Saving the farm

**In the first-grade class **

A young girl at the front of a class reads an essay about her favourite parent. She has ink-black hair and curled-up ends with bangs. Her ocean-blue eyes dilate and contract as she continues to impress her classmates and teachers. They all admired how well she narrated the story, this girl turned a boring farm story into an exciting race. She even uses hand actions. To complete her essay she placed her hands on her hips smiling brightly " I know my mother is my very own wonder woman, she not only takes care of me and our farm but also employs 98 people in our community. Therefore, my favourite parent Thank you " she bows respectfully before leaving the stage.

" I have a question, Rahel" a sandy hair girl raises her hand.

Rachel pushes her bangs exhausted " Yes, Becca ".

" Isn't your mom your only parent " the little sassy Becca mocks?

The class of thirty burst into laughter pointing and mocking Rahel. The teacher who is calm whipped his cane in anger " Shut up ".

Hastily, the children obeyed " Sorry, sir "

Wiping her overflowing tears Rahel breathes in air and says proudly " Yes, she is my only parent for my dad died when I was three and I will say it proud and loud "

" Sorry Rahel " the sandy-haired girl who instigated the matter apologized pulling her ears.

" I forgive you, Becca," she said calmly and walks to sit at the back of the class.

The two-class instructors saunter to the hall to talk.

" That kid Rahel is ..... something," he said thinking for the written word. " Everything she said about her mom is it true? "

" Da, it's true. Mrs Adams is from the big city, she came into the community when she had already given birth and she and her grandmother tilled the soil for a living. Since miss, Eva is educated and from the big city, she brought in huge machines and fertilizers and made the farm what it is today. "

" What about Rahel's father? " the lady asked shifting her gaze from the teacher and the child in the back.

" Oh, he was kind and hardworking. He had a white-collar job in the city and visited on weekends, unfortunately, he died in a storm. "the man shakes his head as he recalls the incident.

" But, the kid does not talk like she is from here "

" Yeah, probably got it from her mother. The kid is her mother's photocopy except for her eyes. She is tough and intelligent "the male instructor rubs the lady's arm before leaving.

******

" Becca " Becca's mom calls from her fancy car honking for Becca. Becca hugs me and runs into the car.

" Rahel, come in "she yells.

I nod my head in negate " my mom will pick me up "

" Okay, if you say so," she says wearing her shades. Becca in the back waves at me.

Ever since he called me this morning Becca has been very kind. She shared her lunch and fancy bottled water with me.

******

" Are you ok? " my mother inquiries as she horns at someone in a car in front of us.

" I'm fine "

" You don't sound fine "she replies in a harsh tone. I know she is stressed but would not tell me.

" Mom what's for dinner "I change the topic watching the houses become trees as we drive from the city to the community.

" What else? fried eggs and toast. " she pushes her hair backwards and veers the car to the bend to our farm.

It's what we have every night. Eggs from our chickens, bread from the city and a cup of warm milk from our cows.

lately, my mom has been selling our animals to pay the debt. Last week we buried grandma and she had not yet been the same. She is awfully quiet and smiles often at me but I know the smile is fake, too fake it makes me angry.

" Do you want to eat something different? " she finally says blinking to stop herself from crying.

" No, of course not. It's my favourite..yummy " I lie rubbing my tummy. I hate eggs and buns so much. I am sick of it but it's all we can afford ..for Now.

*****

After dinner mom tugs me into bed. I pretend to sleep and secretly watch her walk out. Instantly I follow mom downstairs and hide by the door.

She starts crying while flipping through papers on the coffee table.

" We will lose this case, sooner or later. Eva, give up and already he is guaranteeing to give you seven million units for this farm. " a tall man in a suit scolds my mom loosening his tie harshly.

" I promised my grandmother to keep this farm in the family and people depend on this farm. I can't sell it "my mom says crying, my heart aches to see her like this.

" F*ck why are you so stubborn. Sell it, you can't win this case. It only provides a rising bill and you need at least 25000units to get this place back in business. " he opens a can of soda. " Eva, we can't go against him. He has the key to the city. He needs this land for the big resort and you are a nobody ".

" Fuck you, I don't pay you to talk shitty and treat me like trash ".

" You, pay me really. I did you a favour ".

" Don't, you dare yell at me. My baby is asleep and she can't know about our financial problems "

" Fine, I suggest you stop. You won't wok this...and Eva some promises are meant to be broken. Think about your daughter and her education. You can't even eat properly " the rude uncle picked up his jacket and bangs the door after leaving.

This startles me and I shriek in fright.

" Rahel darling, Are you there?" my mom asks moving closer to me. I let go of the door and rushed to hug my mother's legs.

" How much did you hear "

I sniff and say " Not much. I was thirsty "

" We will be fine. We are going to make it as always " she throws me one of her fake and everything is fine smiles. When it's not.

I am going to help my mom from tomorrow not only with the dishes but also with money.