Being brave

MANILA, Philippines - Reading the novel Brave was not entirely my idea. I read it because my little sister was driving me crazy, gloating about how awesome the movie was. She went to a bookstore and bought the book for me to read.

At first, I thought it was too much of a girly story. The cover of the book showed the main character, a girl with flaming red hair named Merida, so I thought the book would be cheesy. I was curious, though, because Merida was holding a bow and arrow, which I thought could actually be manly. So I started reading the book. In the three hours it took to read it, I found out that Merida wasn’t the normal girl I had pegged her to be. She was feisty, adventurous, and most importantly, brave.

In the story, Merida’s mother tells her that she is to be married to whichever man triumphs in an archery competition. Independent and strong-willed, Merida refuses to do this and even competes in her own tournament to “win her own hand” in marriage. Because of this, Merida gets into a huge fight with her mother, who takes her prized bow and throws it into the fire.

Merida is devastated and can see no other way to change her fate except to resort to magic. She meets an old witch in the middle of the forest from whom she asks for a spell to change her mother. Little do Merida and her mother Queen Elinor know that they will both learn to appreciate each other and change for the better.

I have read a couple of books in my 11 years of life but not one has touched me like this book did. This is a story of realization. Merida realized that through her mother’s criticisms, she gained wisdom. Merida’s mother Queen Elinor, on the other hand, realized that her daughter has commendable qualities of her own, most especially courage. Both of them realized that their love for each other made it possible for them to overcome every obstacle.

I empathized with Merida because, like her, I feel like my mom wants to turn me into somebody I am not. She wants to make me perfect. In the story, Queen Elinor presented Merida with endless lessons and high expectations. Her every action was scrutinized –– a princess enunciates her words, a princess must project herself, a princess never laughs, giggles, or chortles, a princess does not doodle, a princess must be knowledgeable, a princess enjoys elegant pursuits, a princess never gloats, a princess rises early, a princess does not stuff her gob, a princess must be cautious, clean, compassionate, and most of all, a princess must be perfect in every way. All these rules drove Merida out of her mind, and when Queen Elinor threw Merida’s favorite bow and arrow in the fire, it was the last straw. 

My mom criticizes me too. She tells me to engage in a sport and to get some exercise, to lose some weight, to read instead of play video games, to write instead of watch television, and to be an all-around perfect guy. I sometimes wonder: does my mom want me to enjoy my life as a kid? Boys my age want to be free from studies and work. We want to do whatever we want, relax, and enjoy. But my mom always reminds me not to be lazy and to do productive things because I will be a teenager soon and graduate from grade school. She says this means more responsibilities and more expectations.

Like Merida’s burst of emotion during her argument with Queen Elinor, I also had a heartbreaking experience with my mom last year. I purposely did not tell her that I declined a chance to be the contestant in an elocution contest at school. I tell my mom everything important about school but this time, I didn’t. I didn’t want the added pressure of being in a competition, and the possible disappointment I would bring her if I lost. When Mom learned about my lie from my teacher, she felt so sad and betrayed by me.  She told me it was one of the saddest days she had ever experienced. She wanted me to be the best that I can be and this was a chance I let pass me by. My mom and I did not have an argument or lose our temper like Merida and Queen Elinor did. But after the incident, a wall erupted between us. I felt so horrible because she no longer trusted me.  I never want to see my mom sad or hurt, which is why I couldn’t sleep that night. I wanted to say sorry for not being truthful but my apology was not enough.

Everything happens for a reason. I know that now. The situation happened because I needed to realize that there should always be openness between two people, especially me and my mom. With communication comes compromise.

So now, like Merida and Queen Elinor discovering each other, my mom and I realized many things. I realized that I have to become a more responsible guy. I realized that opportunity only knocks once. I realized my parents have been where I am today and they know best. In turn, my mom realized that she should allow me to be me. She realized that I should follow my heart and write my own story. But most of all, we realized that our love for each other is so great that nothing can keep us apart.

This week’s winner

Nicky Ferreol, 11, is a grade six student at La Salle Green Hills and has been in the honor section since kindergarten. At school, he is a student council marshall and a features writer for the school newspaper, Hasik. He has a collection of Lego toys with which he likes to make creations and structures. He likes swimming and biking, but above all, he appreciates a delicious meal.