Hardship

I never gave up on working hard. Over the past few years, life threw countless challenges our way, but Seya and I embraced them and grew stronger together. Now she's in college, and I feel a wave of happiness knowing she'll graduate next year. After everything we've been through, I never imagined I'd be able to help make her dream a reality.

Every struggle and every sacrifice has been worth it.

We no longer live under the bridge, and I'm always thankful for that. I saved enough to rent an apartment for us. I worked as a street sweeper, sold charcoal, and collected scraps before. I saved little by little until I could cover our expenses and provide a decent home.

Now, we have a safe and comfortable small apartment where we feel secure, and Seya can focus on her studies.

Maybe that's how it really works—those problems and struggles shape you to be tougher and more determined to have a better life. If I had given up before, all my hard work from the start would have been wasted. Seya will be alone. And even though there are still times when we struggle to pay the bills, I'm still thankful because I prayed for this before, to have a safe place where me and my sister could stay.

This is all I've ever wanted—living a simple life with Seya and watching her reach for her dreams.

"I'm going to school now, sis."

I looked at Seya and stood up, momentarily leaving the vegetables I was tying. This is what I do for a living now—I'm no longer collecting scraps. I'm selling vegetables at the public market. I earn enough to put food on our table and cover the rent. Though it isn't always sufficient, the landlord has been kind to us and understands our situation. Sometimes he gives us a little extra time to pay, which helps relieve some of the pressure.

"Oh, wait." I took fifty pesos from my bag and handed it to her.

"Take this," I said.

"Thank you, sis. But what if there's nothing left for you again?" she asked and concern was clear on her face. She didn't like accepting money from me since she was also earning from tutoring.

I smiled and shook my head, gently placing the fifty pesos in her hand.

"There's still some money left. Don't worry, Seya. Besides, I'll sell vegetables at the market later. Do you really think my beauty won't help me sell out all of this?" I joked and even looked at the vegetables behind my back.

She smiled too at me and pat my shoulder.

"Hmm. I never doubt your beauty! I'm just thinking about our rent for this month. But thank you for this and for always working hard. Once I graduate, you can take a break, and I'll work for us."

I felt grateful to have such a sweet and thoughtful sister. I never saw her as a burden—never have, even in the past. She's always been a great help, even if she doesn't realize it. She's the reason why I keep working hard.

"Thank you for this! I'm going now. I don't want to be late. We have a recitation for the first subject."

She kissed my cheek and then I nodded at her. "Take care, Seya. Be careful at school."

But just after my sister left, our neighbor Sonya suddenly appeared at my back surprising me.

"Zehra! Hey, Dedang is waiting for your answer. Will you join the pageant? Our barangay still doesn't have a candidate! Everyone wants you to compete because we all know you'll definitely win!"

Here she goes again...

I sat down again and continued tying the vegetables. Sonya came over and sat in front of me. They've been trying to convince me to join the beauty pageant here in our city since yesterday. I'm not really interested in joining any contests because I'm not used to standing in front of a lot of people. I also don't know anything about walking on stage. Plus, there's a question-and-answer portion and a talent show. I would just embarrass myself there.

"The festival is coming up soon, Zehra, and it's in two days. The list of participants for Ms. Dapdap West will be submitted later. Please! This is a great opportunity for you! If you win, the prize is five thousand pesos!"

I paused while washing the eggplants when I heard what Sonya said. I looked at her and saw her smiling at me. She knows my attention was caught to the amound of money!

"Isn't Seya working on her thesis? You need money for that, and I know it can cost a lot because my child went through the same thing before graduating from college. Come on, Zehra, we really believe you can win. The candidates from other areas aren't that great-looking," Sonya said.

"How sure are you? It's not good to be so judgmental, Sonya," I replied, but she just shook her head at me.

"I'm telling the truth! I know you can win! Just look at how beautiful you are—your fair skin and your figure. You could even pass for a model, but you keep turning down my sister's offers because you lack confidence."

But the thought of five thousand pesos lingered in my mind. If I won, that could cover our rent for two months, and I heard Seya needed two thousand for her thesis. That would leave me with two thousand more...

"W-What do I need to do, Aling Sonya?" I asked.

She stood up and clapped her hands. "Oh, nothing! We just need you! My daughter Lea will handle the gown, swimsuit, and heels. And Theresa's daughter will do your makeup!"

So, it seemed they were really just waiting for me to say yes. Honestly, I truly appreciated their support. Since Seya and I moved here, our neighbors have been so kind and considerate to us.

"Uhm. O-Okay, Sonya. Maybe I'll give it a try," I replied.

"What? Should I put you on the list now? No backing out! Are you really going for it?"

I nodded and she happily hugged me.

"Alright! I'll go tell Dedang you agreed!"

With that, she left with a big smile on her face. I continued tying the vegetables, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. It was my first time joining a pageant, and even if I didn't have any fancy clothes or money to spend, I might as well give it a shot. Plus, if I won, I wouldn't have to worry about the expenses for the next two months.

After finishing tying the vegetables, I placed them in the basket and then put them all onto my trolley. If I didn't hurry, I'd surely run out of customers.

In the five years that have passed, I'm thankful for the guidance of our parents and to God for not

Seya was getting closer to finishing her studies, and when that happened, I could finally focus on the things I wanted to do. I could buy things for myself and reward myself for all the hard work I put in.

Soon!

I went to the public market and arranged my goods at my usual spot. Some vendors greeted me, and I greeted them too. Many people knew me here since I had been selling for almost two years. Just a few days ago, aside from Sonya, some customers had asked if I would really join our city's beauty contest.

Win or lose, it would still be a great experience.