On that first night, I prayed,
I was 9 years old,
The day didn't turn out as pleasant as I'd hoped.
It all started as usual, with me and dad,
Sitting by the TV, watching our favorite sitcom on AIT.

I can't recall the exact hour, but it was between 9 to 11 pm.
It was the regular Mexican/Philippine series they showed at that time.
Our TV was small and square-shaped,
But it was like a family member, especially until I was 13.

Those were precious times with dad.
We were glued to the TV; I only got up to grab water,
And I didn't even want to go to the bathroom because it felt like a marathon to get there,
Since it was separate from the house.

Then, something seemed odd.
My dad was like a robot, frozen in place.
At first, I thought he was just engrossed in the movie like me,
Until I called out to him. He didn't respond.

I felt a mixture of frustration and concern,
So I touched him. It was as if...