The rest of the say, I did house chores. Taking a vacation in Lola Aurora's house has always been the routine.
My parents were in the city, spending their days together. Like they totally forgot they had a 19 year old son, now owning a system that pushing him into a cliff. Metaphorically.
I was grumbling when I picked up the other pail i left behind, and walked towards the public well.
And Sharon?
How convenient it was for her to just float around behind me.
"I wish I could float like you." I mumbled without looking at her, as we took the path towards the well.
And the sun was pretty harsh.
It's already noon. And I know for a fact, the people around here wouldn't fetch water at noon.
So it was the best time to have it all on my own without a line. I could just think about skin care when I'm back to the city.
But me in tan?
My classmates would always praise me for it. Telling me, I look manlier that way.
Just minus the additional playful jab, that I would be a campus heartthrob, if not for me screaming in high pitch whenever they prank scare me.
I was their favorite.
After repeatedly walking back and forth. My body was slowly getting used to it. I just thought of it as a free membership in a gym, and my Lola Aurora was the coach.
Fetch water for the bathroom, for the kitchen, for the plant...fill the containers up.
Not just one but three.
After that? There's more.
Chop the firewood. Dry then up. Gather woods from the forest. Which I never go far. So sometimes, she's the one getting them. And I don't step outside the house when it gets dark.
Even the sound of the dog howling every now and then would terrify me. What more the cold breeze from the outside.
"Anthony! Why are you still out under the sun? Take a break!" Ate Martha was calling from her little hut.
She and her husband were taking a break to eat lunch after tending to their farm.
And you wouldn't believe it. She was calling out to me at the top of the mountain.
She can easily look down below, from where she was. And her voice was that strong.
"Ate Martha... I will take a break. This is my last run." I yelled back.
This is how we communicate here. Got used to it too.
Truthfully, Sharon was useful. Somehow. The cold, drenching chill she was emitting serves as my personal air-conditioner.
The harsh sun felt little less harsh. When you have an entity oozing thr antarctic winter behind you.
"Finally done!" I sat on the chair and poured myself some water from the pitcher.
"You done Anthony?" Lola asked, as she stirred awake.
"Yes lola. Let's eat. I'll prepare the table."
"No. Just stay put. Let me handle lunch."
That's the best thing about Lola Aurora. She always feed me on time. Also snacks. But it's not like the city food, I was used to.
Here, we ate sweet potatoes as snacks. Corns, Taro's, coconuts, and whatever was available for the season.
The neighbors always gave Lola crops they harvested. Sharing them with such kindness. They were looking out for Lola too.
Because when classes start, she's gonna be alone again.
Mom offered for her to stay with us in the city, but she refused.
Her week stay there, she was already uncomfortable. Wasn't able to do anything and just sit. While her body was used to working in her own little farm.
So mom conceded with Lola's stubbornness. That's why, every summer vacation, I'm here with her.
I watched her move around. Still strong and healthy, despite being 63.
"Anthony, let's eat. I cooked *ginataang monggo* for you. Your favorite. I even added *bolinao*." She said setting up the table.
I really love her cooking. She wouldn't hold back with the ingredients. Because the cost of living her was more cheaper than the city.
She can just harvest her own crops and work with it.
No penny spent. No preservatives or fertilizers added. Purely organic and healthy.
That's why Lola Aurora's still beaming with energy.
I sat enthusiastically. Since it's my favorite. Especially when coconut milk is added. That's the highest peak for monggo.
I was happily digging into my food. The rice was even overflowing, add the monggo on top with some bolinao and lunch is served.
Once in a while, I notice Lola Aurora looking at me.
To be precise...looking through me.
And when I meet her gaze, she would just smile and continued eating her own food.
After enjoying such fulfilling lunch, I took charge of the dishes. While also getting nag at.
"Anthony... don't throw away the water. Put it in the empty pail. I'll use those to water the plants later."
"Right... I forgot."
Her nagging wasn't annoying for me, i grumble sometimes but there's no heat in them.
I was even thankful. Since, having her words of wisdom made me take a better view on everything around me.
Speaking of which...
"Ayy kabayo!" I exclaimed as I turned around.
Almost dropping the basin full of the dishes I just washed.
I totally forgot about one thing. That Sharon was following me around.
Good thing I did forgot. Or I wouldn't have been able to enjoy my lunch with that face.
I avoided her and passed by her. And started conversing with her again. For the little trip to the forest. The when and how of the whole thing.
I was oblivious to the fact that Lola Aurora was looking my way.