Kabanata Labing-Siyam

"How long have you been donating in St. Claire?" Hans suddenly asked me.

Nakaupo kami sa magkabilaang pinto sa backseat. I still wanted to give ourselves space as a sign of respect for him. Boss ko pa rin siya.

"For about three years," sabi ko.

Magtatatlong taon na si Israel. Simula noong inuwi ko siya roon, tuloy tuloy ang bigayan ko. Even in those times I didn't have a job yet.

"You said you don't have a business. Is there any reason why you are supporting that orphanage financially?"

I looked outside the window and watched the people patiently waiting for a bus or a cab to ride on. The night was dark yet the street was still busy.

Gusto ko sanang i-dismiss ang topic na 'yon. Palagi nilang tinatanong kung bakit ako nagdo-donate sa bahay-ampunan gayong wala naman akong kinalaman doon. Napaisip ako. Did businessmen only donate to the orphanage because it was their obligation? Hindi ba sila nagdo-donate kasi may malasakit sila and not because