“Mommy, is there school today?”

“No baby. It’s Friday but it’s a holiday.”

“It means it’s Christmas!” Her eyes light up.

“Well, Christmas is a holiday too. But this one is called Quezon City day.”

“Okay. But when it’s cold, it’s Christmas?”

“It gets cold during Christmas…”

“Mommy, it’s cold today…”

—

“Mommy, I want that toy… Last one. Please…”

“We’ve just bought a new toy. Let’s save money first then we’ll buy it next time.”

“It will be for my birthday?”

“Okay.”

“Okay. I want balloons, banners, a trampoline, then you’ll give me a present and say ‘Surprise!’”