Chapter 34

I can't count how many times I sigh. I look back and forth between the wireless phone and the tv screen.

I closed my eyes tightly as if I could mentally talk to my father. Annoyed, I stood up. I went to the laundry area and washed our dirty clothes in the washing machine. It has a dryer so it dries quickly even if it rains outside.

"Haist…" I shook my head as I poured the powder detergent into the washing machine.

I got out of the laundry area. I went back to the living room and was annoyed that I picked up the wireless phone. Suddenly it rang. I screamed in shock and threw it on the carpeted floor. I also picked it up quickly.

"Hello?" Hoping that my dad was on the other line.

"Fatima."

"Dad!" I was glad to hear my father's voice. “Please, pick us up. I don't like it here. I don't even know which continent of the Philippines you took us to. If we are still in Manila, abroad, or what."

"Hey, slow down. How are you two?"

I was silent for a moment. How are the two of us?

"No–" I stared a