We were all gathered that afternoon at dismissal time. One of my coworkers said there would be an announcement. Everyone whispered their own speculations, and I couldn't stop myself from being curious.
A few minutes later, the site manager arrived. He spoke about a bunch of other things before getting to the real purpose of the meeting.
"And because this project is nearing completion, the boss wants to reduce manpower." My chest tightened. "I'll now read the names of those who will be let go. Abarca, Lopez, Quijano…"
I froze when my surname was called. I held my head and leaned against the nearest table.
My mind began to spiral.
What am I supposed to do now? What will we eat? Me, Papa, and Gia? I wanted to prepare something for Gia's birthday. I still had debts to pay, most of which were Papa's alcohol, always alcohol. I needed to buy school supplies for Gia when she ran out, pay her fees, give her allowance…
I looked at the workers who were also let go. They were pleading not to be included, but it was useless. The decision had been made.
Those who weren't laid off helped calm down the ones who were furious.
"To those whose names were called, line up here and claim your final pay."
I let out a long sigh as I walked home. Our house wasn't too far from the construction site. Normally, I would walk home tired at the end of the day, but now my body felt even heavier, the exhaustion deeper. Even my steps felt lifeless.
While walking, I passed by a vast farmland. The crops were close to harvest, and even though it was dark, the moonlight let me see the fields clearly.
What must it feel like to live comfortably, like them? Never worrying about whether they'll eat today or not. Never fearing being laid off because they had land this big.
I tore my eyes away and continued walking only to jump when a car honked loudly.
"Damn it! Are you trying to get yourself run over?!" the driver shouted, poking his head out of a sleek car.
I stepped back.
I was standing right in the middle of the driveway leading to the fields.
The driver glared at me and continued forward. I was about to ignore it when I saw who was in the back seat.
The girl from yesterday.
She didn't notice me, she was focused on her phone. I watched until the car passed me, following it with my eyes until it stopped at the hacienda.
So she lived there.
Must be nice.
When I got home, Gia was already asleep. Papa wasn't home. There was leftover food on the table, covered by a plate. I opened it.
A single piece of sardine.
I didn't hesitate and ate it. When I was done, I tried to sleep. I stared at the ceiling, waiting for my eyes to close on their own, but even when the neighbor's roosters were close to crowing, I still couldn't sleep. My mind kept running in circles. Where was I going to get money now?
I exhaled sharply and got up. I stepped outside, making sure to lock the door before wandering off.
Maybe because it was late, the cold breeze helped ease my thoughts. I went to the small park in our area and sat on one of the swings.
I wasn't sure if I could find work tomorrow. It was hard to find a job here, politics controlled everything. There were jobs untouched by politics, but the standards were absurdly high, most required a diploma, a college diploma at that.
I wanted to try finding work in the city, but I didn't even have fare. I could borrow from my aunt or the neighbors, but I was ashamed, I couldn't even pay back what I owed Aling Merci.
I heard someone sit on the swing beside me, so I looked.
The girl from the hacienda.
She looked like she came from the convenience store, holding a big plastic bag filled with snacks. She was eating chips while scrolling on her phone.
She glanced at me when she felt my stare. She took out a large pack of chips.
"Do you want some?"
I quickly shook my head.
"Take it." She pushed it closer to me, so I accepted it.
"Thanks." I said, and she simply nodded. I opened it and started eating.
"What are you doing out here? It's late." she began.
I grinned slightly and looked at her.
"I should be the one asking you."
"Why? Because I'm a girl?" she smirked. "Seriously though, why are you here? Don't you have something to do tomorrow?"
"Nothing." I shook my head.
What would I even do tomorrow without a job? Maybe I'd rest first, then look for work again. I deserved at least a little rest.
"You? Why are you here?" I asked.
"Just wanted some fresh air."
I nodded and looked out across the park while occasionally eating the chips she gave. I noticed she turned off her phone and stuffed it into her pocket. She looked at me, so I looked back.
"You look troubled," she said. "And tired."
I stayed silent and looked forward again but turned back when she stood up and placed her plastic bag beside me.
"Do you drink?" she asked.
I shook my head.
She nodded and walked away.
I watched her, confused. Where was she going?
Moments later, she returned with drinks. My eyes widened when I saw a whole case of one-liter beer bottles. I stood up immediately to help her, holding back a laugh.
What was this woman doing?
She sat on her swing. "Drink with me. I have problems too."
"I don't really drink." I said, shaking my head.
"I know. That's why I bought something for you." She pointed to a one-liter bottle of Coke placed on top of the case.
I stared at her, then glanced around. It was dark only the streetlights and moon lit up the roads.
If I left this woman here… what would happen to her?
"Why don't you just get drunk at your place?"
"No one will drink with me there." She grabbed a bottle of beer. It was so cold it was still steaming. She opened it quickly using the swing's metal seat.
"What you're doing is dangerous, miss. Drinking with a man you don't know." I said, sitting again on my swing. I placed the snacks on my lap and opened the Coke.
"It's fine. I'm the only one who'll get drunk between us." She took a long drink.
"So? What's your problem? Let's talk about it."
She wiped her lips with the back of her hand before speaking.
"I'm getting married."
"Wow, congrats—"
"Arranged marriage."
I popped another chip into my mouth.
"They want us to marry for the connection between our families." She continued. "I know the guy, we grew up together, but even so, I don't want to marry him. Not because I like someone else, but because I know what kind of person he is. The things he did in college…"
I saw disgust in her eyes.
She kept talking while I simply nodded, listening. I couldn't give advice. I couldn't relate to things like that.
I was halfway through my Coke and already felt full. The snacks she gave me were gone. I looked at her.
There was one beer left, which she was currently chugging. She drank like a champion. I sighed, was I going to be the one to carry her home?
"Ha!" I exhaled loudly, now carrying her on my back.
I was walking toward her place. At least I knew the way somewhat, though it was admittedly far.
I just wanted some fresh air. How did I end up carrying a drunk woman home?