masigla.com
A SHORT STORY
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It has been more than a year since Julian was reported missing in action and feared dead but for Lorie he remained to be alive
somewhere, probably as prisoner of war. The conflict between the ruling government and the reformist has been going on for decades.
Many lives perished but it seems, to the minds of both sides, the struggle is an endless effort that will drag along from generation to
generation.
Tired and weary due to a full day of selling home made puto and kutsinta (local rice cakes) and preparing ingredients for the next day's
sales her two sons retired early to bed while she tended the ember of the two huge steamers cooking tiers of rice cakes. “We should not be
suffering like this” she mused, “should Julian be here”. Lorie sobs reminiscing the happy moments with her husband, the words he used to
say, his love for the country, his vision for the future and compassion for the poor. Theirs used to be a very happy family, filled with dreams
and hope. She would like to believe that fate is too unkind for her family.
By midnight will be Julian's birthday and while the two kids were asleep Lorie sank her tired body on a rocking chair where Julian used to sit.
The cold gentle early breeze drove her consciousness to fall in deep solitude and wandered along the many happy moments with Julian. A
top notcher during his military college, she again visualized Julian as the much respected among the class. Dedicated, courageous,
straight forward, true gentleman, honest, righteous and God fearing, he never fall into the trap of evil deeds, not a bit. Once more she heard
about his dreams in life, his aspirations and visions until she found herself in the same familiar busy market place making a living selling
home made rice cakes. While wrapping few pieces of rice cakes for someone who just bought, her eyes focused at a distant crowd.
----“I can not be mistaken, that must be Julian in camouflage uniform waving his hands”
Lorie pondered for a while. She then walked forward but few steps before, the crowd vanished from sight. Frustrated, she slowly moved
back, with teary eyes sat down on a bench murmuring “Julian, oh Julian”.
At that point a lad approached her and handed over some folded papers with address, “TO: Lorie and kids”. With pounding heart, she at
once opened and read the letter.
Dear Lorie & Kids,
Time ran so fast and for almost 15 months you have not heard from me. I am so sorry but my present condition prohibits
me from writing you. Neither can I tell you my whereabouts as rules allows me not to do so. I hope you all will understand
what I am into. However I would like to tell you that my buddies and I are doing this not for any personal reason but for love
to our respective families and our people. We of course believe that families are the basic foundation of our society but
without their future secured this nation can reach nowhere as progress remains remote possibility. We therefore are fighting
to make this nation great for the sake of the generations to come. Our people has to get out of this political quicksand.
But in the course of our struggle we realized that we also commit mistakes, several mistakes, causing others to bare its
burden. We regret it much but there's nothing more we can do about it. Meanwhile I would like to believe that some has to
suffer so the rest may live in peace. Nevertheless we still assume that our objective is justified and we are working as one
whole unit and never divided in pursuit of our goal. Let me briefly mention few of the shortcomings we found, like: total
disregard of rules; when others seems to row in all different directions; or, when leaders pretend to conduct knowing neither
the rhythm nor the beat. Cheaters, liars and those who twists truth for personal gain. That happens in all sorts of
organization, much more in government. For these reasons, many perished and lot more will follow but in due time when
every citizen learns the lesson, true justice and genuine patriotism shall prevail and you shall be proud of us who stood for
this nation to be great. We only wish for the people not to learn the lesson out of extremely bloody experience like what
other progressive countries had gone through before.
During this whole period of the campaign I found out that regardless of background, every one is potential leader. However
the environment where one was exposed at and got used to, dominates the kind of performance once given the chance to
lead. As an example, a person who once cheated or attempted to cheat or tried to tell a lie will always be self-influenced to
do the same once more, one who once broke a law will always be tempted to do it again. That is absolutely true and the
road for reform is too narrow and extremely long that only few can get through. Educational background does not speak of
ones character. Moreover it is not a guarantee. Unless one fully understand the essence of true love and compassion toward
others, then the chances for reform remains slim. A potential good leader therefore must be gauged through the past
performance, not promises, and the purest among the pure shall be given the first chance. Until this nation is able to
produce a pure and spotless leader we shall always be on the severed side striving. We all ought to be conscious about this.
On the subject of politicians, the hidden agenda is clear--- stay in power. They are doing everything and anything to hang on
to their political career. They spend so much money for the campaign at an amount that cannot be earned back except
through illegal means when elected. Law makers who predominantly are traditional politicians will never enact something
that will restrict their own prerogative. Nobody will ever hit his own head. They make rules that are self serving. For example,
they increase their own allowances at so extreme a figure only they themselves know. Graft and corruption is tolerated to the
extent that it becomes practically acceptable to the eyes of many, tantamount to an ogre creating an ogre. While they
portray an image of patriotism and compassion, behind the skin is a shadow of greed and lust for power. A reason why
politics is branded as dirtiest profession. How then on earth can rules be implemented? At this condition, can laws be ever
put to practice equally to all? Government officials, as public servant, are supposed to render service for the people, but a
service tainted with graft and corruption is no service at all. As a result, economy gets stuck in peril, jacking up the wedge
between the rich and the poor. Consequently, the poor suffers most. We now are the conquered slaves of public servants.
To support this struggle, let me ask you and the kids to please continue showing examples on how to be good citizens.
Influence your friends by disseminating and practicing the Pledge of Allegiance or what we now call Oath of Patriotism which
copy is attached herewith. Please understand that it is every citizen's responsibility to be familiar with every basic rules and
to obey them diligently. That is a dream of every good soldier, no matter on what side he is with. Let us all be patriotic and
law abiding. Should that be attained then armed conflicts will be an event of the past. The youths should understand that
clearly. To start with, kids must follow the counsel of their parents; obey the rules of their school; perform the duties of a
patriotic law abiding citizen; be an environmentally conscious; never disregard traffic and road rules; respect the right of
others; pay taxes and community dues accordingly, be honest and never attempt to cheat nor try to tell a lie; be
compassionate and more ever, love others as you would love yourself. On the other hand, as the government is of the
people, for the people and by the people, we shall see to it that the people are given fair chance to participate in adopting all
laws, decrees, republic acts that may affect our daily lives. Let it be understood that legislators are supposed to be
representative of the people, but not any more, instead they represent their respective political party more than the people.
In so many instances I told you, I never like armed struggle, no soldier would ever want blood shed too. Unfortunately, I
realized not too long ago that we are fighting for a cause influenced not by the present but by generations ahead of us. A
product of greed and many mal -decisions committed during the past. Their failure to look forward several generations
ahead made everybody suffer today. The consequence is too cruel. Should we, in the field, find the way, we won't allow the
next generations to experience the same. But for as long as the people refuses to learn the painful lesson, as other nations
did, then they are bound to live the same over and again until the soil is sprinkled with blood.
Make no mistake however, I am still working for the people, not the extreme left nor right but for the new dawn of hope. Our
battle is being fought in the horizon of every citizens' heart and the sweet smell of success is in the air. Yes Lorie, we are
bound to win.
As far as my feeling for you is concerned I would like to once more repeat how much I truly love you, I shall never perish
away from you. Though apart, I shall always be by your side to comfort you. My shoulders will always be there for you to cry
on. One day soon we shall be together again. However, should fate be unkind remember my promise when we took our
vow--- “I shall always love you ‘till life after death”.
Always in my heart,
Julian
Time ran so fast and for almost 15 months you have not heard from me. I am so sorry but my present condition prohibits
me from writing you. Neither can I tell you my whereabouts as rules allows me not to do so. I hope you all will understand
what I am into. However I would like to tell you that my buddies and I are doing this not for any personal reason but for love
to our respective families and our people. We of course believe that families are the basic foundation of our society but
without their future secured this nation can reach nowhere as progress remains remote possibility. We therefore are fighting
to make this nation great for the sake of the generations to come. Our people has to get out of this political quicksand.
But in the course of our struggle we realized that we also commit mistakes, several mistakes, causing others to bare its
burden. We regret it much but there's nothing more we can do about it. Meanwhile I would like to believe that some has to
suffer so the rest may live in peace. Nevertheless we still assume that our objective is justified and we are working as one
whole unit and never divided in pursuit of our goal. Let me briefly mention few of the shortcomings we found, like: total
disregard of rules; when others seems to row in all different directions; or, when leaders pretend to conduct knowing neither
the rhythm nor the beat. Cheaters, liars and those who twists truth for personal gain. That happens in all sorts of
organization, much more in government. For these reasons, many perished and lot more will follow but in due time when
every citizen learns the lesson, true justice and genuine patriotism shall prevail and you shall be proud of us who stood for
this nation to be great. We only wish for the people not to learn the lesson out of extremely bloody experience like what
other progressive countries had gone through before.
During this whole period of the campaign I found out that regardless of background, every one is potential leader. However
the environment where one was exposed at and got used to, dominates the kind of performance once given the chance to
lead. As an example, a person who once cheated or attempted to cheat or tried to tell a lie will always be self-influenced to
do the same once more, one who once broke a law will always be tempted to do it again. That is absolutely true and the
road for reform is too narrow and extremely long that only few can get through. Educational background does not speak of
ones character. Moreover it is not a guarantee. Unless one fully understand the essence of true love and compassion toward
others, then the chances for reform remains slim. A potential good leader therefore must be gauged through the past
performance, not promises, and the purest among the pure shall be given the first chance. Until this nation is able to
produce a pure and spotless leader we shall always be on the severed side striving. We all ought to be conscious about this.
On the subject of politicians, the hidden agenda is clear--- stay in power. They are doing everything and anything to hang on
to their political career. They spend so much money for the campaign at an amount that cannot be earned back except
through illegal means when elected. Law makers who predominantly are traditional politicians will never enact something
that will restrict their own prerogative. Nobody will ever hit his own head. They make rules that are self serving. For example,
they increase their own allowances at so extreme a figure only they themselves know. Graft and corruption is tolerated to the
extent that it becomes practically acceptable to the eyes of many, tantamount to an ogre creating an ogre. While they
portray an image of patriotism and compassion, behind the skin is a shadow of greed and lust for power. A reason why
politics is branded as dirtiest profession. How then on earth can rules be implemented? At this condition, can laws be ever
put to practice equally to all? Government officials, as public servant, are supposed to render service for the people, but a
service tainted with graft and corruption is no service at all. As a result, economy gets stuck in peril, jacking up the wedge
between the rich and the poor. Consequently, the poor suffers most. We now are the conquered slaves of public servants.
To support this struggle, let me ask you and the kids to please continue showing examples on how to be good citizens.
Influence your friends by disseminating and practicing the Pledge of Allegiance or what we now call Oath of Patriotism which
copy is attached herewith. Please understand that it is every citizen's responsibility to be familiar with every basic rules and
to obey them diligently. That is a dream of every good soldier, no matter on what side he is with. Let us all be patriotic and
law abiding. Should that be attained then armed conflicts will be an event of the past. The youths should understand that
clearly. To start with, kids must follow the counsel of their parents; obey the rules of their school; perform the duties of a
patriotic law abiding citizen; be an environmentally conscious; never disregard traffic and road rules; respect the right of
others; pay taxes and community dues accordingly, be honest and never attempt to cheat nor try to tell a lie; be
compassionate and more ever, love others as you would love yourself. On the other hand, as the government is of the
people, for the people and by the people, we shall see to it that the people are given fair chance to participate in adopting all
laws, decrees, republic acts that may affect our daily lives. Let it be understood that legislators are supposed to be
representative of the people, but not any more, instead they represent their respective political party more than the people.
In so many instances I told you, I never like armed struggle, no soldier would ever want blood shed too. Unfortunately, I
realized not too long ago that we are fighting for a cause influenced not by the present but by generations ahead of us. A
product of greed and many mal -decisions committed during the past. Their failure to look forward several generations
ahead made everybody suffer today. The consequence is too cruel. Should we, in the field, find the way, we won't allow the
next generations to experience the same. But for as long as the people refuses to learn the painful lesson, as other nations
did, then they are bound to live the same over and again until the soil is sprinkled with blood.
Make no mistake however, I am still working for the people, not the extreme left nor right but for the new dawn of hope. Our
battle is being fought in the horizon of every citizens' heart and the sweet smell of success is in the air. Yes Lorie, we are
bound to win.
As far as my feeling for you is concerned I would like to once more repeat how much I truly love you, I shall never perish
away from you. Though apart, I shall always be by your side to comfort you. My shoulders will always be there for you to cry
on. One day soon we shall be together again. However, should fate be unkind remember my promise when we took our
vow--- “I shall always love you ‘till life after death”.
Always in my heart,
Julian
After reading the letter Lorie searched for the attachment but nowhere to be found then a series of rooster's crows filled the air and Lorie
regained consciousness. Its almost 4:00 in the morning. She thought she should be on the road to the market place by this time. Wiping her
tears away, she hurriedly woke up her two sons who will help her carry the trays of rice cakes to the market. On their way, the three stopped by
the church and prayed for Julian. For today is Julian's birthday they offered flowers on the altar and lit few candles.
It was almost dawn and as they were taking position on the usual spot at the market entrance a man on jungle boots and big palm hat that
almost covers his face approached and asked how many trays of rice cakes they got and how much will it cost including the trays. Upon paying
1,200 pesos, the man asked the boys to load the trays at the baggage compartment of an old car. Lorie eyes followed and as she gazed inside
the car she saw a familiar silhouette of one of the two men sitting at the back seat. Her heart beat faster and her body remained motionless. An
aura of confusion engulfed her presence. She wanted to walk towards the car but her feet won't just move. She wanted to call the name of
Julian but no sound came out of her lips. Then as the car started to move, the man dropped a crumpled paper outside the car which fall on the
partly wet gutter. Long after the car was gone she picked it up and put it in her pocket.
On their way home on board the bus after buying supplies for the next day and few bamboo trays to replace those bought, the two kids were
talking about how lucky they were this morning for having sold all the rice cakes at a flick of the fingers. “Maybe because today is father's
birthday” said the eldest. “Maybe because we passed by the church and prayed” said the other. “You see, we even have seven new bamboo
trays and made a very good return” he continued. But Lorie while holding the crumpled paper in her pocket remained deaf and wondering. She
would like to find out what is in it but her curiosity is overwhelmed by fear that some eyes might sneak in and see what is in the crumpled
paper. What if it contains subversive message. She prepared to wait till home.
At home she immediately locked herself in her room, sat on her bed, opened the slightly wet crumpled paper and read the hand written notes:
regained consciousness. Its almost 4:00 in the morning. She thought she should be on the road to the market place by this time. Wiping her
tears away, she hurriedly woke up her two sons who will help her carry the trays of rice cakes to the market. On their way, the three stopped by
the church and prayed for Julian. For today is Julian's birthday they offered flowers on the altar and lit few candles.
It was almost dawn and as they were taking position on the usual spot at the market entrance a man on jungle boots and big palm hat that
almost covers his face approached and asked how many trays of rice cakes they got and how much will it cost including the trays. Upon paying
1,200 pesos, the man asked the boys to load the trays at the baggage compartment of an old car. Lorie eyes followed and as she gazed inside
the car she saw a familiar silhouette of one of the two men sitting at the back seat. Her heart beat faster and her body remained motionless. An
aura of confusion engulfed her presence. She wanted to walk towards the car but her feet won't just move. She wanted to call the name of
Julian but no sound came out of her lips. Then as the car started to move, the man dropped a crumpled paper outside the car which fall on the
partly wet gutter. Long after the car was gone she picked it up and put it in her pocket.
On their way home on board the bus after buying supplies for the next day and few bamboo trays to replace those bought, the two kids were
talking about how lucky they were this morning for having sold all the rice cakes at a flick of the fingers. “Maybe because today is father's
birthday” said the eldest. “Maybe because we passed by the church and prayed” said the other. “You see, we even have seven new bamboo
trays and made a very good return” he continued. But Lorie while holding the crumpled paper in her pocket remained deaf and wondering. She
would like to find out what is in it but her curiosity is overwhelmed by fear that some eyes might sneak in and see what is in the crumpled
paper. What if it contains subversive message. She prepared to wait till home.
At home she immediately locked herself in her room, sat on her bed, opened the slightly wet crumpled paper and read the hand written notes:
The Message
By: Adelino L. Masigla
This short story is all about love, compassion, patriotism and the familys' concern about the future generations. It tells about the reasons of
the many social bondage and how the nation suffers as played by the characters, how a new type of war is being fought to make the nation
free from the many social ills. As the author would put it: "for as long as the people refuses to learn the painful lesson, as other nations did,
then they are bound to live the same over and again until the soil is sprinkled with blood."
The principal character who deserted the military service disgruntled preferred to join not the left nor right but the battle that is being fought in
the horizon of each citizens' heart.
For few minutes she remained seated on her bed astounded recalling every bit of the dream she have had that early morning. She remembered
looking for the attachment as mentioned in the letter she dreamed about. She asked herself, “Is this a mere coincidence? Is Julian still alive?”
Her thought wandered between her two kids and the future and while staring at Julian's smiling picture on the bedside table, Lorie burst into tears.
“Oh Julian, Julian, what future is in store for us and our kids? Why do we have to go under these painful lessons? Oh God, why us? What about
others?”
looking for the attachment as mentioned in the letter she dreamed about. She asked herself, “Is this a mere coincidence? Is Julian still alive?”
Her thought wandered between her two kids and the future and while staring at Julian's smiling picture on the bedside table, Lorie burst into tears.
“Oh Julian, Julian, what future is in store for us and our kids? Why do we have to go under these painful lessons? Oh God, why us? What about
others?”
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