My Student

He is Tareeq, a student I taught last year.  He is now studying in a vocational school. I once told him that I would write a story about him and he blushed feverishly.  "I want to be a successful cook," was what he told me during a PLBS test.  I can still remember how resolute he looked at that very moment.  

During an extra class one afternoon, he came up to my desk and asked me, "Mr. Lo, can you solve my problem? I am at a loss on how to fill my scholarship application form."

"What is your problem?" I asked.

"My father remarried two weeks ago and I now have two mothers," he said, scratching his head. "Which mother's name should I fill?"

Gasping inwardly, I said "Just fill your biological mother's name."

"But my father wanted me to fill his new wife's name," he said, quite crestfallen.

I did not know how to reply him.  After a moment's silence, I said, "Just do what your heart desires."

He gave me a shrug and sighed.  I did not know whose name he had decided to fill.

I hope he is doing well with his family.