There we were, happily exchanging stories on our way home. It had been one of those drives every parent treasures—easy conversations, effortless laughter, and the comforting feeling that your grown children still genuinely enjoy talking to their mother. Then we got home. One simple question. One simple answer. Somehow, in the blink of an eye, it became a complete misunderstanding. A sudden “cold war” erupted out of nowhere between me and Tenten. Anyone who knows me knows this isn’t how I usually handle conflict. My children have often heard me firmly declare:  “Hangga’t hindi tayo nagkakaintindihan, hindi ko kayo titigilan. Kahit maghapon at magdamag tayong mag-usap.” But that afternoon, the rule failed. We both retreated to our own rooms. Instead of talking face-to-face, our conflict unfolded silently through text messages. “Ikaw, Ma… napakamatampuhin mo po.” He thought my question had come from deeply hurt feelings. I quickly replied: “Alam mo, Tenten, magagalitin ka kasi.” He th...