Papa, to help us get out of this... this cycle. But I don't know how. I never went to college, so I can only apply to a limited number of jobs."

Jasmine listened intently, understanding the weight of her sister's words. She had always admired Monica's strength and selflessness. Seeing her struggle in silence pained Jasmine. After a moment of thought, she remembered a conversation she had with a friend recently.

"Monica," Jasmine began carefully, "I know it's tough. But have you ever considered other ways to improve our situation? I mean, unconventional ways?"

Monica raised an eyebrow, curious. "What do you mean?"

Jasmine took a deep breath. "You remember my friend Sarah? The one who was struggling just like us? Well, she recently... 'bagged' a foreigner through an online dating site."

Monica blinked in surprise. "Bagged a foreigner? What do you mean?"

Jasmine explained, "Sarah signed up on this online dating site where she met a foreigner who fell in love with her. They got married, and now she's living abroad. He supports her family back here. I know it sounds crazy, but it worked for her."

Monica stared at her sister, trying to process what she was hearing. "Why are you telling me this?"

Jasmine leaned forward, her eyes earnest. "Because I think it might be something you could consider. If you want to get out of poverty quickly, maybe signing up on that online dating site could be an option. I know it's not ideal, but it's a way."

Monica was silent for a long time, her mind racing. The idea seemed far-fetched, almost absurd. Yet, there was a certain logic to it. She had heard stories of women finding better lives through foreign marriages, but she had never imagined it for herself.

"Jasmine, I don't know..." Monica said finally, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "It sounds... risky. What if it doesn't work out? What if the person isn't who they seem to be?"

Jasmine nodded, understanding her sister's concerns. "I know it's risky, Monica. But what isn't? Look at our lives now. Every day is a risk. I'm not saying you have to decide right now. Just think about it. We deserve better, and sometimes, we have to take chances to find better opportunities."

Monica looked out the window again, her thoughts a whirlwind. The idea was both terrifying and intriguing. Could this be the answer she was looking for? Could this be the way to lift her family out of poverty? She wasn't sure. But the seed had been planted, and it would take root in the days to come.

The conversation with Jasmine stayed with Monica. Over the next few days, she found herself contemplating the idea more and more. She researched online dating sites, read success stories, and weighed the pros and cons. It was a daunting prospect, but the more she thought about it, the more she realized that staying in her current situation felt like an even bigger risk.

One evening, as the family sat down for dinner, Monica looked around at their worn faces, at the fatigue etched into her parents' eyes. She thought of all the sacrifices they had made, all the dreams they had put on hold for their children. She thought of Jasmine, so close to achieving her goals, and Kristine and Sofia, who deserved every opportunity in the world.

After dinner, she pulled Jasmine aside. "I've been thinking about what you said," Monica began, her voice steady. "About the online dating site. I think... I think I might give it a try."

Jasmine's eyes widened in surprise and relief. "Really? Are you sure?"

Monica nodded, determination in her eyes. "I want to do more for our family. If this is a way to make that happen, then I'm willing to take the chance."

Over the next few days, with Jasmine's help, Monica set up a profile on the dating site. She was honest about her situation and her hopes for the future. She felt a mix of excitement and fear as she waited for responses.

…

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over Catbalogan City. In the small Ambong household, the rhythmic hum of the electric fan provided a soothing backdrop to the quiet of the night. Monica and Jasmine, their parents long since asleep, lay side by side in their shared bed. The soft light from Monica’s phone illuminated their faces as they scrolled through the screen, reviewing profiles on the dating site.

"This one looks promising," Jasmine whispered, pointing to a picture of a man in his thirties with kind eyes and a warm smile.

Monica studied the profile. "He’s a teacher from Australia. That’s interesting. Swipe right?"

"Swipe right," Jasmine confirmed, grinning. They giggled quietly, imagining the possibilities.

As the nights wore on, this became their routine. After dinner, chores, and studying, the sisters would retreat to their room, where they would explore the dating site. Jasmine, who had a knack for navigating apps, taught Monica how to swipe left to dismiss profiles and swipe right to show interest. They discussed each profile in detail, weighing the pros and cons of potential suitors.

"Look at this one," Jasmine said one evening, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "He’s a doctor in the UK. He might be able to help us more."

Monica hesitated, then swiped right. "We’ll see if he replies."

Their late-night sessions were filled with whispered conversations and shared dreams. The idea of finding a foreigner who could not only fall in love with Monica but also help alleviate their family's financial burdens seemed almost too good to be true. Yet, as the days turned into weeks, Monica started receiving messages from various men, each one offering a glimpse into a different world.

"Hey, look at this," Jasmine said one night, nudging Monica. "David replied. He seems really nice."

Monica’s heart skipped a beat. David was the Canadian engineer she had been chatting with for a while now. Their conversations were easy and genuine, and she found herself looking forward to his messages more and more.

"Good morning, Monica," David had written. "I was thinking about you today. How’s everything on your end?"

Monica typed a quick reply, smiling. "Good morning, David. It’s been a busy day, but I’m glad to hear from you. How about you?"

As the sisters giggled and exchanged thoughts about each suitor, they began to let their imaginations run wild. They fantasized about the lives they might lead, the places they might see, and the opportunities that could come their way.

"What if we get to live in a big house with a garden?" Jasmine mused one night.

"And what if I get to travel and see snow for the first time?" Monica added, her eyes sparkling with the thought.

Their whispered conversations and shared dreams became a nightly ritual, a secret world of hope and possibility that belonged only to them.

However, the late nights began to take a toll. One morning, as the sun streamed through the window, Monica and Jasmine awoke to the sound of their alarm, realizing they had overslept. They scrambled out of bed, their movements sluggish and their eyes heavy with exhaustion.

Joselito and Periah, already up and preparing for the day, noticed the tiredness etched on their daughters' faces. Joselito glanced at Periah, concern flickering in his eyes, but chose to remain silent.

"Good morning, girls," Periah greeted them gently, handing them plates of rice and eggs. "Did you sleep well?"

Monica and Jasmine exchanged a quick glance before nodding. "Yes, Mama. Just a bit tired from studying," Jasmine replied, forcing a smile.

Periah's eyes softened, but she didn't press further. "Make sure you get enough rest. We don’t want you getting sick."

Throughout the day, Monica and Jasmine struggled to stay awake. Monica found it hard to focus at the store, her mind drifting to the conversations she had had with David the night before. Jasmine, too, felt the strain, her tutoring sessions punctuated with stifled yawns.

That evening, as the family gathered for dinner, the sisters' fatigue did not go unnoticed. Joselito watched them with a furrowed brow. "You girls need to take care of yourselves. Studying and working is important, but so is your health."

Monica nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. She knew her parents worried about them and she didn’t want to add to their burdens. "We will, Papa. We promise."

After dinner, as their parents went to bed, Monica and Jasmine retreated to their room. The phone screen lit up once again, and they resumed their nightly ritual, albeit with a bit more caution.

"Maybe we should cut back on the late nights," Monica suggested, rubbing her tired eyes. "I don’t want Mama and Papa to worry."

Jasmine nodded in agreement. "You’re right. We can’t afford to be careless."

Despite their exhaustion, the sisters continued their search, driven by the hope that this unconventional path might lead them to a better future. They were careful to balance their time, ensuring they got enough rest while still exploring the possibilities that the dating site offered.

One evening, as they scrolled through the profiles, a message from David popped up. "Monica, I’ve been thinking... Would you like to video call sometime? It would be great to see each other face-to-face."

Monica's heart raced. A video call was a significant step. It would bring their connection to a more personal level, and she felt both excited and nervous.

"What do you think, Jas?" she asked, showing her sister the message.

Jasmine grinned. "I think you should do it. He seems genuine, and this could be a good way to see if he’s really serious."

Monica took a deep breath and typed a reply. "I’d love to, David. When would be a good time for you?"

They arranged the call for the following weekend. As the day approached, Monica's nerves grew. She wanted to make a good impression, not just for herself but for her family. Jasmine helped her pick out a nice top and do her hair, offering words of encouragement.

"Just be yourself," Jasmine said, squeezing her sister’s hand. "He already likes you for who you are."

When the call finally came, Monica's hands trembled as she answered. The screen flickered, and then there he was—David, smiling warmly from his home in Canada.

"Hi, Monica," he greeted her, his voice steady and kind. "It’s so good to see you."

Monica smiled back, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "Hi, David. It’s nice to see you too."

The conversation flowed easily. They talked about their lives, their dreams, and their families. David shared stories of his work and his travels, while Monica opened up about her hopes for a better future. As they spoke, Monica felt a genuine connection, a sense of possibility that she hadn’t felt in a long time.

When the call ended, Monica felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension. She shared the details with Jasmine, who listened intently, her eyes shining with hope.

"Do you think he’s serious?" Monica asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Jasmine nodded. "He seems sincere. And he’s interested in you, not just for what you look like, but for who you are. That’s important."

...

The excitement that had once filled Monica’s heart began to wane as the days turned into weeks. What had started as a promising connection with David now seemed to be unraveling. His messages, once warm and enthusiastic, grew cold and distant. Whenever Monica suggested they video call again, he declined, citing his busy schedule.

Monica tried to stay optimistic, convincing herself that David was just preoccupied with work. But deep down, she felt a growing unease. She shared her concerns with Jasmine during their late-night chats, their phone still glowing softly in the dim light of their room.

"Maybe he's just really busy," Monica said, her voice tinged with doubt. "I know he has a demanding job."

Jasmine nodded, trying to reassure her sister. "Yeah, that could be it. But if he cares about you, he’ll make time. Just give it a bit more time."

Days turned into weeks, and David’s messages became even more sporadic. Monica found herself waiting anxiously for his replies, her heart sinking each time a day passed without a word. She tried reaching out, sending cheerful messages and updates about her day, but the responses were short and indifferent.

One day, as she waited for his reply the entire day, none came. Monica's heart felt heavy with disappointment. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. That night, as she and Jasmine scrolled through her phone, they made a startling discovery.

"Monica, look at this," Jasmine said, her voice tight with worry. She handed the phone to Monica, showing her David's profile on the dating site. Or rather, the lack of it. He had unfriended her with no notice.

Monica stared at the screen, her heart dropping. "He... unfriended me?" she whispered, the words barely escaping her lips.

Jasmine put a comforting arm around her sister. "I'm so sorry, Monica. I can't believe he would just disappear like that."

Monica felt a wave of hurt and rejection wash over her. She had allowed herself to hope, to dream of a better future, and now those dreams were crashing down. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she buried her face in her hands, sobbing quietly.

Jasmine held her close, her own heart aching for her sister. "It's going to be okay, Monica. We'll get through this together. He wasn't the right one if he could just leave you like that."

The following days were difficult. Monica felt a deep sense of loss, not just for David, but for the hope he had represented. She went through the motions of her daily routine, but her heart wasn't in it. Her parents noticed her quiet demeanor but didn't press her, sensing she needed space.

One evening, as Monica sat by the window, lost in thought, Jasmine joined her. "You know, Monica, this doesn't mean you failed. You took a chance, and that takes courage."

Monica sighed, wiping away a tear. "I just wanted so much to help us, to give Mama and Papa a better life. Now I feel like I’ve let everyone down."

Jasmine shook her head firmly. "No, you haven’t. You tried something new, and that’s more than most people would do. And just because this didn’t work out doesn’t mean there isn’t another way."

Monica looked at her sister, drawing strength from her words. "You're right. I can't let this stop me. We have to keep pushing forward."

The days that followed saw Monica slowly regaining her strength. She poured herself into her work, finding solace in the familiarity of her routine. She and Jasmine continued to discuss their dreams and explore other possibilities, but with a renewed sense of caution.

Monica’s resilience became a source of inspiration for her family. She faced each day with determination, refusing to let the setback define her. Her parents noticed the change, their concern turning to quiet pride.

One afternoon, as Monica helped a customer at the store, Mr. Lopez approached her. "Monica, you’ve been doing a great job here. I’ve noticed how dedicated you are, and I want to offer you a bit more responsibility. How would you feel about managing the inventory?"

Monica’s eyes widened in surprise. "Really, Mr. Lopez? I’d love that. Thank you so much."

The new responsibility gave Monica a renewed sense of purpose. She threw herself into the task, learning everything she could about managing the store’s inventory. It was a small step, but it was a step forward, and that was enough.

Jasmine, too, found ways to support her sister. She continued her tutoring, using her earnings to contribute to the household expenses. Together, they navigated the challenges, drawing strength from each other.

The experience with David, though painful, had taught Monica a valuable lesson. She realized that her worth wasn’t defined by someone else’s approval. She was strong, capable, and determined, and she had her family by her side.

The sun was setting over Catbalogan City, casting long shadows across the narrow streets as Monica made her way home from work. She walked quickly, her mind still buzzing from the day’s events at the store. Managing the inventory had become a rewarding challenge, and she felt a sense of accomplishment with each passing day. Yet, there was always a lingering worry at the back of her mind—the constant pressure to help her family rise out of poverty.

As she approached their modest home, Monica sensed that something was wrong. The usual sounds of laughter and conversation were absent, replaced by an uneasy silence. Her heart quickened as she opened the door, stepping into the dimly lit living room.

Her father, Joselito, was slumped over the table, a bottle of cheap rum by his side. His eyes were bloodshot, and his face was contorted with anger and despair. Periah, her mother, stood beside him, her hand gently resting on his shoulder, her face etched with worry.

"Papa, what happened?" Monica asked, her voice trembling with concern.

Joselito looked up, his expression a mix of frustration and sorrow. "My jeepney," he muttered, his words slurred. "Some idiot hit it. There's a huge dent on the side. It’s undrivable until it gets fixed."

Monica's heart sank. The jeepney was their lifeline, Joselito's primary source of income. Without it, they would struggle even more to make ends meet. "Is it bad?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Joselito nodded, taking another swig from the bottle. "It’s bad. It’s going to cost a lot to fix, and I don’t have that kind of money."

Periah tried to console him, her voice soothing. "We’ll find a way, Joselito. I can take on more sewing jobs, and we can use the money I’ve been saving."

"It’s not enough," Joselito snapped, his frustration boiling over. "It’s never enough."

Jasmine, who had been sitting quietly at the table, spoke up. "Papa, I can help too. I’ve been saving some money from my tutoring. It’s not much, but it’s something."

Monica felt a surge of determination. "I’ll be getting my salary in a few days. I can contribute as well. We’ll get through this together."

But Joselito shook his head vehemently, his eyes blazing with a mixture of pride and despair. "No, it’s not your responsibility to handle this. I’m the father. It’s my job to provide for this family, not yours."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air. Monica could see the pain in her father's eyes, the burden he carried as the head of the family. She wanted to ease that burden, to find a way to help him, but she felt helpless.

That evening, after dinner, Monica retreated to her room. She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts a tangled mess of worry and determination. Tears streamed down her face as she replayed the events of the day in her mind. She felt a deep sense of responsibility for her family’s well-being, and the frustration of not being able to do more weighed heavily on her.

Jasmine, sensing her sister's distress, climbed into bed beside her. "Monica, it’s going to be okay. We’ll find a way to fix the jeepney."

Monica turned to face her sister, her eyes red and swollen from crying. "Jas, I just feel so helpless. I want to do more, but I don’t know how."

Jasmine took her sister's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You’re doing everything you can. We all are. And Papa will come around. He just needs some time."

Monica nodded, but the doubt and frustration lingered. As she lay there, her mind drifted back to the dating site. Despite her previous heartbreak with David, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this might be their only way out of poverty. She had to find someone who could help them, someone who could offer a better life.

That night, as Jasmine slept beside her, Monica quietly reached for her phone. She opened the dating app, her resolve strengthening with each passing moment. She knew it was a risky and uncertain path, but she was willing to take the chance. Her family deserved better, and she was determined to find a way to give it to them.

Monica spent hours scrolling through profiles, carefully considering each one. She looked for men who seemed genuine and kind, who might be willing to understand her situation and offer support. With each swipe, she felt a glimmer of hope, a belief that somewhere out there, someone could help them.

The days that followed were filled with a mixture of anxiety and determination. Monica continued to work diligently at the store, managing the inventory and earning her salary. She and Jasmine kept their nightly ritual of exploring the dating site, but now with a renewed sense of urgency.

One evening, Monica received a message from a man named Michael. He was a 68-year-old retiree from New Zealand, and his profile described him as kind-hearted and philanthropic. Monica felt a spark of hope as she read his message.

"Hello, Monica. I came across your profile and was deeply moved by your story. I would love to get to know you better and see if there’s any way I can help."

Monica's heart raced as she replied, sharing more about her family’s struggles and her dreams for a better future. Michael responded with empathy and understanding, and their conversations quickly became a source of comfort and hope for Monica. Deep down, it felt odd, knowing that the man was very much older than her. But at this point, she could not care any less. She wanted to help her family fast.