Chapter 8: Attempted Rape

At night, I was seated beside Emiliano on the couch. He wanted me to continue my story. Phoenix was beside us. I continued in flashback.

***

In the morning, the singing birds woke me up from sleep. I gathered my fragile self up. My eyes were aching. I couldn’t stare at daylight, it made my vision blurry. I had to squint from the woods. I just needed to leave the neighborhood. I reached a river, I saw a sailor who helped me to cross the river with my bags. I was going to my maternal grandmother’s house. After her demise many years ago, foreigners inhabited the house. We learned they returned to their hometown a few months ago and the house was now vacant. I trudged down the remaining miles, carrying bags all around my shoulders while pulling two suitcases. I almost resembled a camel carrying many loads. After a long trudge under the now scorching sun, I was faced with my grandma’s house. I let down all the loads from my body. I heaved a sigh of relief. I was tired, hungry,