Why Can't I?

I love cooking. But my father opposes it. Why? Just because I'm a boy?

Once, I had cooked a dish and served it to him, hoping he would praise me. He hardly ever praises me.

'Nice.' He said. 'Now you are almost sixteen, son. What do you want to become when you grow up?'

My eyes gleamed. 'A chef or a music composer, Dad.'

Dad snorted. 'CHEF? Music composer!? No way.'

'But why? Why can't I?' I asked.

'Cooking is NOT meant for boys. Besides, music composer- Nah, I don't think you'll be successful if you be a music composer. I myself am a music composer. See what happened to me.'

'Then what do you want me to become?' I demanded.

'Perhaps a doctor or an engineer.' He said as if it was a piece of cake, destroying all my dreams.

'I don't want to!' I whined. 'I'm not interested!!!'

'Obey me.' He said strictly. 'I'm the one paying your fees. Got it?'

I walked to school sadly.

'Hey!' Rose greeted me. She's the one I'm closer to, more than anyone else. 'What happened?' She asked.

'My Dad says I HAVE to become an engineer or a doctor.' I said sadly.

Rose frowned. 'No one can stop you from pursuing your dreams. NO ONE.'

'Dad can.' I sighed.

She raised her eyebrows. 'Talk to your mother. And I'm there with you! You can come to my house.... We can cook together, but I dunno about composing music. We can do that together too! My Dad will help us!'

I hugged her. 'Thanks!'

After school, I went to Rose's house everyday. She helped me a lot. My problem was solved, because Mom and Dad got divorced- Dad was having an affair.

Dad scolded me a lot, but I gave a deaf ear to that. And now I'm a music composer, and I'm married to Rose!!

Remember: NO ONE can stop you from pursuing your dreams!