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 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