Chapter 10

For years of living with her in that small nipa hut, I was used to being told what to do and being scolded for things I did wrong every day. Sometimes it's tiring so I prefer to go to school than stay at home. Now that Mama has a job all day, my day will be quiet as well.

A few days passed and still, nothing changed in my life. After waking up in the morning... I will eat, wash clothes I and Mama had worn yesterday, will eat again, go to the neighbors to do laundry, go home, and wait for Mama when the afternoon comes. I have already collected enough amount of money but I still prefer to collect more because I know I will not be able to go to the neighbors when school day comes.

When Christmas eve came, we only had soup and rice ready. We also did not bother to give each other presents, so after a few minutes after the clock struck midnight, Mama and I were asleep.

It was the same set-up when the new year came. But before New Year's celebration, someone from our neighbor gave us five