10
In the Ditch
It’s almost 1946. They say the war is over, but it’s not over for that dead Japanese soldier they left in the ditch on Bokawkan
road.
“Baby,” my Nanang yells, “who made you such a saint that you go to Mass every morning? I think you just want to avoid helping me here at home. Are you going to school
after church? And I don’t like you going out before eating something. At least take Isabel with you, so she will go to school too.”
She’s always yelling. And anyway, if I stay home, there will be little or nothing to eat. At Mass I have a communion host for my breakfast. Since the war killed our Po-Pa, Nanang is
so mad all the time. She drinks gin and smokes sigarilyo every day now. My brothers are gambling and never home. At least they give her money when they win. My si
