Just a little context: My dad had to work overseas when I was young and that resulted me to being closer to my mom. When my dad finally came home, he was totally something different than I imagined. He was mean at times and even strict. He seldom smiles but when he does, his smiles are warm and gentle. I knew he loved us, but I never reciprocated the love he's been giving to us. I talked back to him, berated him, and all that. I acted so indifferently towards him.

Fast forward today, my mom and I had a little argument while we are currently on our family vacation in Mexico. My mom is a tough cookie, she never budges until the other gives up - in this case, I had to give up. She dragged us to this restaurant and ordered whatever she wanted. My dad and I didn't order anything. It was silent all throughout. No one was talking at all.

While waiting for her food, she decided to hop over to the store beside the restaurant to buy some stuff and that's when my dad talked to me. At first, I thought my dad was going to scold me for talking back to my mom, but to my surprise he wanted to confess something I never knew him and his relationship with my mom:

"Your mom is something else. She... manipulated me into marrying her and she made my life a living hell. She puts on a facade to you, to your brothers, to her friends, to everyone, but not to me. She lied, did things for her favour, manipulated people, and stole so much money from me."

At this point, I started crying.

"In my life, there was never a point where I was completely happy and satisfied. I see her every day and I suffer, but I see you, your brothers, and my grandchildren, and sometimes I think the suffering is worth it."

I think my tears got to my dad as he started tearing up a little.

"You know what? If I could turn back time, I'd run away from your mother. I'd live a different life. I'd have a better wife. And I've thought of leaving this family behind. But you are my treasure in this world that I can't leave behind."

Looking back to how I treated him, I was a complete jerk. And I do love my dad but I never thought this is what he was going through. My brothers and I treated him really badly and I'm regretting every single thing I did to him. And I realized I was never grateful and appreciative for all the things and love he has given me. He endures so many things because of his love for his children but we were blinded by all what my mom told us.

And so, I wiped my tears, my mom came back, her food served to her, and she ate happily while my dad and I quietly sat there. I paid for her meal and we head back to our place. As my dad and I were walking together and my mom walking in front of us, my dad whispered:

"There's something else you should know. But I'll tell you when you are older. I don't think you can bear this secret right now."

Maybe in a few years. Maybe when I'm 30. My dad would have to confess something again to me.