What is a mall? Obviously it’s a place where you can buy perfumes, clothes or shoes. But here in the Philippines – It’s a place where you can watch a movie, ride a roller coaster, eat at a fine dine-in restaurant, buy new clothes, visit a dentist or even a dermatologist. It’s not unusual for kids or even adults to get lost. Malls in the Philippines are usually big. It’s a perfect place for a lot of families to spend their weekends. But NOT all kids enjoy going to the mall.

I want you to share the story but I’d rather let the little girl tell you the traumatic event that happened in her past. Now, let’s listen to her…

Why is it so hot inside the mall? Maybe some mean security guard turned the aircon off and let the people suffer from heat. I guess he hates his job and nobody loves him. I’m afraid of him because he has a big gun and a stick. I don’t want to talk to him. I’m a naughty kid and he might put me in a cave full of dead people. I’m scared of him and I hate it when my mommy would sometimes ask him to get me if I’m badly behaved. I know he is strong and tall. I’m sure security guards are rich.

It’s crowded and some people smell funny. Doesn’t my mommy know that I hate it when people are stinky? This place is so messy and it’s giving me a headache. I’m thirsty, I’m hungry and most of all I’m tired. I want to go home but I can’t. Today is the day that I’m not supposed to complain because I’m going to have a new toy. That’s one of the reasons why we are here.

Everywhere I look there are feet stomping, and people are shouting, talking, laughing and screaming. All of them have plastic bags and kids like me. I bet some kids at this moment are crying and complaining, or maybe they’re not as bad as I am. I don’t know the time now but it seems that I’ve been running the whole day. I can’t feel my toes anymore.

My mom walks too fast and she doesn’t know that I’m already running like a horse. Of course I don’t want to be left behind. I’m just a six-year-old kid and my legs are too short for big steps. I hate her right now and she’s killing me. If I could just get the toy for free I would ruin her day. I would cry and cry in front of the people. Maybe that’s the best thing that I can do to make us go home. I can’t run anymore.