Until now I could not imagine how Uncle Mon did it to me. I was also afraid to tell anyone about what happened.“Do not tell anyone otherwise you wanted to get buried alive,” Uncle Mon whispered in my right ear, trembling in fear. My voice was in silence knowing I would be dead anytime if I would tell this to anyone. Drops of tears fell off down my checks, I did not know what to do and I could not trust anyone.A knock from the door, “Amina? Are you done there?” Jessy was waiting outside the bathroom.I wiped off my eyes and flushed the hatred behind as if nothing happened. “In a while, I will be out.” I replied.“Hurry up,” Jessy commanded.I hastily fixed and went out. I apologized.I got inside my room and buried myself in the pillow. I wanted to leave this house and forget what everything happened. I felt so dirty. I hoped mother would be already here. I badly needed her at my worst. If no one would do this to me, then I would do something for me. He must pay what he did to me o

Day 2 It’s 4 A.M. I remember that I am tasked to ring a bell to the retreatants at 5 A.M. so they can prepare themselves for early morning session. I notice something standing in front of the door. Maybe someone wants to talk to me or just try to know what I am doing inside the room. I started to feel anxious to nervous. Last night when I encountered the coordinator, I felt unusual about him like he seemed so familiar to me or it was just I am still adjusting to my new life here in the convent. I do not know about what my life lies ahead but I will still be facing it with courage because I knew this will make me renew my walks in life. I stand closer to the window and a fresh cold gentle blow of wind meets my face. I welcome it with a deep sigh of comfort. The scent of sampaguita outside the garden diffuses heavenly declaration. The tranquility brings so much peace reorganizing chaos of one’s soul. I am happy where I am today but it does not mean I will not encounter problems anymo

Amina “Mom, we plan out to go overnight at Gianna’s dorm as we will have project making to be passed on Friday.” I informed her, ironing my college uniform. The door was open wide. My mom appeared. “Amina, what if I have told you that I would not allow you to go? She was wiping her hands with the apron. “Mom,” I came closer to her, “I am already a college girl, your 17-year-old daughter, who knows her limitations. Do not worry about me because I would not make myself get impregnated by any boys out there. I still have my plans and dreams to fulfill and you are part of those things I want to pursue and give you the life you deserve.” I hugged my mother Elianna. “I am just worried because I did not want you to be like me who was not able to finish my degree.” “Mom, just because you have not finished your college does not mean make you less of a mother to me. I am here and I want to fulfill your dream by seeing me pursuing this education.” She smi

The next day, Yana finally sent unanimously the complaint letter to the school president. Concerned teachers were called and what we desired came a reality—they were suspended a day after the letter was sent. “You know me, Amina.” Yana grinned, depicting how triumphant she was. “What about our final project? Aren’t we going to submit it?” I wondered. “What I heard she is suspended, so we still need to submit it because that is part of her academic responsibility to submit as well our summer grade. She should learn her lesson.” Yana spoke the language of satire. It’s Friday and we did not have schedule class today and my mother Elianna allowed me to stay one night with Yana’s dorm. I felt elated on staying away momentarily from my mother. “Did you bring the camera?” Yana asked. “Of course, sis.” I shelled out from the bag the cam we were going to use. “I also brought food and drinks.” “Please, get in.” Yana s