The Fabric of Us

Filled with the lively noises of customers and vendors, the market is full of life yet again.

"Nora, how much is the price of milkfish today?" Asked by a regular customer, Marta.

"Oh, Marta, the price has gone up since the catch has been declining lately. It's PHP 250 per kilo now," I replied.

"Just give me half a kilo, then," she said as she handed me the money.

I helped her pick the freshest fish, weighed it, and gave it to her. More customers followed, and my mouth barely had time to rest as I kept talking and calling out.

By afternoon, all my goods were sold out, so I got ready to pack up my things. Every afternoon, I sell the fish my Dad catches at the wetmarket. I had to stop schooling because of the situation we have. And instead, I help to make ends meet.

When I got home, I first cleaned up and took a bath to freshen up. Life is hard but I never neglected taking care of myself. I immediately prepared dinner so there would be food when we dad gets home. It was just the two of us because my mom passed away early due to a serious illness. We don't have the money to support my mom's medication so she wasn't able to recover.

I'm sure that Dad would be home late tonight since it has gotten difficult catching fish. Fishing was our only livelihood, so Dad works tirelessly to bring something home—provide for us.

I decided to wait for him outside, so I hung around in front of our small house. I sat on a wooden chair and felt the cold night air embrace me.

Our house is near the sea, so the cold night air is really chilly. I listened to the waves while thinking about possible ways to earn more money. While in deep thought, I spotted someone rowing a boat not far away. Even in the darkness, I saw the wave of a man—it was Dad. I quickly stood up from where I was sitting and ran to greet him at the shore.

"Dad!" I warmly greeted him as I got nearer.

"Nora, child! The night is chilly, why are you still outside at this hour?" Despite being tired from fishing, my father greeted me with warmth.

I quickly went to him to take his hand and we walked home together. "I really waited for you, Dad. I even cooked, Dad!" I cheerfully replied to Dad, so he ruffled my hair in turn.

When we got inside, I let him rest while I tidied up his gear and started preparing dinner. Our dinner was filled with our usual conversations—chatting endlessly, sharing the happenings of our day. 

Life may be hard, but I never lose heart. My father is my foundation of strength and hope in life, so the fight goes on!

"Dad, I'm thinking about other ways to earn money. I want to return to school next term so I have to work harder," I opened up.

"How will you manage selling at the market and another job, Nora?" Dad asked, worry in his voice.

"I don't know yet, Dad, but I will try my best," I replied with determination.

The discussion didn't end there, as my father had many questions fueled by worry. I knew it was going to be tough, especially since I didn't have full control over my time—I had to work for someone else. But it would also be a waste not to try, considering the potential earnings.

Dad offered to take over my place at the market, but I knew very well that his health wouldn't allow him to. He had been struggling silently, not wanting to worry me by speaking about it. Still, I was constantly anxious about his condition because he never seemed to stop working, no matter how hard it got.

The next day, my father was already gone to work when I woke up. I went to the kitchen and checked if he had eaten before leaving to sail. Luckily, he had filled his stomach before going out.

After eating breakfast, I took a bath and prepared to go out. I went to another barangay to apply as a housemaid for a wealthy family. I heard that they've been looking for a maid a little while.

"Good day to you! Are you still looking for a housemaid?" I politely asked an elderly woman who opened the door—probably the owner of the house.

"Good morning to you too, child. Come in," the woman replied as she gestured me to come inside the house. "We've been looking for someone for a long time, child. Good thing you came," she offered me something to drink and eat.

While sitting, I secretly scanned the house. Simple, but obviously well-off. Maybe that's why she was blessed because of her good nature, I thought to myself.

After we introduced ourselves, we talked about job. She gave me the details about the working hours and the house rules. I hesitated because I know for sure that I wouldn't be able to sell anymore if I get accepted.

"Is there a problem, Nora?" she asked concerned. She must have seen it on my face.

"I sell at the market in the afternoon, so I'm afraid I can't manage both jobs," I explained carefully.

She thought for a long time. I was starting to lose hope because I thought I wouldn't get accepted.

Fortunately, I was accepted. She allowed me to sell at the market in the afternoon as long as I finished my chores before leaving. I was very happy at that moment. I repeatedly thanked her and God.

"You can start tomorrow. Take care when going home; it already dark outside," Tes, the owner, reminded me.

I left the house with a smile on my face. Finally, I could save money. I happily told my father about what happened that day. Despite the worries, my father was happy about the result of my efforts.