The Last Moon

Chapter 28: Scenarios and Experience

Summer came so fast; I, Amelia and Adrienne started our summer job at the dock with Arnold. We were placed in a different station but we managed to see each other during breaks.  The first 2 hours of the first week was fun as we were all together for the briefing and training session. They taught us how to use the system and made familiarity with the processes and the people we will be working with. Arnold was quite strict during working hours and training session, he made sure we understand the training, he set-up some good scenarios in case incidents happen we know what to do. So we pay attention to him and managed to learn everything he taught us.

"So ladies the main idea is to make sure that your count and records are similar throughout from the receiving of the items from the porters right to the dispatch to the grocery," Arnold on his lesson, "our system is not that difficult since we have a bar code scanner that easily tracks the goods and the conveyor and machines record the weight. All you have to do is pay attention to these records as it goes in the system."

"What are the problems we normally encounter in this process?" Adrienne asked

"That's a good question. Most of the time the type of seafood. The porters sometimes forget which conveyor line they need to place the items. When this happens the whole line needs to stop, you have to inform the supervisors in charge of the line so they can retract and place them on the correct line. We have a video procedure which you can watch later-on to see what are the measure needs to be taken in case this happens," Arnold said

"You mentioned earlier that we needed to summarize the report and match it with the report from the porter's manifesto after 2 hours and that requires not more than 10 minutes, What if there's a discrepancy? I asked 

"With this scenario, you have to call out the port supervisor and the packing supervisor. This can easily be determined if a crate or a box has been misplaced or misdelivered. One of the supervisors needs to make the records corrected since the problem you would normally encounter here is the total weight. If it undercounts the probability is it is placed in the wrong conveyor and recorded on another conveyor which makes that conveyor having an overcount. If that is the scenario then porters need to find the box and complete a sign off sheet,"

We have discussed a few more scenarios before we went into our stations. After working at the dock, we just normally eat lunch together and head to Apong Estrella's house for our summer lessons on Traditional medicine. She teaches us not only about medicinal herbs but also first aids like cleaning wounds, or putting on bandages and understanding the energy flow in the body.

I was the only student which was an outsider, the rest are young Babaylan who are under training. According to the youngest student, Rowena, Babaylan is either chosen or a direct blood lineage from the early Babaylans. In her case, she was chosen by the spirits since she has undergone spiritual changes. She drowned and came back to life and afterwards she was able to feel certain changes in the environment allowing her to interpret phenomena and be able to feel the spirits. And among the young Babaylan, I am fascinated by her. They are also talking about Amelia and her ability but whenever I asked her about it she will just laugh and tell me that it was nothing.

Today we have an excursion at the woods to identify some of the medicinal plants which we learned in the past days. I was paired with Rowena the youngest and we were task to find several medicinal plants as we roam in the area which Apong asked us to explore.

Rowena and I followed the tracks which were somehow leading us to what it seems to be a swamp or lake. I ran immediately when I saw a familiar plant among the bushes next to a big tree and as I rush into it I identify it as five leaved chase tree or also known as Lagundi in its local name. This medicinal plant is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and expectorant or sore throat relief. Rowena carefully dug the plant to take its roots, we only took the one which was separated from the rest.  Aside from Lagundi we also found King of Bitters or locally known as Sinta which is known for the extract to possess hepatoprotective, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, antihypertensive properties. We were supposed to go back when Rowena saw another plant but it requires us to cross the swamp which for me was not a good idea.

"Rowena, I think we have enough. Apong told us not to go near the water or swamp,"

"It's okay Halea, this will be the last and then we can go back. If you want you can wait for me here and I will go alone,"

"Okay, I will watch you from here since it's just on the other side visible from here. But please be careful,"

"Yes, I will,"

I watched her carefully as she crosses the swamp and I nearly run to her and had my feet touches the water when I saw her slipped but she easily regained her balance. I then have to stand soaking my feet on the cold free-flowing water. As she reached for the plant I suddenly hear someone calling my name. 

"Halea?" It felt like it was calling, echoing in my ears

"Rowena, did you call me?" I asked her

and she shouted "What is it Halea," And comparing her voice and distance the call was different, then I heard it again this time it felt like several voices were calling my name the call was in a sweet long manner.

"Halee-ah," from 4 different voices in unison echoing from each other.

Then I heard Rowena talked, "Halea, go back to the dry land don't soak your feet in the water. I am coming now," she said in a hurry

"Did you hear that? Someone is calling my name," I told her

"We need to go back, I am sorry I brought you here," Rowena said

"Why what's the matter?"I asked

Then she pulled me out of the water and we were like running away from the swamp and back on the trail we were earlier. And then she asked me.

"Are you okay Halea?"

"Yeah, did you get the plant we needed?"I asked her

"Yes, it's all here but the last one I guess was just a trick by the spirits of the forest. We should head back now, hurry!"

I just followed her since I do not understand what is she blabbering about. And when we reach the territory line of their tribe she starts walking slow. I was catching my breath as we walk close to Apong Estrella's house.

"Don't tell Adrienne what happened in the swamp or we will get scolded,"

"I understand don't worry, "I told her, "But have you heard the voices calling me?" I asked her

"You heard voices, what are they saying?"

"They were just calling my name at first it was only one voice more of confirming my name, then suddenly there were about 4 different voices calling y name," I told her

"I heard waves of laughter as if they were playing with me teasing me for coming to the other side of the swamp and chasing the plant that doesn't exist,"

"How did you know it doesn't exist?"

"When I hold the plant it disappeared from my hand, and then I heard children laughing. They were tricksters of the forest,"

"Children?"

"Yes,"

"But I heard female voices, not children, I think we need to inform Apong Estrella about it since our experience is different from one another. What do you think?"

"Okay, I think that is for the best. To also inform others not to go in that part of the swamp,"

After that excursion, we waited for the right time to talk to Apong Estrella of our experience. Although we got scolded she was more than worried since there were 2 different being present in the setting. She told us not to go near that area anymore.

"Halea, I will need to provide you a different training would you be interested in the tribal dance?"

"Is that the same dance which is consist of fighting movements?"

"Yes, you are correct,"

"that's cool, Yes, I am interested," I said in excitement 

"Okay, our lessons are finished for today, take a rest and we will discuss more in the following days,"

"Yes, Apong. Thank you very much,"

"You're welcome, I'll see you tomorrow,"

"See you tomorrow Apong Estrella,"

I went on my way, Elmo normally accompanies me and drive me to and fro Apong Estrella. Today he came early to pick me up. And I was happy to see him as I ran outside and I jump on the passenger seat and off we go. While we are driving I cannot stop thinking of Rahul.

Rahul left last week right after his graduation rites and according to him, he is now exploring the mountains. He has been regularly sending me text messages whenever he has a signal. I am still not quite sure what he is searching for all I know is that he needs to be away and he will be back soon.