In today’s fast-paced world, teens are increasingly immersing themselves in technology, social media and extracurricular activities. As a result, time spent between teens and their families decreases. This shift raises an important question: what are the consequences of disconnection between teens and their families?  Research shows that the time teenagers spend with their family has decreased significantly over the past few decades. Teens are engaging in less and less meaningful conversations with their parents as...

Though it was past midnight, the day was prolonged with fireworks and city lights. Parols, little lanterns shaped like stars, adorned the shoddy wiring that kept the commune of San Miguel alive. It was Christmas, and in the Catholic-dominant Philippines, millions flocked to the cathedrals, an onerous gift from Magellan. Come next morning, there would be a mass at every church in the country, though Vincent had no intention of going. In fact, he was...

Ivanna Scrooge loathed winters. She despised the stale scent of snow-laden air and the way dampness clung to her clothes, a reminder of the nights she had tried to forget. Winter’s bite unveiled its unrelenting fangs into her wallet with increasing heating bills and locked her in neverending traffic. It sank into her bones, haunting memories that she wished could remain buried. She couldn’t think about that night—her last night in that house. But the...

Boxes stacked haphazardly lined the walls. Each one was labeled in Mom’s neat handwriting.   I couldn’t quite recall the last time I heard her voice.  I had almost forgotten her laugh until the recording crackled and I heard it again: a little breathless and sweet.   I am not in the attic anymore. I’m transported to the lively kitchen of the year 1998. Christmas tunes floated gently in the air, the warmth from the oven embraced...