by Jara Gonzales
11 min, Philippines, Tagalog

Stella, an 8-year old girl, comes from a very poor family in the Philippines. Because of the lack of job opportunities, Her mother, Celeste, finds a job overseas. Stella is left in the care of her older sister, who is not entirely committed to looking after her, leaving Stella feeling isolated and abandoned by her family. The night before Celeste has to leave, Stella decides to sleep in her mother’s suitcase to make her stay. This is Stella’s way to tell her mother that she is the one who is important, and that she should stay with her.
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