Was Math Fun in These Memories?

Everybody knows I didn't get your Math skills and talents. You're the one who answered my Algebra homework which my classmates copied and you didn't even bother to explain to me how you solved it. But I know I got some Math knowledge from you.

You taught me that 13 x 3 is 39. Four 1.25s make up 5, and two 1.50s make up 3. These numbers are my childhood with you. Well, partly. Thirteen was the cost of each bottle of Pale Pilsen you ask me to buy almost every morning. Three bottles, you say. Till you no longer have to say it because it has been etched on my brain what the bills are for. I know I'll get a peso when I return as you hand me 40. One twenty-five is the cost of a Winston stick, your cigarette, while 1.50 was for Marlboro, your option. Do you know those are no longer the cost of everything now? I was told a Marlboro stick now costs 10 pesos or more. And of course, I'll remember 23. The cost of a Gin Bilog. Was Math fun? No. Even with these numbers in my memory. Because I really hate Math or I just didn't try to love it and nobody forced me to. Even school can't make me. Well, got the medals anyway so, who cares if I am desperately bad at numbers and would need calculator for the rest of my life even in simple equations?

Now, was it somehow a bad childhood? With my brain right now, I could say yes as there are other things behind these words. But were you a good father? I can say yes. Among other things, you introduced me to newspapers and crosswords. People's Journal. But sometimes, it's Remate with that pornographic comic. And you know how much of bias I have toward you than Nanay. Even if looking back, there was a point, so many points, that she made ends meet when you were still around till now that you're no longer.

Sorry, I didn't bring cleaning materials as I really didn't intend to. I was just here to bring you a bottle. Share it with Lucifer, with San Pedro, or with God. Whoever you are with. I no longer care. But if you share it with Lucifer, do you still need to bow a bit and let the first flow drip and immediately nudge the bottle up to finish the offering?

Happy Birthday.