Filled with noises coming from customers and vendors, the market is full of life yet again.
"Nora, how much is the price of milkfish per kilo today?" Asked by a regular customer, Marta.
"Oh dear, the price of fish has gone up today because the catch has declined since the beginning of the week. It's PHP 250 per kilo," I replied to Marta.
"Give me half a kilo, then," she handed me the money to pay.
I helped her choose the best catch, then weighed and gave it to her. Many other customers followed, so my mouth didn't get a break as I kept calling out; I wasn't able to rest.
By afternoon, all my goods were sold out so I got ready to pack up. Every afternoon, I have to sell the fish my father caught at the market. I had to stop studying due to the difficult life we have, so I just 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 come home late tonight since it has been really difficult to catch. Fishing was our only livelihood, so father worked very hard to bring something home.
I planned to wait for him, 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 is really chilling. I listened to the waves while thinking about possible ways to earn money. While thinking, I saw a silhouette of a person rowing a boat not far away. Even though it was dark, I saw the wave of a man—dad. I quickly stood up from where I was sitting and went to greet him at the shore.
"Dad!" I warmly greeted him as he got nearer.
"Nora, child! The night 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. That night, our usual chatting and sharing of the day's stories didn't stop.
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?" asked my father with concern 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 because he had many questions, brought by worry. I knew it would be tough, especially if I didn't have control over my own time since I have to work under someone. But, it would also be a waste not to try because of the potential earnings.
My father suggested he could take my place selling at the market, but I know very well his health condition is in not good shape. I knew he had been experiencing difficulty in his body but he did not bother to say a thing or two since dad knows well that it will worry me. But, I worried about his condition every moment because he would never stop working.
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.