Life Goes On

After my mother's funeral, I have to start working right away. It's been three days since her death and I'm already on my way to the rice fields. My mother used to be the one to bring food to the farmers. It's my duty now that she is gone. 

I saw some of the girls my age who were staying in their homes. They are doing their house chores while giggling with other girls. I can't help but feel jealous of them. They're so lucky, both their parents are still around. They all look so happy.

I immediately stop myself from daydreaming. It's not the right time for that since I can't be late. After I bring this food to the farmers, I still need to deliver the food to the soldiers. My father told me to do that so that the soldiers would not harm us. My siblings are too young to suffer.

At least I don't have to clean the house and do the other house chores. I can just do the delivery of the farmers' and soldiers' meals. That's better than staying inside the house. I have to do it every day for God knows how long. Life goes on and we all need to keep on living. 

"Adela, you're early today!" Conrad greeted me and helped me with the food baskets I was carrying. 

"I have to make a delivery on the soldier's base after this," I replied to him.

Conrad is my fiance since our parents created an agreement. We are arranged to be married this year if my mother doesn't pass away suddenly. My father decided to move it to another year. It made me happy since I didn't feel anything for Conrad. 

But I'm sure he does since he's the one who requested our marriage from his parents. That's why I never had any suitors because we were bound to be married sooner or later. It was arranged when we reached the age of 14 years. People get married early around our place. 

I will turn 24 next year and I'm the only unmarried woman from my group of friends. Most of my friends already have five children as of today. I can't imagine raising kids that young. Although I have to do that with my siblings now. As much as I wanted to run away, I couldn't leave them.

"Are you making the delivery by yourself? Those are Japanese soldiers. What if they do something bad to you?" Conrad's tone suddenly sounds angry.

"You know that I'm the eldest and I must support my siblings now that my mother is gone. I can't let Rosita do that since she's very pretty and young." I explained to him.

"If we're already married, I will never let you do that!" He remained close-minded about the situation. 

"I have to go now! Please bring them to the farmers. I put a special lunch for you inside." I smiled sweetly at him. 

"That smile just made my day! Fine, I will try to be more understanding from now on. Just be careful when you make the delivery there!" He suddenly melted. 

"Of course, I will be careful! See you later!" I started walking away from him and waved at him. 

I can't believe how lucky I am to be bestowed with a caring man. Although I'm not in love with him, I'm sure he loves me so much. That's what I need especially in my current situation. I suddenly remembered that I needed to be on the base before lunchtime. 

I'm not scared of the Japanese soldiers because they are nice to me. The invasion will start three days from now. I don't worry about it too much. I've learned to accept the things that are out of my control. It's better to be friends with the enemy. When the time comes, that will save me and my family. 

I started running to get home faster. My sisters are the ones cooking the food. I have to do the delivery since the Japanese are nice to me. After this delivery, I can just hang out with my siblings. I have to teach them since school is nonexistent around our province. 

It's a bad time to be alive but I have my ways. I've learned to read and write from the religious missionaries before. That's why I'm now their teacher. I'm not the type of girl who will just wait for something to happen. That's why I have Japanese friends as well. I like exploring different cultures other than ours. 

We were invaded by the Spanish before but now, we might be invaded by the Japanese. It's not time to be a hero since I have a lot of responsibilities in my hands. All I have to do is keep working to make sure my siblings will have food to eat. I have to help my father who only depends on the harvest of our crops. 

"Rosita is the food for the Japs ready?" I asked when I arrived. 

"Who's Japs?" Rosita looks confused. 

"Japs, short for Japanese. Hurry, I can't be late for their lunch!" I explained to her. 

"It's almost ready! Why do you even have to bring them lunch for free?" My sister, Tei, asked irritatedly. 

"It's for the safety of our family. The invasion will happen soon!" I informed them both while helping them.

"What are you talking about? They are here to help us out!" Tei sounds unconvinced. 

"They are invaders, that's why they are here. Yoshi told me about it so we have to prepare before it begins. But we can't tell anyone because it's a secret." I told them. 

"Yeah, whatever!" Tei replied. 

"I believe you! Can I help you bring the food to them?" Rosita asked. 

"No, Rosita! I must do this alone. They trust me and I'm not their type so it's safer." I informed her. 

Rosita didn't insist anymore and just helped me out to prepare the soldier's lunch. I immediately went on my way as soon as it was all in the baskets.