r things. She was in her melancholic mood. More th

he family now. Hard to be the eldest. I need to finish my assignments, so I can watch my siblings outside." Marie thought while looking for her notebooks. She reached them together with her books on the

ce where she spent her childhood years, she a

who on the other branch of the Indian mango tree had settled while reaching the fruits. The

oot crops where there. Her grandparents and her father's parents did the work. Partly, the mountain was covered

sier to fetch when they need water for washing and other purpos

ace. She smiled while holding the pictures and knew exac

get ripe after three to five days. There are four mangoes in the branches near your lef

What a good smell and sweet ta

you know, when fish is not on the plate, mangoes

atoes. That becomes our rice and dish at the same time. And you know as well that my stepmother will be furious if I cannot make a

ve rice in your house. Even with your cousin Amy. I always ask my mother and father to share somethin

s stepmother shouted in a d

Coming," she

her stepmother waited for her with

ngs here. Did I not tell you to stay and watch them even if you are done with your chores?"

nd was heard even in Marie's ho

peared and hit her with his belt as well. Lou jumped a little from the pain and tears fel

and Lou come to the mountain again. Now, she is beaten by her father

d while gathering some white

mber that Lou's father is quite stern and stricter than your father. Next time the two of you go, be sure to be h

ng to pull weeds in the ricefield tomorrow. She plans to replant some of the

dishes and made her way ready to sleep. But of course, she cannot since she has to hear first her favorite radio drama. She was an avid listener

le her mothe

he letter th

!" Marie

er is already. Why you cannot recall?" Le angrily

drama during study time!" Le shouted as she

but cannot read the letters. Because of this, her mother was furious and determined not to allow her to hear any drama from her favorite radio station during stu

, cacao!" Her Mamang comforted since she knew she did not want to wor

backyard?" Marie cheered as she answered her loudly. She was use

anwhile, let us finish planting the

ts back to the present. "Oh, thirty minutes passed," she hurriedly stretched her arms

er table in the room. Curiosity pulled her to open it for a while. She scanned the pages un

aduate from my fourth year, too. But he was rude and stern, and besides he is

he thought of her father was now for several days busied working the gre

f you who live here. Just think wisely about the course that you want to

ered how she loved doing it since her elementary grades. It started w

guitar for his birthday after your graduation. One day, your piano will be in your room. Your

nded to sing using the guitar her grandfather owned back in Iloilo. In fact, during

ter her routine during that Saturday morning tasks, she looked for her friend in the next room. Joe, the son of the couple servants, Rhe

with your work?" Marie happily gre

as he placed the pails together on the w

know already what I become someday," Marie proudly e

ny times when you are not here," he laughed loudly. "This will lead you to your desired course," he