I've always thought about it; it's hard to be a human being. So many things can happen to you, and one of the most common is having to exist when you feel it's not your turn yet. One day, your eyes are forced to open, and from then on, there's no turning back. Even if you don't want it, you'll be forced to wake up until the embrace of death frees you from this curse.

There are so many things about humans that fascinate me, like memories, especially those from childhood, which stay with you into adulthood. Do you remember when you were a small form of life and didn't know how to walk? You had to lean on your parents to do it, but now, in your adult life, all you have are those parents that live on your mind.

And suffering… so common among humans. Why? If they're supposed to live to be happy, yet within their system, they carry “suffering”, what's curious is, this “something” doesn't discriminate at all. It's captivating... regardless of each individual's personal context, people suffer.

Poor souls, sometimes it seems like they're paying for something they never bought. However, not everything inside their body of flesh and bones is negative; there are also positive feelings. Even though they may hate all they want to, no one can take away the love they carry inside, their desire to dream, to aspire to feel better and to want to get out of whatever hole they may be in.

Talking about your own story can be overwhelming, right? I'll do you a favor. Instead of telling you something you already know, I'll give you a break and tell you my favorite story and how the protagonist is living today. I know many stories, countless ones, but my favorite one is about a young woman I've been keeping an eye on for quite some time.

You're going to hear the story of a young woman who is currently eighteen years old. Her name is Juanita del Valle. She is very beautiful, with long brown braids and emerald eyes; she truly is one of a kind.

But first, the start of it all. On an eighteenth of September in the country of Chile, the beautiful dance of the little baby named Juanita began, on this vast stage where the performer didn't know which piece she would have to present.

Her childhood was quite good, being the only daughter of her parents, Rafael and Beatrice González, who were farmers known for their vast land and the wide variety of crops they maintained. The reason they were so well-known throughout the region was their delicious and beautiful corn, adored by many and highly sought after. Thanks to that, they lived comfortably as a family. Nevertheless, being comfortable didn’t mean there wasn’t a lot of work, especially since they didn’t have many workers.

At first, the news that a new member would soon be joining the González was a total success among their close circle, which, from the beginning of their relationship, consisted of only a few workers. This was because Juanita's parents had decided to cut off any family ties on both sides, as they didn’t approve of their relationship due to being from rival families.

Regarding the girl’s education, the González’ lands were quite far from the city. The journey was long and they only had the public bus, which barely functioned, and, on top of that, smelled like hen; it was mainly used for important occasions or their monthly shopping trips. At the time they still didn’t have a vehicle of their own, so Juanita was homeschooled. This method of teaching proved to be enough education during her childhood and adolescence.

When the workers had free time, they loved to accompany and play with Juanita. However, the little girl had a favorite. Federico, an older man with a heart of gold. He was the first worker Rafael hired. Sometimes, little Juanita felt guilty because she seemed to like Federico more than her own father.

Poor Juanita didn’t know she wasn't to blame for this. Her mother was twice as present as her father. Rafael was more concerned with working and supporting the family than spending quality time with his daughter, something he tried to compensate for with gifts she wanted. Even though Juanita had the latest doll that said, “I love you” when pressed on, she would have preferred a thousand times over that her father told her that instead.

The years went by, and the young girl, in her preadolescence, had become a real celebrity on the farm, helping in various areas and hiring people. All the workers knew her and took her as seriously as they did the couple themselves. Among all the support and signs of love she received, the most remarkable was when her mom gave her the nickname “Kernel,” one of her favorite nicknames.

Even though Juanita had a peaceful life and never lacked anything material, she felt a weight on her preadolescent heart, a doubt that would persist until the present: whether her father truly loved her. Kernel was not satisfied with her father buying her things, whether it was gifts or compensations after an argument. She often wondered, “Does he even know how to say ‘I love you’?” only to contradict herself, “Maybe he was raised that way; it’s not his fault.” And so, she constantly felt inadequate in relation to her father’s expectations.

But how so? Expectations? Even though Juanita was very young, she felt the pressure to be just as good as her parents. Due to her youth, she couldn’t meet those expectations perfectly, which caused arguments between the two. Her mother tried to be as impartial as possible with both, though at times, one of them would feel she favored the other. Her father wasn’t a bad person; he wanted the best for his daughter, but he was used to giving one hundred percent of himself or facing the consequences, a mentality that he had always carried.

“But Kernel, you already know how your father is," her mother would say to her privately after their fights, which only made Juanita roll her eyes and swallow her pride to go apologize to her father. Despite that, not everything was bad. The arguments and bitter moments were forgotten, and they found solace on card game Sundays, where tensions eased and the family gathered around the table, laughing and sharing stories.

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Card game Sundays were her favorite; as they could play a variety of games with them. The wide range of games made these days special. The only “fights” on those days were playful conflicts, just for fun, which strengthened the bonds that would nearly break during the week, creating a continuous cycle.

The young girl’s life maintained its usual routine, and though she sometimes worried, her life was good, especially because she was very close to her mother, who would justify her father’s negative behavior more often than not.

This routine continued over the years until a major blow hit the relationship between Juanita and Rafael. It happened on September 18th, Kernel's sixteenth birthday. She was excited to feel more and more like an adult. Unfortunately, September 18th was also the national holiday in the country where they lived, and her father was more concerned with organizing an event for their workers than with his daughter’s birthday.

During the celebration of this national holiday, Beatrice called all the workers to take a break and enjoy traditional food, where everyone could share and have fun. The mother thanked everyone for attending both the party and Juanita's sixteenth birthday. Most people brought gifts, and those who didn’t, gave their reasoning.

Juanita cared little for the gifts, but she loved the attention. She watched as each worker brought something that reminded them of her, such as corn-shaped earrings, silver necklaces, cute dolls, and hair accessories. The young girl was very happy, but at the end of the line of gifts stood Federico, Beatrice, and her father Rafael, the latter with a strange expression.

Federico went first, carrying the biggest gift there, which turned out to be a lovely rocking chair with corn-shaped details, her favorite vegetable. Juanita hugged him and thanked him for the gift, which she would use to rest after long workdays. Next in line was her mother, who was excited to give her the gift. When Juanita opened it, she found a beautiful green dress with mint details and delicate embroidery along the edges, paired with cute matching socks.

Juanita couldn’t help but tear up and hug her mom, thanking her for the dress and repeating how much she loved it and how often she would wear it. Beatrice was just as emotional as her daughter, shedding a few tears as she stroked her hair and spoke, “I love you so much, my Kernel…”

After that heartwarming moment, the employees applauded the mother and daughter. Then it was Rafael’s turn, whose expression grew worse by the second, and he hesitantly said. — I forgot, daughter. I was so focused on the holiday that I completely forgot. But I’ll take care of it and fix it by tomorrow. I’ll give you something, I swear.

The situation became uncomfortable, and the silence was thick enough to cut with a knife. Everyone stared at Rafael in confusion, including Juanita and Beatrice.

The newly-turned adult looked him in the eye and replied coldly. — It’s not about the gift. It’s never been about the gifts, dad. Thanks for the party; I’m tired, I’m going to bed.

Rafael tried to follow his daughter, but Beatrice, both angry and disappointed, told him to handle the guests while she spoke to their heartbroken daughter. Ashamed, the father stayed with the employees, trying to change the subject to avoid making himself look worse.

Juanita’s mother tried to catch up, but her daughter shut the door as she approached.

— Honey, I’m your mom, please let me in…

— Mom? Is that you? I thought you were dad. Alright, I’ll let you in. I thought it was him.

Her mom entered the room and hugged her, while saying, — It’s my fault, Juanita. I forgot to remind Rafael.

The young girl immediately frowned. — What? Do you have to remind him of his own daughter’s birthday?

Her mother had tried to excuse her father several times, but it wasn’t enough. Finally, Beatrice gave up. — You know what, daughter? You’re right. There’s no excuse. It’s okay if he’s worried about work and taking care of us, but he should remember such an important date. It’s not all about gifts, and I’m sorry for not doing enough myself.

— Don’t worry, mom. This isn’t against you, but I hope you know I won’t be joining in on this Sunday’s card games.

Beatrice nodded and told her daughter, “I love you,” before leaving her to rest.

Before falling asleep, Juanita felt a persistent headache, something indescribable, as if her eyes were about to pop out of their sockets. All she wanted was to sleep, which she finally managed to do after hours of pain.

The days went on, and the work didn’t stop. The tension remained until, finally, one day Rafael gathered the courage to apologize. He approached Juanita with deep shame painted on his face.

— Daughter, we need to talk.

Juanita looked at him with distrust but nodded, as it seemed her anger had subsided enough. They sat in the living room, a place once full of laughter and card games, that now felt cold and distant.

— I know I’ve failed — Rafael began, avoiding eye contact. — I was so focused on the holiday and work that I forgot your birthday, and that’s unforgivable.

Juanita crossed her arms, maintaining a guarded posture. — I found out that mom has had to remind you every year. Is that true?

Rafael took a deep breath and continued:

— You’re right. I realize my actions have caused more harm than I imagined. I’ve been so focused on providing and working that I forgot the most important thing, being there for you.

— It’s not just about being there, it’s about showing that you care about me. Material things aren’t everything, and you barely even tell me that you love me.

— I know, I realize I have a lot to learn about being a father, and I want to change that. You know I didn’t grow up with much affection as a child. I want to show you that I truly love you and that I can be there for you in a meaningful way.

Juanita saw the genuine effort on her father’s face, and though she wasn’t fully convinced, her guard began to soften.— How are you planning to do that?

— I promise to make a conscious effort in being more involved in your life. I want to know your worries, your joys, and be an active part of both. I’ll do everything I can to show you that what I value most is our relationship, and I won’t ever leave you alone, not without saying goodbye.

Juanita looked at him, her expression now softer.

—Well, I think that’s a good start, and I hope you stick to your word.

Rafael nodded, relieved to have another chance.

— I understand. I just hope that, over time, I can prove it to you.

Finally, they stood up and embraced each other. It was a hug filled with conflicted emotions.

— I love you, dad. — Juanita said in a trembling voice.

— I love you too. — Rafael replied, with sincerity driven by his regret.

This moment marked the beginning of a deep change in their relationship, one that, though slow at first, promised to grow over time.