CHAPTER 04

“Sweetie, you look tired. Why don’t you sell your balut tomorrow?” my father said as I prepared the things I’d need to sell balut around the neighborhood.

“Pa, I can do this. Besides, I rested when I got home, right? So I’m not sleepy, and I have the energy to sell these balut tonight. I’ll just start early so I can finish early,” I explained, but my father’s face was unreadable again.

“I’m just worried, because you know…” he said sadly.

“I know pa, but don’t worry. I’ve been a balut vendor for years, and so far, I’m still alive, aren’t I?” I said, batting my eyelashes at my father. He just shook his head.

“What are you two talking about while I was gone?” We both turned to the door as my mother entered. She had been outside watering her plants.

“This. I told her not to sell balut anymore because we have income from our small store, but she wouldn’t listen,” my father said.

“Oh, yes, You applied for a job earlier, and your feet might hurt from standing, so rest for a while. Let’s do it tomorrow.” Ouch. I thought my mother would be on my side, but she agreed with my father.

I smiled at them both. “I won’t change my mind, Mama and papa. I’m leaving later. Let’s eat dinner early so I can leave and sell early. Who knows, I might be home before nine.” I said.

“I’m sorry Unique. Your father is useless. If I could still walk far, I would do that myself. Forgive me for being useless.” I stopped walking because of my father’s words, so Mom and I immediately went to him.

“Silio! Didn’t we tell you that you’re useful to this family? Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you’re useless because what you’ve given us is more than enough,” mama said.

“That’s right, papa. So please remove those negative thoughts from your mind and heart. We should just have good vibes. We accept you no matter what. Mom and I love you because you love us so much. Mom and I understand that you want to be able to move around like before, but please don’t push yourself. You’ve already done so much for us. So don’t worry. If I get hired, we’ll add to your stock in the store. Not only that, I’ll buy you a guitar, one of your hobbies. And who knows, while you’re selling, many will buy from us because you’ll be playing the guitar. Right? That’s awesome.”

“I thought you didn’t get hired for the job you applied for?” Mom asked me.

I scratched my head while grinning. “It’s like yes, it’s like no.” I told them.

“Huh?” They reacted at the same time.

“Anyway, before I left their building, they told me I’d know the results of my job application through text, so I’ll just wait. And hopefully…hopefully, I’ll get hired so I won’t have to sell balut anymore. We can sell here at home. For those who want to eat, let’s continue selling balut, which has been our source of income, right? My brain is sometimes amazing because it works, but sometimes it doesn’t,” I said, making them laugh.

“You really are something, kid. Okay, let’s eat so you can go home early. Unique, my usual reminder, bring pepper spray for your protection. And always be observant of your surroundings. If someone approaches you, you should be alert. Most of all, if there are loafers, don’t approach them, unless it’s crowded. But if it’s just a group, don’t sell to them.” Dad instructed.

I nodded at their instructions.

Carrying a styrofoam box where I put the balut, and on the side, the salt and vinegar—someone requested it before, so I brought it.

“Balut! Balut here! Balut!” I shouted to our neighbors. I don’t care if they hear my noise every night. Not everyone buys. “Balut! Baluuuut!” I shouted again.

“Hey kid, I’ll buy some,” I smiled because someone was buying.

“Sure, sir. How many?” I smiled widely.

“Eight balut. We’re having drinks later because one of our friends has a birthday,” he said.

“Wow, perfect timing, sir. You waited for me before you started.”

“The others are still at work, so it’s good you’re early. I was waiting, too.”

“Here you go, sir. And since you’re a regular customer and my first customer tonight, I’ll give you two extra balut, congratulations!” I said, which made the man happy.

“Thank you, kid. Here’s the payment, and thanks for the extra.” After he gave me the payment, I immediately thanked him and happily continued selling my goods because eight balut were already gone.

My luck tonight continued, and only five were left. I made up for my lost income and sold early. I should’ve started early because there were many people outside.

I wasn’t lucky earlier with the job application, but thankfully, my goods didn’t go to waste.

“Balut! Balut here! Buy some! Fresh and always delicious balut I’m selling, yahoo! Balut! Balut!” I was almost hoarse from shouting, but I continued. This is also for papa's medicine.

I saw a parked car on the side of the road. I was about to pass when I saw someone beside it squatting and staring at the tires of his car. Poor guy, his tire’s flat.

I approached. Whatever. “Kuya, you want balut?” I asked smiling, but my smile immediately faded when I saw those sharp eyes looking up at me.

“You? You again!”