3. A Mother's Secret

That night, after Maria's birthday celebration, Calvin felt an unsettling certainty—his mother was hiding something significant. He didn’t ask much, though. He feared his questions might make her sad. Maria Yohana Dale, despite her years, still held an allure. Even in her forties, she remained a beautiful and dignified woman. However, Calvin often wondered about her guarded nature. Every time a man showed interest in her, Maria would close herself off. When Calvin was a child, they frequently moved from city to city, as though Maria was evading something—or someone.

As they sat at the small dining table, Calvin glanced at his mother. “Mom, do you like the chicken I made?” he asked with a hopeful smile.

Maria returned his gaze and smiled softly. “Yes, Son! It’s absolutely delicious. You impressed me,” she replied, though her voice carried a tinge of weariness.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I’ve been working part-time,” Calvin said, lowering his gaze. “I promise it won’t interfere with my studies. I’ll graduate with good grades, but please let me keep working.”

Maria’s smile faltered, her expression turning somber. “It’s okay, Calvin. I know you’re a responsible young man. I’m sorry that I can’t fulfill all your needs properly.”

“Mom…” Calvin hesitated, then asked carefully, “Is someone making things difficult for you? Can I help?”

Maria shook her head firmly. “No, Calvin. The difficulties I face are a result of my own choices. I chose to be honest in a world where dishonesty is often rewarded. I just want to be a good person.”

“But Mom, shouldn’t your salary be enough? You work for a well-established company. Are they... blackmailing you?” Calvin pressed.

Maria sighed deeply, avoiding his eyes. “No, Son. It’s not that. I have a debt—quite a large one—from when I was younger. I’m still paying it off.”

“How much is it? I can help you,” Calvin offered eagerly.

“No!” Maria said sharply, then softened her tone. “This is my responsibility. Your job is to focus on your studies, work hard, and chase your dreams. Don’t let me become your burden. I can handle this on my own.”

Calvin frowned. “Then... when will the debt be paid off?”

Maria hesitated before replying, “When you’re 20.”

Her answer puzzled Calvin. “How is that possible? Mom, does this have anything to do with me?”

Maria didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she gently stroked his face, her touch warm but filled with unspoken sorrow. “You’re my handsome boy. Finish your dinner and go to bed. You have classes tomorrow, don’t you?”

“Not you, but me!” Calvin protested. “You need to rest, Mom. I’ll take care of the dishes.”

Maria’s lips curved into a tired smile. “Alright. Good night, Son.”

She retreated to her room, her steps slow and deliberate. Calvin watched her go, his chest tightening with unease. He had just learned about her large debt, but questions remained unanswered. What was the debt for? And why would it only be settled when he turned 20?

The next day, Calvin arrived at campus as usual. He attended classes, ignored by his peers as always. At Theodore University, only the rich had friends. However, a commotion near his classroom caught his attention.

“Hey, were you invited to William’s birthday party?” Julia asked Imelda excitedly.

“Of course! All the girls got an invite.”

“Gosh, he’s so rich! I’m really curious about how grand the party will be,” Julia gushed.

Even the boys were caught up in the excitement. From his seat, Calvin overheard Timothy and Jonas debating their outfits.

“He’s richer, but I’m more handsome,” Jonas boasted.

“What? You? Handsome? If you’re handsome, what does that make me? Perfection itself!” Timothy quipped, laughing.

Their banter faded into background noise as Calvin packed his books. He was certain William—the popular, wealthy senior—wouldn’t invite someone like him.

Calvin had no dealings with William, despite them being in the same major. William was a respected student organization leader, known for his intelligence and charisma. As the mayor’s son, he was admired by nearly everyone on campus. But to Calvin, he was just another rich kid who likely shared the arrogance of his peers.

Calvin left the classroom and headed to the campus garden. He avoided the food court to save money, opting instead to eat the packed meal he had brought from home.

The chicken and potatoes he had prepared the night before still tasted good. Alongside fresh fruit juice, it made for a satisfying meal. Sitting beneath a shady tree, Calvin opened his lunch box and began eating, a book resting on his lap.

Books were Calvin’s solace. Immersing himself in fantasy stories allowed him to escape his mundane reality. He often imagined himself in adventurous worlds far removed from his own life.

Behind him, someone set up a canvas and sat down quietly. Calvin assumed it was an art student sketching or painting and paid no mind. They both sat in silence, absorbed in their respective activities.

After some time, a voice broke the stillness. “Hey, Amity! What are you doing there? Class is about to start!” someone called out.

“Okay, Clarisa! Just a little more!” the girl replied.

Calvin’s head snapped up at the familiar name. He turned to see a young woman, her ponytail swaying as she worked diligently on a painting. Her face was smudged with vibrant colors, her brush moving skillfully across the canvas.

“Amity? Is that you?” Calvin asked in surprise.

The girl turned, her eyes widening in recognition. “Oh, Calvin! What a coincidence!” she said with a cheerful laugh.

Calvin smiled. “You’re an art student, huh? I didn’t know you painted.”

“Yep! Architecture students like me do a bit of everything,” Amity replied, gesturing to her canvas. “I’m working on a quick landscape sketch for practice.”

“You’re really good,” Calvin remarked, admiring her work.

“Thanks! What are you doing here?” she asked, glancing at his open lunch box.

“Having lunch. It’s quieter here than in the food court,” Calvin explained.

“Ah, a smart choice. The food court can be a bit chaotic,” she said with a grin. “Mind if I join you for a bit?”

“Not at all,” Calvin replied, scooting over slightly to make room.

As they talked, Calvin felt a rare sense of ease. Amity’s friendliness was refreshing, and he found himself laughing more than he had in weeks. For a brief moment, he forgot about his struggles, enjoying the company of someone who didn’t judge him by his background.