1 Life

My name is Life. My mother gave me that name because I was the third child that has been the first one to actually be successfully born. I really like my name.

Every day, I wake up early to help my father and mother. I make sure to do all the chores alongside taking care of my younger brother because if I don't then no one would.

Despite getting all sweaty and tired, helping my father in the fields, I still feel really happy. In fact, I feel so happy I'd rather live like this instead of feeling all cold and hungry every time the Month of Demons come.

When the winter comes, not only do we have to feel cold, we'll also feel hungry because the Lord takes out all the wheat that my father and I worked so hard for.

Though I still think we have it better than those who have to go and leave their villages because they can't protect themselves against the demons that attack every winter. Those people who come here end up staying in the slums, most of them couldn't even find some dry wood to burn.

It's really a good thing that I was born with the parents that I have. Without them, I'd probably be the same as those other people who end up dying on the streets.

"Since it's getting dark, I better hurry up or else mom would get angry at me." Life said while carrying stacks of wood on her shoulders.

"Hey there! You're always working hard, your parents must be really lucky to have you." The kind old man who lives nearby greeted her.

Life who heard her, beamed a smile as she cheerfully said thanks as she hurries back to her home. On the way, she heard some people saying that a saint would pass by their small town. It was the topic that everyone was talking about.

She was, of course, interested because she was also one of the pious believers of the church, she was actually excited to ask her mother if she could go and look at the church to see the saint tomorrow.

By the time that she had reached her house, the sun was finally setting, her mother had scolded her saying that if she had been any later then she wouldn't have any light to guide her the way home. And that if she wasn't able to return home then she would be taken away by the witches.

Life then apologized, she smiled as she knew that her mother was just worried about her. "Don't worry I won't do it again."

Seeing her like that, all her mother could do was just sigh as she embraced her little girl. "You little brat, you better not do it again, I was really worried.

A little later, her father had arrived at their house, and they began to eat their dinner. While eating, Life asked her parents. "Have you heard the recent talk from the market? They said that a saint is going to pass by tomorrow!"

Her father who saw her already knew what she was after so he smiled and said, "Oh, right didn't you say that you're going with me tomorrow?" He then looked at Life's mother and winked.

"Oh, I remember! Little Life said that she'll accompany you for the whole day." Her mother then jumped in the conversation.

Seeing the both of them, Life was conflicted as she did promise that she would follow her father. She then pouted and remained silent instead.

Seeing their daughter, the both of them initially chuckled which was followed by a loud laughter. "I'm just kidding. So you want to go see the saint tomorrow right? If I'm sure then the saint would arrive here before we leave."

Life was surprised then elated. "Does this mean that you'll let me go?" She almost choked on the wooden spoon that she was using.

"Yes. BUT! You need to promise to come back here immediately because we're still going to leave tomorrow."

"YAAAYYYYY!" Life was happy as she continued eating.

She had a sound sleep that night.