Chapter Thirty-two [The initial encounter with setbacks and difficulties]The entire student body council organizes a program during Foundation Week.At that point, the schedules for her teacher adviser to move to a new school district is accessible. Teaching other important academic courses to the junior class is the only teacher adviser's job for most of the month. Every now and again, the entire class joins the senior class when they don't yet have a teacher.Senior teacher advisers facilitate class discussions and recitations, which Ericka can usually participate in. Her female classmates, who all happen to be the most talented and accomplished junior students in the class, turn to smile at her when they see how involved she is in class, as does the senior male student seated in the back row.In the recesses of Ericka's preoccupied thoughts, she recalls the day she graduated from elementary school and the nickname the older students gave that public school—which she had switched t
Chapter Thirty-three [Sportsmanship among the athletes]That four days in that week are Foundation days competition in school of Ericka. Since the senior class supervises the junior class and frequently provides directions and sets up timetables, it wasn't as interesting as it could have been.Because of the strong sunlight, Ericka's eyes appear to be dazzling in her pink skirt uniform, which is above her knees, white t-shirts, and a lack of a hat.Her skirt surged up, exposing her underwear, as her pitcher threw a little ball that unexpectedly went straight under her between her legs. Everyone laughs while Ericka yells and beams broadly, stating,"Oh, no, please don't go there. Anything below the belt is off limits!"However, she manages to catch the hard, spherical ball that the pitcher tosses every time it strikes. Since the batter is unable to hit the ball far enough to get from first base to second base and then to home base, she advances the score against the Bets by one point.
Chapter Thirty-four: [ Something good is happening ]"You must quit attending school this year. If you fall from that high, elevated position, our daily budget will be jeopardized once more, and we will have to start eating dried fish and fish sauce to pay your hospital bill." John, who has long harbored displeasure towards Ericka, scoffed and threw caution to the breeze as Randy grinned and made fun of Ericka for being overly dramatic and forgetful in her responses to events.“I apologize, Papa and Mama. I was unable to stop them when they surprised me, and I was at a loss for words when they expressed delight at seeing our farm and the fruit-bearing coconut trees. Before they return to their own home in the late afternoon, Ericka humbly explains, "Our bananas are not yet harvested, and there is no coffee or tea here for them to sample.” Furthermore,"On top of that, tomorrow will still be an athletic meet competition. The following day is our great night to announce the winner. Of
Chapter thirty-five [Events from Grand Nights]The student body organization will be presenting activities that are ready for the magnificent night to continue. Additionally, despite the fact that Ericka is a participant, she still seems willing to wait for anything that her two brothers find boring."Wait, guys. I've heard that the best performance will come last. A dramatic presentation will take place, and the athletic game competition winner will be named and given a trophy at the conclusion.It would be helpful to know that the school administration still acknowledges the highly skilled team and the greatest sportsmanship award even though they did not win the title. "Ericka attempted to convey her readiness to finish the award ceremony on the grand night, but her brothers' drowsiness implied otherwise."Sister, it seems late in the evening. The banana fruits that are ripening still need to be harvested tomorrow. To transport everything to the city by truck, the buyer is requir
Chapter Thirty-six [The partiality]Ericka hastily wraps her nude body in an old cloth as her thoughts return to that same moment, dashes home to get ready for school, and puts on her school uniform before heading to class early in the morning. Those pesky thoughts that kept bothering her, knowing in shame,"It's likely that he witnesses me washing my body in my undies in the morning. Most likely other bystanders as well! Why did I never consider that washing my body in public here would be a disgrace? Since the river runs beside our field, I assumed that this region belonged to us and that I was free to do as I pleased. They are currently using this area to wash their bodies as well!"Her forehead wrinkles and brows tighten as she gets disgusted with her far-off neighbors who likewise wash their dirty old clothing and wash their bodies in the same spot. Ericka finishes washing after thirty minutes, and the rain hasn't stopped yet. When the younger woman realizes her basin is full an
Chapter Thirty-Seven [ The hub of fascinating activities] While continuing to stroll down the rocky, broad road, Ericka notes that Vicky is not a typical young person and that, in fact, people hold her in high regard because they share a respectable socioeconomic class.Ericka's mind goes back to her early years, when the community celebrated fiesta in honor of the patron saints."That Vicky was the small, adorable child who was her oldest sister floweret girl when her oldest sister was crowned as the community festivals queen. They rode in beautifully decorated queens throne vehicles during the general parade festivals with a happy musical band playing behind them."After walking down, a wide, rocky road with rice plantations on both sides, Ericka glances forward to see a dark lane with many mosquitoes attacking her. Her thoughts are still racing through her head."The residents of the town hold her family in the highest regard as one of the well-known, honorable families in the com
Chapter Thirty-Eight [ The uncontrolled wildfires]"Could you stop moving because I might lose strength and swiftly let go gripping tightly of your two legs?" Randy is chastising her younger sister further. "Make sure you hold tight to my neck so that even if we fall, the powerful current won't carry you down to the bottom of the river."Randy makes fun of Ericka for trembling and quivering in her knees, fearing that she may unintentionally let go of her larger and taller older brother.As is customary, as soon as they cross the river, they dash into the dark, cave-like plantation where large plants that can eat tiny animals reside and spread disease-carrying mosquitoes to onlookers.The land doesn't belong to Ericka's parents, but at that moment she saw large snakes clinging to a large banana trunk that had fully ripe fruits on it."Observe! This is outside the scope of our plantation. Come on, let the snakes devour the fruits instead of coming after us and consuming our entire body.
Chapter Thirty-nine: The typical youth's lifestylesOn Monday, Ericka is quite upset since she neglected to wash her school uniform the previous weekend. Fortunately, John still has a white T-shirt and an old pair of black pants that she intends to wear. He even laid them out neatly on the bed before heading out into the river early in the morning."Never mind. As long as I attend all of my courses today and learn something new from each of my teachers regarding today's subject matter, I can wear civilian attire today."Ericka speaks as she quickly gathers her old, worn-out bath towel, shampoo, and bath soap and heads downstairs to retrieve pails of clean water from the water pump faucets a short distance from the house.“Maybe I should just wash myself next to the water pump so that I won't have to carry a hefty bucket of water to the restroom.”She noticed that John and Randy were sprinting in the direction of the river, carrying their blue laundry soap and white underwear.“You're
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