Chapter Forty-nine [ Symptoms of the puberty stage]Darwin looks at Teddy to make sure he understands what he is trying to educate him about the development of personality.“We already have everything you need here, so you strive to avoid sharing what they have. If you can't find anything here, wait for your mother to buy it. However, try to avoid eating at other people's houses as much as possible. Tell them you're still full, that you just finished, or that you shouldn't eat with them since there are things in our kitchen that could deteriorate if left unfinished.” Darwin continues,“When they invited you to lunch with them, try to think of any reasonable justifications you can give them so they won't be offended or ashamed. The purpose is to assist you in maintaining your image as a responsible individual and to make them aware of the necessity for you to spend more time at home and only see them when they are available.”Darwin continues as Natalia sets up the breakfast."Even tho
Chapter Fifty [She possesses the illusive look]The following morning, just before the sun rose in the east, Ericka attempted to follow her mother's example of getting everything ready on the table before the sun rose. She just covers it with a screen and dashes into the bathroom to change into brand-new, clean underpants after giving herself a short wash.When her parents enter the kitchen and see that Ericka made everything, she beams. Despite her physical anguish, Ericka didn't mind them, as she had to go to school early that morning.They have to wear the school uniform—a pink skirt and white blouse—that day.As per usual, Ericka feels comfortable and confident despite her monthly period because she rarely has large blood clots and doesn't worry about discomforting herself with embarrassing stains.The instructors and staff of the school are required to leave their students with a caregiver until the conclusion of the general staff meeting on that particular day.Given that Ericka
Chapter Fifty-one [ Healthy Habits]That afternoon, after eating, she wanders around the yard to see if anything needs to be put in order. She grabs some guava fruits and loves the fresh air blowing through the atmosphere as she quickly climbs the tree's branches and sits down on one limb to ponder, chewing on the brittle, semi-ripe guava fruits.She feels as if she is regaining her strength after suffering from her monthly period sickness when she suddenly spots the small green snakes slithering on one limb again. She trembles with fear as she quickly jumps over the top of the guava tree branch down the ground.“That's quite pleasant!"Ericka yelled as she walked curiously toward her parents' piggery and chicken flock, questioning each species as she saw it move and their eyes on her,“Dear roosters, chicks, and chickens, how is life treating you as our tamed fowlers, and how about you chubby, fat hogs? You appear to be growing quickly now. As soon as the buyers chose to take you for
Chapter Fifty-two [An ally or foe]Around midnight, Ericka stayed in the freshly constructed comfort room by the water pump and heard laughter coming from there. She looked out across the rugged landscape and saw a great number of army guys on horseback.The lower part of her tummy still hurts.Even though she is already exhausted, she allows her imagination to run wild before shutting her eyes because the pain has become intolerable for her. Convincingly, she closed her eyes and shook her head as if the back of her brain instructing, "My imagination creates fantasy, and what I heard is not fact. All of these things are the result of my imagination, and my emotions have deceived me. ""I am a beautiful young woman becoming a real woman who was created by God with a complete female gender and a woman nature capable of acting, thinking, feeling, and sensing what a female gender develops."Ericka says, concentrating intently."I accept and love myself completely, including my body parts,
Chapter Fifty-three [The discipline taken by the parents]John, who is walking behind her mother, simply listens as Elaine delivers a stern lecture that may cause her to cry in private.She is well aware of her mother's concern for her and her willingness to pay for her college education. However, her cherished mother is unable to comprehend her behaviour when her happy moments occur, and she is unable to make informed decisions because she does not yet possess sufficient knowledge to weigh the pros and cons for both herself and others as long as the event will bring her joy.During that particular event, for all the students and teachers who aim higher to receive an award, she excused herself to her mother by having her uncle replace her in fastening the ribbon and medal to her neck. She also blamed her mother for being late, even though she was aware that Ericka needed her at those critical times.”Because you came late and the speaker was pushing me to step down after calling my na
Chapter Fifty-four [The difficulties faced by the younger generations]To relieve their stress and exhaustion after work, Ernest speaks that evening in front of Elaine and other female farmworkers gathered at their dark dining table to sip coconut saps.He draws parallels between Ericka and her slothful female cousins, who prefer to laze around doing nothing while their parents are at work on the farm and refuse to do any housekeeping."Because her mother, who often gripes about Ericka's diligence at home, has benefited greatly from her assistance." Before others, Ernest showed Ericka affection, compliments, and favorable feedback.But Elaine often complains about Ericka's cleaning techniques, saying,”She doesn't adequately clean the underside. I can still picture dust on the floor and the odor of the clothing she washed. How could she think that I would benefit greatly from it?"Thus, Elaine concludes that Ericka's work is unsatisfactory since her cleaning technique is still not ele
Chapter Fifty-five [ Identifying the three cross pathways]In the back of her tired mind, Ericka thought sarcastically that those interesting boys were trying to get rid of her till she left the school grounds for a semester break.But Ericka also lacks peace because her parents are focused on staying in the rice fields all week long, and her female classmates are idle and bother her while she is thinking in the farmhouse. They cheerfully invited Ericka to join them for a gang visit to swim in a remote waterfall with her male classmates, and she couldn't say no. Ericka is aware that she will face new difficulties as the gang will undoubtedly watch to see which of the girls will draw the boys to the swimming competition.“No! Since nobody will be left to watch over our residence here, I am unable to go to such a swimming party!”As one friend responded, Ericka's eyes widened and turned round.“Because you have amazing dogs that faithfully bark occasionally when something moves around
Chapter Fifty-six [Granted prayer request]"Sister, come with me! Since the sun is still waiting to set and allow the shadows of darkness to engulf the entire area, let's attempt to follow this path right now. Let's seize this chance. It's Thursday today and Friday tomorrow. One more day is available for us to explore and learn about the hidden areas close to our neighborhood and what awaits us at the end of this path trek.”When John says this, Ericka becomes intrigued and holds his hand as they eagerly go along the weedy trail. “Is it safe to bring this back to our residence, in your opinion? We could get lost in the process.”Adding,“It appears that only cars have been using this pathway for a very long time. John, which vehicle is coming in and using this path?"Since they never bring a weapon against silent intruders, John declines to respond and tells Ericka to keep quiet so as not to disturb any other living beings that may be there. He coiled a stiff vine after noticing it. Hi
Chapter Sixty-three [ The Lovers of mans’ soul]Ericka couldn't help that morning while she was in Teddy’s car with her family but thought after hearing about that sporting event from her male playmates that early morning. She recalled how they had taken her to the secret hideout where the majority of male army guys hid."When we play those wild deer games, you should dress like a man." Additionally, "they must not identify you as female. Otherwise, they will become attracted in you, Ericka. If we are together, we shall tag you as Eric."However, Ericka and John keep that secret from everyone because, to them, the incident is merely a part of rural life and nobody is interested."Everyone is too preoccupied with their problems to bother other people's lives when it isn't required." Her face turns gloomy adding,“My father would have to compensate them for their work on the farm if they needed help and support. "She even defends the workers' problems, and she smiles quietly while her
Chapter Sixty-two [ The secrets and conspiracies of man]When Ericka sees her male relatives, who are her uncles' sons, coming toward her, she simply sways her hands and body to fully appreciate the current moment.“It's time to play like a mountain and wild deer with our other childhood plaything. Would you like to join us? “ As he is trying to persuade her.”Ericka, this is a very lucky night when the full moon shines to provide us with lights."Roy, her cousin, eagerly extends an invitation to bring her, saying,“We may invite John and the other four boys of Uncle Johnny as well because their house is perfectly located for us to play hide-and-seek. We can go quickly across the higher mountain and down the valley with the little rill that divided the owner of the field to your farm.”Adding a few justifications,“Do you believe that even if it's a little slick when we get on, we may use the dry coconut midrib as a sled to go down the region, making it impossible for the person on th
Chapter Sixty-one [ The Full Moon]However, John, Teddy, and Ericka did not pick up when the teachers’ called. Someone responds on their behalf so they are unaware that Ericka's other pals and the three little children are already absent.The teacher also observes that the three partners who make up Ericka's group have already vanished and that darkness has spread to both sides of the area. However, someone responds on their behalf, and there are more sounds coming from the woods."All right, seniors, look for your seven companions—Ericka, Alona, and Nesty, Vanessa and Rusty, Amelia, Jason, and Teddy and John—as they appear to be drifting away from us at this .Everyone yells and calls their names.Alona, Ericka, Vanessa, Amelia, Nesty, Rusty, James, Teddy, and John, where are you now?"Everyone yells and calls their names.Alona, Ericka, Vanessa, Amelia, Nesty, Rusty, James, Teddy, and John, where are you now?"Adding, “Calling, calling you all! Please reply urgently!”They can also
Chapter Sixty [ The Cosmos]But before Ericka can raise any more questions, the audio declares loudly that the vehicle is ready to head back to the lowlands."Everyone who has registered and logged into our system is directed to prepare to board the vehicle that is parked at the outer gate by packing their belongings."They all had a good time during the party, but their questions about Ericka remain unanswered until they all get on the truck to go home.Ericka no longer realizes that she is resting on Darwin's chest and occasionally with John, who prevents her from collapsing, as she nods off throughout the hour-long drive home.Teddy is also feeling worn out as he sits in his father's lap. When everyone gets home, they all enjoy their meals and each other's company. They have a persistent mistrust about Ericka:"Why did nothing worse happen to her after an hour of submersion and why was she able to breathe like a fish?"Most of them lighten the tone of the interrogation by joking wi
Chapter Fifty-nine [Diving Sharply and Nose Dive]It's a steep diving challenge for Ericka. She is currently focusing on how it operates while on the air. She is further able to recall her trainer's instructions:“When diving, you lift your two straight arms over your head and let gravity carry your body freely until you reach the water's surface.When you tilt your body upside down and concentrate on diving straight to the water's surface, with your fingertips touching the water's surface first, it can protect your head. Your hands should firmly focus with straight arms until your head, shoulders, and entire body reach and submerge the water.To reach the target underwater, your two powerful, firm hands extend overhead until your entire body flips over, shielding your head with your two long, powerful arms.Like a bird that is about to nosedive and swoop straight to the water's surface, Ericka doesn't care about anything else anymore and maintains the same body posture while doing so
Chapter Fifty-eight [The Challengers ]Darwin and Teddy, as well as John, are so amazed and feel awesome at how they warmly welcome them and provide all their needs.Thinking about what they brought as part of their share of the birthday treats, Ericka looks at John.“When everything we need is readily available and free, do we still need the ripe bananas and charcoal that we attempted to carry? All we have to do is write down what we want, and they will deliver it right away!"Darwin and Teddy concurred with delight, and Ericka laughed quietly."And observe! It appears that this waterfall tourist destination still has something intriguing to offer. It appears to be a centre of worship for our beloved God over there.The image of our Lord Jesus Christ is located in a man-made garden that is comparable to the Garden of Gethsemane, and the sky is open and glistening with lights as bright as the sun.”Ericka demonstrates as Alona and Neste approach them and join her, who appears to have
Chapter Fifty-seven [ The water falls]Ericka speaks softly, saying“God heard your plea and granted you a younger sister or brother, my dear Teddy. It is your responsibility to look after Mom and her child.” Darwin finds what Ericka mentions surprisingly.“I had no idea that my son wanted a brother or sister. He longs for a large family, which is why they view you both as his brothers and sisters.Darwin chuckles as he gives him a big hug and invites him to go home to prepare for tomorrow's event.“We shall be leaving her before eight in the morning, Kuya. It would be wise to exercise caution, advise Ate Natalia to get enough sleep, and offer our congratulations on the new life she has inside her womb. May God bless you!"Ericka says this before Darwin and Teddy cheerfully depart.They were all restless and anxious about the upcoming events tomorrow, so they were unable to get a good night's sleep that night. Teddy constantly asks her mother how she is feeling and kisses her while c
Chapter Fifty-six [Granted prayer request]"Sister, come with me! Since the sun is still waiting to set and allow the shadows of darkness to engulf the entire area, let's attempt to follow this path right now. Let's seize this chance. It's Thursday today and Friday tomorrow. One more day is available for us to explore and learn about the hidden areas close to our neighborhood and what awaits us at the end of this path trek.”When John says this, Ericka becomes intrigued and holds his hand as they eagerly go along the weedy trail. “Is it safe to bring this back to our residence, in your opinion? We could get lost in the process.”Adding,“It appears that only cars have been using this pathway for a very long time. John, which vehicle is coming in and using this path?"Since they never bring a weapon against silent intruders, John declines to respond and tells Ericka to keep quiet so as not to disturb any other living beings that may be there. He coiled a stiff vine after noticing it. Hi
Chapter Fifty-five [ Identifying the three cross pathways]In the back of her tired mind, Ericka thought sarcastically that those interesting boys were trying to get rid of her till she left the school grounds for a semester break.But Ericka also lacks peace because her parents are focused on staying in the rice fields all week long, and her female classmates are idle and bother her while she is thinking in the farmhouse. They cheerfully invited Ericka to join them for a gang visit to swim in a remote waterfall with her male classmates, and she couldn't say no. Ericka is aware that she will face new difficulties as the gang will undoubtedly watch to see which of the girls will draw the boys to the swimming competition.“No! Since nobody will be left to watch over our residence here, I am unable to go to such a swimming party!”As one friend responded, Ericka's eyes widened and turned round.“Because you have amazing dogs that faithfully bark occasionally when something moves around