I still remember my college days when my classmates and I were having our snacks at McDonald's. We used to spend our time with simple burger, french fries, and drinking soda. With only 26 pesos, we were already happy for a value meal.
However, there were so many times when I wasn't able to join with them because my school allowance was very limited. I just had 2.50 pesos for my jeepney fare and I had no more.
I felt a little sadness within me for I have no single penny for a value meal. But I accepted the fact that I can't afford to join with my classmates as long as I want to because of my financial situation. I rather spent my afternoon playing my old guitar.
The music that I played were lingering in my heart. It gave me a rhythm of satisfaction in my life though. Acceptance of who I am, made me stronger each day that I can't join with my classmates. I told myself someday, I will order the most expensive meal in McDo.
After college graduation, I landed to a teaching job. The salary was not that high but it was more than enough to sustain my needs. And thus, I fulfilled my promise to myself. I had my lunch at McDonald's and I ordered the most expensive meal that the food stuff offered.
I can't forget the quarter pounder. It was yummy. Of course, I added a little money "Go Large". Meaning, my coke and fries were served in a large serving. And I enjoyed my meal a lot. Since I don't know how to cook, McDonald's served as my kitchen, hmmm I mean my dining hall (of course with a little exaggeration).
But I still felt alone, for I didn't have my classmates anymore, unlike before we were there together, enjoying our meal, laughing and chitchatting with one another, though most of the time I was not able to join them. Yes, I had more money to buy McDo Meal, but my classmates were already gone. We have our own lives right now.