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1054 Words
Two years ago, within the confines of a gas tank stockroom, trucks were lined up, waiting. Among them, John, Luna’s father, was busy preparing himself for the day's tasks as he opened the passenger side of one of the trucks. Just as he settled into his seat and began to secure his seat-belt, chaos erupted.
"Everyone out! Hands behind your heads!" barked the security personnel, interrupting John's routine.
Confused, John inquired, "What's going on, boss?"
Ignoring his question, the security insisted they vacate the vehicles immediately, accusing them of a crime.
"Boss, I haven't done anything wrong!" John pleaded, trying to make sense of the situation.
"Check their seats! The president has just arrived," the security officer instructed, revealing the gas valve wrenches found under the driver’s seat.
John was shocked by what he saw. He couldn't fathom how those wrenches ended up in the truck.
"You've been stealing all this time," the chairperson accused, his anger palpable.
"I haven't stolen anything from you, sir," John defended himself.
"You haven't?" the chairperson sarcastically retorted, brandishing the wrenches.
"But what are these?" he demanded.
"I have no idea," John reiterated.
"No idea?" the chairperson smirked.
"Where's your driver?"
"I'm not sure. He mentioned he'd be in the restroom," John replied.
"Check the restroom and take them to the police station. Then call the attorney, and the company will press charges," the chairman angrily ordered.
"Sir, please! I'm innocent. My family is counting on me. I've dedicated almost a decade of service to this company," John pleaded desperately.
"Yes, almost ten years of pilfering from this company," the chairperson accused once more.
John almost couldn't believe it. He served the company for a long time. He was loyal and worked with dignity. But now, his company is accusing him of a crime he hasn’t done.
At the police precinct, Luna and her mother rushed inside.
"John, are you alright?" Luna's mom asked, her heart breaking at the sight of her husband behind bars.
"I haven't done anything wrong, Maria," her father stated, his voice strained with emotion.
"I believe you," Maria responded, her own worry evident in her eyes.
"They found wrenches underneath the driver’s seat..." Her father continued, his tone heavy with dismay.
"Wrenches?" Maria gasped, her shock mirroring her husband's.
"Yes, wrenches. I think Romy brought them in and used them to steal some gas from the tank," he explained, his voice trembling with uncertainty.
"But I'm still not sure. He probably ran away. They didn't find him when they checked the restroom," he added, his voice cracking with despair as he glanced at his daughter.
"I'm so sorry, Luna," he said, his voice filled with regret.
"It's okay, dad. It's okay," Luna reassured him, gripping his hands tightly.
"We will fight," her mother interjected, her tone brimming with determination.
"I believe you, John, so we will fight for you," Maria declared, her voice resolute.
"But how?" John asked, his devastation evident in his voice. "We barely have money, and we can't even afford an attorney."
"No, we can fight. I have some savings. I'll use them," Maria stated firmly, her determination shining through.
"We'll get you out of here," she promised, her words infused with resolve.
A month later, John was released from jail due to lack of evidence, bringing immense joy to Luna's family.
"Welcome home, Dad!" his children chorused, their voices filled with excitement and relief as they welcomed him back.
"Thank you, Maria," John whispered to his wife, his gratitude overflowing as he held her hands tightly, his eyes brimming with tears of both joy and sorrow.
"We will always be here for you," Maria reassured him, her voice filled with love and support, her gaze unwavering as she stood by his side.
During dinner, the sound of a vehicle parking outside caught their attention, stirring a sense of unease within Maria.
"What is this?" she asked, her voice tinged with apprehension as a man approached with a letter.
"The president wants to send this letter to John," the man stated cryptically.
Maria hesitated, but John rose from his seat and accepted the letter, his hands trembling slightly as he broke the seal and read its contents.
"We'll get back to you," the letter stated ominously, sending a chill down Maria's spine as the man retreated without explanation.
"The president won't let me live freely," John confessed, his voice heavy with resignation, his eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and determination.
"I have to leave, to protect you and our children from further harm," he reiterated, his heart heavy with the weight of his decision.
"But you haven't done anything wrong," Maria protested, her voice laced with sadness and disbelief.
"That's what we know, but the company believes otherwise," John explained, his words tinged with bitterness and regret.
"Where will you go?" Maria asked, her heart breaking at the thought of being separated from her husband.
"I'll go to Leyte, where at least I can find solace in farming and fishing," John replied, his voice tinged with sorrow and resignation.
"I fear I won't find work here, as the company holds sway over other employers. There's little we can do," he admitted, his gaze drifting to their children, who continued to eat unaware of the turmoil unfolding around them.
"When things settle, I'll return," he promised, his voice cracking with emotion.
"Please visit me when you can, bring the children. I'll miss you all," he added, his words heavy with longing and sorrow, his heart torn into pieces while looking at his family.
At 5:00 AM, the quiet morning air enveloped John's departure from their home. With a heavy heart, he bid farewell to his children and his wife, each goodbye laden with a mix of sorrow and hope.
"Goodbye, Dad!" his children chimed in unison, their voices carrying both love and longing.
"Take care of your health, and remember to eat on time," Maria reminded him, her words tinged with concern and affection.
"I will," John promised, his voice reflecting determination despite the ache in his heart.
"Please take care of yourself and our children. I'll do my best to send money to you," he assured her, his commitment to their well-being unwavering.
Maria simply nodded, her eyes reflecting a myriad of emotions as she kissed her husband goodbye.
- Writer
