I dressed up and went outside to check up on what they were doing.
I spotted Uncle Tomas grabbing a big water container as he talked with Ajax, “We ran out of our water reserves. Now I want you to fetch some water from the river up to here.” He said, “We call it igib.”
“Oh, and where’s the river?” Ajax asked, looking around.
“Go and look for one,” Uncle said, leaving him alone now. Ajax silently grabbed the water container and then headed off.
I decided to get back to the kitchen and cook something for when Ajax returns. He would be hungry after all that work. Time passed by and I could see the wind was blowing harshly.
Lunch and dinner came around yet ajax still hasn’t returned.
“I heard there would be a storm coming,” Elyana mumbled to me and I stood up in alert.
“What? Ajax still hasn’t returned.”
Suddenly, the winds started to get louder and the trees swayed more. Leaves were bustling, and I gritted my teeth.
Ajax must have gotten lost in the way! Uncle Tomas didn’t even guide him to where the river is!
“I’ll look for him.” Going to the door, I could see mother standing there.
“No, stay here, let your uncle look for him.” said mother, stopping me.
I sighed, “It would make it easier if we both look for him.” And without hearing another word from her, I grabbed her flashlight, my phone, and an umbrella along with a hat and put on a sweater before going outside the house.
It was dark now and the whole nearby houses were already inside. Marching forward, I went to the nearby places where I would be sure he must have gone.
I think I search around for the whole two hours, yelling for his name. I almost slipped on a pile of mud and got lost in the way when I could see a nearby nipa hut.
“Ellaina!” I could hear Ajax’s voice from the house he showed up soon after, hugging me, “Why are you here?”
“I was looking for you!” I yelled.
“Come inside!” He then guided me to the house. As soon as I was inside, I greeted the people.
“They were kind to let me in. They even fed me dinner.” Ajax explained to me as he grabbed my umbrella and placed it on the doorstep. He also asked for a towel and put it on my shoulder, drying me.
“Thank you, sir.” I smiled at the old man about Uncle Tomas's age. I know him, he was Uncle Tomas's friend.
“You’re welcome, it was having a storm outside so I offered him shelter for the night.” He answered. “You’re Tomas’ niece. Ellaina right?”
I smiled, “Yes sir.”
“Tell him my regards, I am Mang Kanor,” He said.
I nodded, “Yes, I’ll make sure to tell him how kind you were to us, Mang Kanor.”
Just then, a small girl came to us around seven years of age. She was looking up at me and smiled, and grabbed a magazine with my face on.
I smiled at her, “Oh hello there, little girl.”
“You’re beautiful!” She smiled, “Much beautiful.”
I chuckled, “Thank you.”
“She looks up to you.” Said the old man. “When she knew that you were originally here, she have hope that she could also be like you.”
I nodded, “Awe, thank you for supporting me. You could be just like me too.”
It melts my heart how despite everything, there would be a little girl that would still look up to me. They look at me as their role model, and I appreciate that. This just motivates me to do harder.
“Seems that the rain is not stopping soon, my house is not that good but I will offer you to sleep here.” Said Mang Kanor and I smiled.
“Thank you po, thank you so much for this kindness,” I said, really grateful for this help. What I like about my people is that they would be willing to help anyone no matter what. They are not that rich or have a comfortable life, but they would still have a way of helping you.
And I treasure that a lot.
They help me get comfortable as they prepared their spare room, which is the only room I will share with Ajax. Ajax seemed to get used to this place as he was getting along so well with Mang Kanor. The room was not that big, it was small, just enough for two persons to sleep on and not move around.
I looked outside, the rain was still not stopping. And I couldn't help but look around this tiny little hut. We didn't have anything and our house was just like this once when I was still a child.
The comfrot room was too small and there wasn’t any bowl inside. Instead, there was just a small hole for you to pee there. The water is not a commodity here as we only fetch from the river and even hope from the rain to come. Also, we would relay our food through what we harvested on the farm.
Life was hard and cruel, and seeing this place once again brings back memories.
They suddenly let us alone despite the loud sound of rain falling down the roof, I could still feel the tension lingering around.
I do not know if Ajax also felt this as he was busy staring at me under the red light of the candle that was the only light that offers to us tonight.
Suddenly, I could hear a song playing on the radio. The lightning suddenly got louder and Mang Kanor’s head popped out from the door.
“Please don’t mind me playing the radio my dears.” He said. “It’s just my wife’s favorite
I smiled at him, “No, it’s alright. We enjoy music. Your wife has lovely taste in music.”
“Thank you. But she's now in heaven.” He said, his tone getting sadder.
“Oh, sorry.”I glanced at Ajax, now feeling sorry for Mang Kanor. It must have been hard, having to raise your daughter on your own….
He forced himself to smile for us, “It’s alright. Now rest up, I’m sure you both are tired. I apologize again if the place is cramped. Surely you two husband and wife are not uncomfortable?”
Oh…so he thinks we are married?
I wanted to correct Mang Kanor but then he left us alone now.