2

I jumped to my feet swiftly, holding my head and striving to recondition myself. Because of my difficulty breathing, I felt as though I was suffocating.

"Are you all right?" he said, as Carlo’s face revealed itself to me.

"What am I doing? I have not yet completed my cleaning!" I was shocked and sprang to my feet.

"Not to worry, Yhra, you may take a break. You're so exhausted, so fatigued," My breathing slowed, and I let him gaze at me for an extended period.

I was terrified. What if I become pregnant because of what happened between me and Remon? I’m not sure how else I’m going to get up or where I’m going to get confidence.

"Is that true?" I raised my eyes to avoid his gaze, as if someone else were suddenly in front of me. I have the impression that I am a really filthy lady.

"How can you make sure that I will tell what happened, Carlo?"

"Simply state the truth." I remained mute and nodded slightly in response to what he said. Carlo’s rage was palpable.

"Why?" I cringed and did not know how to explain to him all that had troubled Remon and me, too soon, to the point where I still can’t believe it worried me.

"Please, I’m not interested. Do not do it immediately, Carlo." Carlo’s expression got even more stern as he returned his look to me.

"I’m not sure why this is happening to you," he said haltingly, and I inhaled deeply.

"Even though I am, I do not know how or why I ended up in the circumstances that I avoid the most. I simply wish to forget, so that I am incapable of remembering everything." I merely shrugged and grinned.

"My first was with Remon. That occurred on my first night shift. I would have cleaned his room if my idiocy had coexisted with his and we had ended up there. Carlo, I’ve never desired everything. I am poor, working my ass of, so I can live and comfortablely." I don't know why I am explaining this to Carlo, but it seems I need to.

"Apart from your family, I do not know what you’re going through. However, I believe it is difficult for you." My heartbeat increased as he softly held me.

"I apologize; I was not there when your shamelessness pushed you away. I was so oblivious that I missed the fact that anything had occurred to you. I developed an unhealthy sense of complacency. And now, I will look after you, and I have vowed that I will not allow anything to happen to you," Carlo said, his eyes shining with sincerity.

"How are you? I can manage myself. As long as I have a family to support me, I will never abandon them." As I stood up, I wiped the tears from my cheeks and smiled at him.

"Many thanks, Carlo; you were a tremendous help to me." He also grinned when I entered the locker room and changed into my home clothes.

I didn't notice that someone was behind me right away, and the shadow didn't move.

"So, you’re content. Have you gained sympathy now? How are you going to get an ally, Yhra?" He smiled crazily at me, and I pressed the last button.

"Doc, I’m pleading with you. Could you perhaps refrain from doing so now? If you’re not exhausted, I’m sure you don’t care how I feel. However, I hope you understand that even if you look down on me as a janitress here, I still have privacy." I’m not sure how the words came out of my lips.

"That is what I am referring to. You have an ally, and thus the courage to respond to me. What if I evict you from this filthy hospital, ensuring that you never see me again and that you avoid difficulty and get the privacy you seek?" My tears flowed gradually because of what he said.

"How did you get that way? Why were you so cruel to me? What have I done wrong with you, and why are you so enraged with me?" I inquired as to why my tears continued to flow.

This is the only job I can do. I’m a recent high school graduate who continues to live with my family.

"Nobody else accepted me since I had completed nothing. Why are you this way? Why are you behaving in such an obnoxious manner?" I screamed, and he simply grinned at me. The more times it occurred, the more I wondered why now. Why am I being subjected to so much pain?

"Because you are a scumbag! You resemble her perfectly! You are unworthy of having a face like Lesley’s. She is a supermodel, while you are a rag. Poverty as a rat!" I was devastated by what he said.

"Is this face a source of contention for you? Who said I wished to resemble the person you despise? I have no connection with you, her, or the two of you. I have a life of my own and am unrelated to you; thus, please halt. I apologize. If you’re going to end my employment, do so. I'm skilled at it; torment someone who has no resemblance to your personality." I did not wait for him to speak and immediately departed from Remon.

My life is just too difficult for him to add to it. If I lose my job tomorrow, I will seek another.

Finding a substantial wage to offer to my mother and father will be a challenge for me. I’m so sorry that I’m losing tens of thousands of pesos each month.

"Keep this day in mind, Yhra. I promise you’re going to regret everything!" Fear and anxiety screwed up my system until I could leave the hospital because of what Remon said.

Is he enraged by her? Who is this lady? Who wants to be that way if it means the quiet torment that would be imposed on my life?

I just ride a tricycle to the cattleya, which is very close to the hospital.

I’m not sure, but you approached me again as I approached our house, and all you could hear was the barking and commotion of the drinkers in the middle of the night.

I have to walk for a few minutes before I see our house, which is dark outside and barking at me.

"What is it, Mom?" I inquired, taken aback.

"Your garments." Someone dejected me before I gathered up my clothing that was scattered outside, and some of them were still wet from the rain.

"You depart. I’m not interested in seeing you at our home. Your aunt Iyha has a good life, living a fantastic life. Unlike you, you kept working at the shameless hospital that earn a ten thousand monthly, what do you think, that your wage can bring a good life to your family?"

"Where has Aunt now, she forgot your existence, because she have a stable life, and I am the one who stay with you, just me!"

"Why can’t you just do Yhra?"

"Would you like me to work as escort woman? Would you prefer me to be like you? "

"Bitch!" My mother struck me in the face, and her shoulders continued to rise as her eyes blazed at me now. Nothing could be more upsetting than what my mother was telling me.

"Do not show that to me, Yhra." I was anxious about Yhna, my younger sister.

"I’m going to take Yhna with me!" When my stepfather, pushed me in, I strained to get in.

"Never show that, Yhra. Take a stand for your pride! If you don’t want to get wealthy, I’ll find a method for you." When my mum entered the home and I looked up, I was depressed.

I rummaged about in my pocket. I now have just five hundred on me, and five hundred will never be enough in Manila.

"How am I going to get there now?"