dailyprompt-1870 – the untold Realities

Which animal would you compare yourself to and why?

The rain elapsed, followed by a slight sunshine. Having been home all day due to the reduction in job demand by the company I currently work for, I was among those laid off till further notice. Cold and jittery, my mind took the greater part of me. It has been raining all through this month, to the surprise of everyone. Where does the hall of mountain sunshine seem to be suddenly becoming a cold water forest? Maybe it’s climate change. Madrid, the center of Europe, has monotonous weather.

What again is this topic about? * Which animal would I compare myself to and why?

I quickly stepped outside the gate to grace the noon sun, which pelted my spirit and soul and had me in the same position with my body fighting over the best position, which was most enjoyable. Putting my face up directly to the rays of sunlight, eyes closed, wishing that I could be made to lie down in my position for a long period of time, though I was only in front of my house building, resting partially on a parked vehicle. Many passersby understood the importance of the sun to me, judging by their looks towards me, of which I paid no attention. Suddenly there was a bird noise, which reminded me of a particular bird back then in my hometown, usually heard early afternoon and evening, a unique one though. However, that is not the type of animal I am or like to be compared with, but I love its gentle and peaceful nature.

Irrespective of your kind,no animal survives alone.

Even as the memories of hunting them for food in the past resonated in my mind, something I frown at currently because I believe that every animal has the right to life. There sit two birds of the same feather, like the usual words (they flock together), but something stood out that had me in awe, even to the point of taking my mind away from these golden rays of sunshine. I looked furiously towards the birds sitting on telephone cables; it appeared that they were young couples or friends of opposite sexes. It was my first time seeing such intimacy between such animals, even in humans. At first they spoke to each other in their language, then kissed passionately. I became confused because I never believed my eyes. Then they mated, after which they caressed each other by picking each other’s feathers, even to the extent of laying their heads on each other. I froze at my position, not realizing how long I had been gazing at these wonderful birds. Maybe the universe was talking to me indirectly about how life, courtship, friendship, and marriage should be, or maybe I am lost in my own thoughts. I quickly ran inside, having enjoyed the sun and the birds’ companionship…

As humans, we are nothing less than a different animal, but whichever you choose to be, or compared with! Let it be with love, openness, and tolerance for one another; For irrespective of your kinds, no animal survives alone.

What is the last thing you learned?

The dignity fades away

It’s been nearly a month since I lost my job, and the emotional weight of it all has been quite heavy. Trying to find some comfort, I sat down with a cabbage salad, but the joyful noise coming from my children’s room seemed to echo the turmoil I feel inside. Normally, I might gently remind them to lower their voices, but today feels different—far from the routine we used to know.

The reality is that life often throws unexpected challenges our way, like job loss, and it can be hard to anticipate how deeply these events will affect us. After returning from our school runs, I wanted to give my kids a chance to reconnect after being apart all day. On a regular day, I would savor my salad, but today it feels bland against the backdrop of my worries.

Salad tastes different in the midst of worries!

As I’ve reflected on my situation, I realize that I’ve been viewing my circumstances through a negative lens. This afternoon, my kids asked for ice cream and a lollipop—a request they’ve made often this week, especially with the warm, sunny days around us. Unfortunately, I had to tell them, “I don’t have any money today, but I promise we can get some tomorrow.” It breaks my heart to let them down again, knowing that my “tomorrow” has stretched into weeks.

“Dad, how long until you have money?” my eldest daughter asked, her innocent curiosity piercing through my own worries.

How do I explain to them that a month without work has left me with no financial means, no savings to draw upon? It feels so disheartening to think that after years of hard work, just a brief period of joblessness can lead to such a struggle to provide for them—whether it’s paying rent, keeping food on the table, or even buying a small treat like ice cream. It brings to light an important question: what is the purpose of working if it doesn’t secure our family’s needs, our bills, or ensure we can prepare for the unexpected?

In the past, jobs were sources of pride and stability, allowing families to thrive—sending children to school, paying off homes, enjoying vacations, planning for retirement, and saving for those rainy days. Work once held a sense of dignity because it meant providing for loved ones. Yet in today’s world, when the fruits of our labor no longer meet our basic needs or shield us from life’s uncertainties, that dignity seems to fade away.last thing I learned.