Chapter 4: The Blood Transfusion

Simon never came home to monitor Ella. He sent Samuel home to rest. His friend is no longer a kid, and he doesn’t want him to be the next one to disappear. Simon was standing by the room’s window, staring out. He recalled the help he had received from his ancestor, Samuel. That is how he cared about his family up to this point.

The Year 1500

Lando and Simon stood at the window watching Helena nursing her baby. Helena gave birth several months ago. Though the couple showed no malice, Simon was still ashamed of Helena. The couple had a son, and they named him Rafael.

“I heard from the town that the sultan had become sick, a serious illness. No babaylan could heal the sultan,” he said.

“Is it infectious?” asked Simon.

“I’m not sure,” Lando said while looking at Helena. “I’m worried about them. They say there are many sick people in other cities, and they are slowly approaching us.”

“We are a long way from the town. We’re probably not going to be infected,” Simon says. “This infectious disease will cross the river before we get here,” Simon said, smiling.

Lando laughed slightly. “I hope so, Simon. Because my son is too young to be critically sick.”

Lando’s face is worried, so he loses his head over the spread of the disease. Simon had a change of topic.

“The anniversary of Rafael is just around the corner. Will you prepare food for him?” Simon asked.

“Yes. I am also offering it to Bathala for his safety and health.” Lando asked.

The months went fast. Lando’s dreadful disease has reached their town. Many people die from this incurable, contagious disease. Most of the victims are adults and children. Lando and Helena wanted to offer food only in Bathala on Rafael’s first birthday. Thanks to their abundant harvest, despite the drying out of the land and crops, and with their one child, a healthy body and a secure environment.

“Rafael seems to like you, Simon,” said Helena.

She was busy setting up the table for dinner. He likes to play with Rafael. The child’s laugh could be heard all along with their little lodge.

“I see it because he likes to pee on me.” Simon chuckled.

Helena laughed. “Where is Lando now? It’s dark, but he’s not here yet,” Helena said, looking at the door.

Simon looked at the door. “I can check him out for you,” said Simon.

Simon approached Helena to hand over Rafael, but they heard a noise from outside. Helena and Simon looked at each other. Helena took Rafael and Simon toward the door. He even took the lamp there when he went out and met Lando. His dry cough keeps going. Simon immediately pressed Lando and took him to the bench. Helena was about to come closer, but Simon struck his hand.

“Lando is not well, Helena. You can’t approach him, or Rafael will become infected. I will look after Lando,” said Simon.

A few days later, Lando’s sickness did not disappear. Constant coughing and a high fever. To avoid infecting Helena and Rafael, Simon made a temporary gap in the bedroom. He does not even approach Helena for Rafael’s safety.

“You’ve been caring for Lando for a few days but don’t seem infected by the disease. You remain strong, and nothing has changed about you. Can you feel anything?’ asked Helena.

Helena glanced through the window, and Simon was outside. “I feel nothing at all.”

“It’s incredible,” said Helena.

Simon continued to cut lumber. “When we saw you in the woods, you said you fell into the hole made by the fiery rock of outer space,” Helena asked.

“Yes. It was hot, and I didn’t expect to be alive after that,” said Simon.

“You are unconscious, lying on a rock. Although your clothes were shredded off, you weren’t hurt. Aren’t you surprised?” asked Helen.

Simon quit cutting lumber. He suddenly figured it out. Rafael cried, and Helena quickly went to the room.

Simon was uneasy about what Helena had said. While chopping vegetables, he did not realize that one of his fingers had been stabbed with a knife. It hurt him. He looked at his finger, which was bleeding, so he washed his hand immediately. But to his astonishment, he saw no injury when the trace of blood on his finger was gone. Simon frowned. He looked up at his hands.

“Lando!” cried Helena aloud.

Simon quickly turned and walked towards Helena. Helena was not in the room she had made for Helena and Rafael. The young Rafael was sleeping. Simon went to Lando’s room. That’s where Helena was. Embracing Lando while she weeps.

“Lando!” exclaimed Helena. Lando has lost his life.

Simon buried Lando in the ground, which he dug near their house. As he covered Lando with soil, his tears never stopped. Lando’s been good to him, so losing him pains him. After placing the cross on Lando’s grave, he turned toward Helena. She was sad.

A couple of days after Lando’s funeral, Helena got sick. Contrary to Lando, Helena’s body weakens more quickly.

“Get well, Helena. Rafael needs you,” said Simon.

“But I can’t, Simon,” said Helena softly.

She’s coughing as if she’s breathless. She was so pale and powerless.

“Look after Rafael. You take care of him, Simon,” said Helena.

Helena stared at Rafael. Simon lifted him while he was asleep. Helena hadn’t hugged Rafael in the last couple of days. And Rafael seems to know something is going on with her mother because he’s looking for Helena. Simon couldn’t keep himself from crying while trying to find his mother.

“I love you, Rafael. May Bathala guide my son,” said Helena.

Helena kept crying as she watched her child. Her eyes closed. Meanwhile, Rafael was crying hard.

-

Present Time

Simon didn’t realize he was asleep on the couch. Seth taps him slightly, which makes him turn around.

“Uncle, we should have breakfast,” Seth said, smiling.

Simon seated himself on the couch and looked at Ella, who was still asleep. The same thing happened to a child hundreds of years ago. He was asleep for several days after receiving a blood transfusion.

Simon got up and drew near Seth. He’s fixing that table. When he sat there, Seth immediately handed the food over.

“Later, uncle, I’ll look after Ella when she hasn’t woken up yet,” said Seth.

Simon wiped the spoon and fork with a handkerchief. “Why? Have you lost your mind?”

Seth chuckled. “No, uncle, that’s my way of saying thank you for saving Ella,” Seth said, smiling. “I know it’s simple, but I hope you’ll appreciate it.”

Simon sensed Seth’s sincerity, and he smiled.

“Of course, I appreciate it. Samuel? Where is he?” Simon asked before eating.

“He said he’d drop by the office before coming here,” said Seth.

“Samuel has been busy these past few days. What’s he up to?” asked Simon.

“I do not know,” Seth said. He ate the food before he spoke again. “Didn’t he tell you what he was doing?”

Simon shook his head. “No. We haven’t talked longer.”

“I think Dad and Secretary Anne are having an affair. They are usually together.” Seth stops eating.

Simon looked at him. “Eww, I don’t want Secretary Anne to be a stepmom. It doesn’t seem like that woman is a mother figure. Maybe she’ll play with Dad. They’re not Dad’s thing. It’s disgusting!” Seth said it with a disgusting face.

Simon knocked on Seth’s head. “Oh, that’s painful, uncle!” Seth complained.

“You shouldn’t think about your dad that way. It’s very unprofessional of you. Your father is a decent man,” Simon said.

“Geez, uncle, why are you too serious? I’m just saying my opinion.” Seth said, caressing his head.