It’s Sunday, and I’m meant to be kicking back during this one-week break after midterms. They say to relax, right? But for me, chilling usually means diving into a good book. The problem? I didn’t have one today. So, I grabbed the Rules of Court instead. Don’t judge me. I swear I’m not a total bore. (Okay, maybe a little bit.) But honestly, between the dry legal stuff and all the legal jargon, something hit me hard.

I stumbled upon this fancy term: non-suit for non-appearance. Basically, it’s like when you forget to show up to a party and everyone eats the cake without you. In Philippine procedural law, this is a classic, reminding us that if you want to play the legal game, you better show up! It’s like a pre-trial pep rally designed to keep things moving along instead of getting bogged down in legal limbo. If you don’t show, folks will think you’re just trying to drag your feet, which means you might get tossed out of the case, and that’s without prejudice—fancy talk for “thank you, next!” In my most trying hard attempt to sound this plain and graspable, we say poof, it became coco crunch. The case is gone. No arguments, no lawyers with fancy speeches, and definitely no popcorn-worthy courtroom antics. The only get-out-of-jail-free cards are acts of God, force majeure, or if you’ve got a doctor’s note. Seriously! This was all made super clear in A.M. No. 19-10-20-SC (2019), because even the law knows life can throw you some curveballs. So, unless you’re being abducted by aliens, make sure you’re there; otherwise, the court won’t have time for your excuses!

Going back, that hit me, you know? It felt like a soft thud to the chest, not super loud or flashy, just… there. Not a shocker, more like something I already kinda knew finally hitting home. It was that kind of truth that doesn’t wreck you, just kind of chills out and takes its place.

Because I’ve had people like that in my life. Those who filed emotional lawsuits like they were handing out chocolate bars- promises of loyalty sweeter than a sugar rush, declarations of unwavering support louder than my morning coffee cravings, and heartfelt vows that they’d always show up like a bad sitcom rerun when it truly mattered. They painted such vivid pictures of friendship that I half-expected them to be framed and hung in a gallery. Yet, when it was showtime, and I needed a sidekick for my tragic comedy of errors? Poof! Empty chairs showed up like they were designated drivers who suddenly forgot where the party was. Silent witness stands, echoing with their missing voices, left me yearning for the comedic relief I thought we had scripted together. No defense for the wounds—they must have misplaced their first aid kits. No comforting hand to hold, just the cold hard reality of their spectacular vanishing act. No presence to cheer me on, no one to lift my spirits or heckle my struggles, leaving me solo in this tangled mess of life, wondering how words that once felt so reassuring turned into the equivalent of crickets chirping in an empty room.

And the worst part? I was still sitting in the courtroom, waiting—hoping the door would swing open, that someone would walk in and prove me wrong. But they didn’t. They haven’t.

So today, I’m filing something new in the quiet chambers of my heart: nolle prosequi. Not because they were innocent. Not because it didn’t hurt. But because I’ve finally lost the will to keep prosecuting a case that was never going to trial.

It’s not surrender. It’s strategy.
It’s the quiet, clear decision to let go and reserve my energy for battles that actually lead somewhere.

It’s time to take a good look at who actually deserves a spot in my life and who’s just been hanging around in the background, giving me nothing back. I’ve hit my limit, and the burden of caring for people who don’t return the favor is just too heavy now. My time is valuable, and I’m done wasting it on folks who aren’t ready to put in their share. Relationships should be a two-way street, where we both respect and support each other.

I’ve learned that stepping back is not a sign of weakness but a powerful act of self-preservation. It’s a necessary move towards establishing healthier boundaries and recognizing my worth. I owe it to myself to surround my life with those who uplift, challenge, and support me. Life is too short to be spent in the company of those who hesitate to show up during my trials.

This isn’t just the end; it’s the kick-off for my next chapter! Think of it as me saying that joy isn’t just given out like free samples at the store—nope! It’s something we’ve got to grow, like that basil plant you keep forgetting to take care of. And honestly, it’s way better when shared with those who’ve stuck it out through all the ups and downs with me (you know who you are). So, as I turn the page, I’m rolling out the welcome mat for the real ones who definitely deserve their special spot in this crazy ride!

Love, Without prejudice,

Ana

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