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Dodong rose from his mat and told Blas to follow him. They descended to the yard, where everything was still and quiet. The moonlight was cold and white.

"You want to marry Tona," Dodong said. He did not want Blas to marry yet. Blas was very

young. The life that would follow marriage would be hard...

"Yes."

Dodong looked at his son’s face. He knew that Blas was determined to marry Tona, and he knew that his son loved Tona very much. But the love he had as a father was greater. Dodong didn’t want his son to repeat the same mistake he had made in the past.

“I apologize, my son, but I will not allow you to marry Tona,” the words that comes out of his mouth made Blas questioned his decision.

“But why, Father? She have already accepted me.”

“I am not against your relationship with Tona, and this doesn’t mean I want you to cut ties with her or forbid you from marrying her. What I mean is that this is not the right time to marry. You two are still young; you don’t yet know the harsh realities of this world,” Dodong said with serioussness in his voice.

He then commanded Blas to sit with him, and in the darkness of the night, where the moon was the only light, a father told his son the story of his life. He narrated the experiences he had after marrying at a very young age, the pain and suffering he and his wife  endured living in poverty. They sat there for about two hours as Dodong shares his story, word by word. In the end, Blas is finally convinced not to marry Tona, not yet. His father told him that he could continue his relationship with her, but he would only allow Blas to marry Tona when he turned 25 and have a stable job with a reliable income to support a family.

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The song of the crickets filled the ears of Blas as he stare to his father's eyes-- its glittering caused not of gladness but from mere light from the smiling moon. Dodong just let himself be silent even though deep inside there's a traffic of thoughts which he could not voice out. Must he let his son marry too soon? Should the history be repeated? Can his son bear the life after the dream he wish to get? "Itay, itay, itay", poor Blas must he repeat calling his father three times or the mosquitos will suck all of his blood before he could able to marry Tona. Dodong then released a long breath that unloads his lungs, yet only makes the moment become heavier between him and his son. "No, you must not" said in a cold tone. Blas' face immediately drew confusion and irritation, he could not believe to his father's refusal. Blas told to his father many times how he love so much Tona, not telling much supporting reasons. Because men's mouth is not fond of explaining the complexity of feelings. Just simple and straight to the point. "You're still young" Dodong added. "I'm already eighteen" Blas snarled. Dodong's lips shut firmly, the phrase from his son must have strucked his old heart and reminded him the time when he was also asking permission. Dodong could not tell anymore words, so he just turned his back to his son, strolling back inside their patchy house. Blas remained to where he is standing. He then moved his head to the direction where the path all the way to Tona's house is. Then he also went back to bed. Defeated tonight but still positive that he can still get his father's blessing, maybe tomorrow night. If not, he'll plan to make the rush of adrenaline of youth happen.

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Dodong, after years of struggling with the hardships of early marriage, finally realizes the toll his choices have taken on his life and family. One evening, as he watches his eldest son Blas approach him with the same eagerness to marry, dodong decides to confront his son with a different perspective. Instead of reluctantly agreeing, he shares the full weight of his experiences and mistakes, explaining the long-term consequences of rushing into adult life. Blas, moved by his father’s honesty, decides to wait and focus on building his future first, determined not to repeat Dodong’s mistakes.

Dodong gains a sense of closure, feeling that he has broken the cycle and given his son a chance to make a more informed decision. Dodong now finds peace, knowing that his hard-earned wisdom may finally save Blas from the same regrets, offering a glimmer of hope for a better life for his son.

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Dodong watched Blas in the moonlight, torn between pride and worry. “Son,” he said gently, “marriage isn’t just about love; it comes with a lot of responsibilities. I made my choice too early and learned that life can be tough.” Blas shifted, his initial excitement fading as he listened. “Have you talked to Tona’s family? Are you ready for the challenges that come after saying ‘I do’?” Blas hesitated, realizing he hadn’t fully considered those things.

“Take your time,” Dodong urged, his voice steady. “It’s okay to dream and be young, but you don’t have to rush into anything. Talk to Tona, share your thoughts and plans. Understanding each other is essential.” Blas sighed, feeling the weight of his father’s wisdom. As he nodded in agreement, Dodong felt a wave of hope wash over him. They stood together in the stillness, a new understanding forming between them, reminding Dodong that sometimes the best path is one of patience and careful consideration.

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As an alternative ending to "Footnote to Youth," when Blas approaches Dodong to ask for permission to marry Tona, Dodong takes a moment to reflect deeply on his own experiences. Instead of granting permission immediately, he shares with Blas the hardships and sacrifices he faced as a young father, emphasizing the emotional and financial struggles that come with marriage and parenthood. He urges Blas to consider waiting a few more years, suggesting they explore their aspirations and ambitions first, encouraging him to finish his education or pursue a trade.

Blas, initially resistant, gradually understands his father's concerns. After a heartfelt conversation, he decides to postpone the wedding, focusing instead on personal growth and maturity. This decision strengthens the bond between father and son, allowing Dodong to feel hopeful that Blas will break the cycle of early marriage. Blas vows to support Tona during their wait, proving their love can withstand the test of time. The story concludes with Dodong feeling a sense of pride as he watches Blas mature, believing that the next generation may have a chance to create a better future.

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The silence hung heavy in the air, thick with unspoken words and the weight of their shared grief. Dodong, his face pale and drawn, finally looked at his wife, his gaze meeting hers. He saw the raw pain in her eyes, the same pain that mirrored his own. In that moment, he realized that their dreams, their youthful aspirations, had been swallowed by the harsh realities of life. He reached out, his hand trembling, and took hers, a silent promise passing between them. They would not forget their dreams, but they would learn to live with their loss, to find solace in each other, and to build a life together, however different it might be from the one they had envisioned.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the rice fields, Dodong and his wife walked back to their humble home, hand in hand. The future was uncertain, but they faced it together, their hearts heavy but their spirits unbroken. They had lost their youth, but they had found something more profound, a love that had weathered the storms of life and emerged stronger, a love that would sustain them through the years to come.

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If I’ll be able to rewrite the ending of this literary piece, I would want the characters to be wiser as an alternative ending for “Footnote to Youth,”. Wherein after Dodong, reflects on his life and the struggles he faced as a young father, he decides to break the cycle. Instead of encouraging his son to marry young, he shares his experiences and urges him to pursue education and self-discovery first. This choice brings hope for a better future, as Dodong learns to value patience and the importance of personal growth. The story ends with a sense of renewal and the possibility of change for the next generation.

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Dodong, realizing how hard life was after marrying young, talks to Blas and shares his regrets. He tells Blas about the struggles he went through and advises him to wait before getting married. Blas listens and understands his father’s concerns. In the end, Blas decides to wait a few more years before settling down, focusing on his own dreams first. Dodong feels relieved, knowing his son won’t make the same mistake.

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In an alternative ending to "Footnote to Youth," after the struggles and hardships of fatherhood, Manuel finds himself at a crossroads. Instead of succumbing to despair, he reflects on his own youth and the lessons learned from his experiences. Determined to break the cycle of hardship, he makes a conscious choice to prioritize education and self-improvement. He begins attending night classes and encourages his wife, Ria, to pursue her own dreams as well. Together, they create a supportive environment for their children, instilling in them the value of education and resilience.

As the years pass, Manuel's efforts begin to bear fruit. His children excel in school, inspired by their parents' commitment to a better future. In the end, Manuel stands proudly at his eldest son’s graduation, witnessing the fulfillment of dreams he once thought impossible. This newfound hope transforms their family’s trajectory, illustrating that, while youth may lead to mistakes, it can also pave the way for growth and redemption.

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I see an ending that considers the possibilities of growth and atonement rather than Dodong's sadness and awareness of his wasted youth. Dodong was able to progressively accept his role as a father after experiencing the first shock and disappointment of losing his freedom. It's possible that he will find renewed strength and meaning in supporting and nurturing his child. Dodong appeared to be a well-respected, prosperous man who had a loving wife and a brilliant, well-educated child. He might feel a twinge of nostalgia for the past, appreciating the happiness and contentment he experienced in his family life while also realizing the sacrifices he had to make.

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Instead of marrying Teang at a young age, Dodong decides to pursue further education or a better job opportunity. He believes that by delaying their marriage, they can build a stronger foundation for their future. Teang, initially disappointed, eventually understands and supports his decision.

Years later, Dodong returns to his hometown, a successful and educated man. He reunites with Teang, who has grown into a confident and independent woman. Their paths have crossed again, but this time under different circumstances. They are both more mature, having experienced life and its challenges separately. Their reunion is filled with joy and a renewed sense of connection. They realize that their love has endured the test of time and distance. They decide to marry, but this time with a deeper understanding and appreciation for each other. Their wedding is a celebration of their growth, their love, and the opportunities they have created for themselves.

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As Blas reveals his desire to marry, Dodong feels a mix of emotions—fear for his son’s future and regret for his own choices. He sees in Blas the same youthful determination he once had and recognizes the cycle repeating itself. Determined to break this pattern, Dodong shares his experiences with Blas, cautioning him about the weight of responsibility and the dreams that often fade in the face of harsh reality. He urges Blas to consider waiting and pursuing his own aspirations before rushing into marriage, hoping to guide his son toward a different path.

Blas listens intently, and for the first time, Dodong feels a flicker of hope. He realizes that change can begin with the choices of the next generation. As they talk late into the night, father and son connect over their shared fears and dreams. Dodong resolves to support Blas in finding his own way, wishing to empower him to navigate life’s challenges without succumbing to the same regrets. In this moment, Dodong understands that breaking the cycle is possible, and he finally feels a sense of purpose in guiding his son toward a future filled with potential.