Chapter 23 The Accident

8/14/2019 Chapter 23 The Accident

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23

The Accident

The girls will be away for the holiday, so Linas staying with me the

whole week. Then well share Christmas dinner with her family.Im

glad she doesnt mind that Im younger; she even clowns around with

me like a kid herself

We still must see what comes of the holiday, though, with Romans

discomfort. Aunt Mary has him sleeping upstairs now so he wont have

to face people traipsing in and out.

I feel bad for him and hope he lives through Christmas.

>

Lina just met Felix, and he says hell be around for Christmas, so

she informs him well go to her sisters home for dinner.

I wont impose then.

You wont be, she assures him, Im sure the family would be glad

to have you.

He still insists he wont tag along unless hes personally invited by

Aunt Mary.

Aunt Mary told Lina she expects me and my boyfriend to come to

their holiday dinner. Since Lina likes Felix, I hope he'll grow interested


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in her and let me alone.

>

Its Christmas, and weve brought fruits and goodies to add to the

Aspectos gracious table.

Roman is worse, says Aunt Mary, but hed be glad to see you.

When I go upstairs to find him quite ill, he manages to smile and

whisper, Hi. He doesnt say much so I promise to check on him later.

If theres anything youd like, well bring it to you.

He thanks me, and before I even reach the stairway, he falls asleep.

Back in the kitchen, as usual we feed the men first. Then after

everyones eaten, we sit to chat. Felix is so handsome, they rave,

dont let him get away.

Im thinking, how stupid,but we have a good time visiting.

Since Lina, Felix, and I dont work tomorrow, we return to Pasay to

visit on my porch. Then when she and I retire at one-thirty a.m., the

people downstairs are still partying.

Anyway, Christmas is over, and soon it will be New Years.

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>

Lina treated Felix and me to New Years Eve dinner here at the

Chinese restaurant where shes a waitress. Since its a big night with


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live music, she suggests we stay to watch others dance.

So we listen to this band play Hawaiian music and special requests.

When I spot the family that owns and operates the local theater,

their son makes his way to our table. Havent I met you before?

I nod. Youre the guy who owns the movie house, right?

No, my father owns it, but I greet customers. That must be where I

saw you--good to see you again.

The same here. Once hes gone, I notice Felix strange

expression.

Lina does also and begins telling him about her family and how

Romans dying of tuberculosis. Her other brother lives in La Union but

occasionally visits. I like my job, she continues, tips are good, and

our boss doesnt hold back a percentage. Yes, Im doing quite well.

Evidently, customers prefer her service and will wait in line if necessary.

Their claim is that she puts them at ease for a more enjoyable meal.

At this moment, some patrons arrive to ask if she might wait on

them tonight.

Shes quite thrilled that they commend her service. This is my day

off. But if you return tomorrow, Ill be here and be glad to serve you.

I feel good to be out with my friends, but Felix is tired of people

stopping to say Hi to me. Also, since its nearly ten oclock, he wants


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us return to the apartment soon.

I think what a wonderful evening this has been. Even with city

challenges, I know Gods blessings have been tremendous. Im still not

used to this life though. Things are much simpler back in the province.

And although farming is hard work, we take time to know others out

there. Most people here are more sophisticated and proud and rush to

come and go. Of course we each have different abilities, but nothing

ought to be so grand to make someone conceited I accept people for

who they are and enjoy what I do to survive. Working hard with my

hands give me satisfaction.

>

Its now January 1947, and Mr. Sadler again says he hopes his wife

will arrive soon. One daughter, Isabel, is planning to marry after

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college, and their eldest girl has a three-year-old child and a six-monthold

baby.

I speak about Carmens plans to marry in July. She hopes Ill be

there, so Id like to go if thats all right with you. Ill try to find

someone to take my place while Im gone.

That wont be necessary, he returns, your job will still be here

when you return.


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I now have peace of mind to attend the wedding and incentive to

save money. Its going to take a whole months pay to get there and

back.I'd like to take more than a month to visit people who helped me

before I came here and try finding some families who worked for Mom.

I also must speak with the landlord about paying him a few months rent.

Then if Im delayed, Ill still have a place to come back to. Yet I doubt

Ill be away that length of time.

>

May is nearly over with Carmens wedding drawing closer.I

havent told the Aspectos where I plan to go, so maybe Ill surprise

them and tell them all aboutitafterwards. God willing, Ill get to Ilagan

and back safely. Im really excited now.Ifitturns out to be better in

the province, I may go back for good

Lina and I havent been able to spend much time together, but she

says the doctor believes it wont be long before Roman passes away. So

the family watches him closely.

Im sad about the whole thing because hes always been concerned

for my welfare. And now he lays gasping for breath. I can only pray

God allows his death to be painless.

Now that theres little over a month to go, Felix considers visiting

his parents while Im gone. That would be good since hes gotten to the


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point where he visits me every day he's off work.

>

My landlord and his wife appear genuinely happy that I will attend

my friends wedding. They even offer to hold my belongings in case the

girls move out while Im gone.

I dont own much other than my cot and bedding. So I thank them

graciously and say Ill pay for several months rent before leaving.

Its pretty hot when I return to the porch to enjoy the breeze.Im so

excited to the point of not only counting the days but also the hours.

Its difficult to picture how big Carmens wedding will be. Her uncle

will probably give her away in marriage. Yet the more I think of it,Im

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happy for her but do hope she loves the guy and isntmarrying for

convenience.

>

Its July third! and my rents paid for three months.Now Im

outside trying to flag a jeepney to carry me to the bus station.

The one that pulls up is already full with eight other passengers.

Therefore, theres no other choice than to sit next to the driver.

We take off fast before I grab the bar in front of me for dear life. I

also tighten the handles of my purse and small suitcase about one arm.


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Along our way, traffic gets heavier with motorists impatient to

arrive at work or other destinations.

We arrive at a crossroads and stop. Common practice is for the first

vehicle approaching the intersection to flash its headlights and then

proceed. Others go in like order.

From an adjacent corner, another operator motions for us to go.

But as our driver floors it, another bus flashes his lights and rushes

the intersection, too.

The screech of skidding tires suddenly fills my ears, and someone

screams. Then I gasp when an army truck thunders through the

junction straight for us.

>

I feel as if Im suffocating while lapsing in and out of consciousness.

Voices are terribly faint as I sense people poking and prodding me.

Then their drone weakens even more and I fade into blackness.

How much time has passed I dont know, but now Im aware Im

situated in a hospital bed.

Then nurses administer a shot while murmuring how it will ease my

pain.

Warmth envelops me, but my chest still hurts so badly. I know my

body is seriously injured because each time I attempt to speak, the pain


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is too great to breathe. So I lie in a numb state and wonder exactly what

happened.

>

They have me hooked up to this intravenous line, so I must be doing

fine. Yet my head hurts with scary images flashing through my mind.

Im with a group of strangers, and we keep colliding with something.

Its the last I can remember.

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I now hear Ive lain in this bed at least a week. I try to speak again,

but its such an effort to get a word out.Forget it. It hurts too much to

breathe.

>

My nurse, Maria, is the nun taking care of my daily personal needs.

Its the end of July 1947, dear. Nearly four weeks have passed for you

here in San Lazaro Hospital. She pats my hand, but I dont have it in

me to speak. Would you rather I tell you what was printed in the

newspaper about your accident?

I nod to hear details.

She says our bus was thrown off the road after being struck by an

army truck. The official report states how our vehicle flipped over twice

before landing on its side. The driver and most of the passengers were


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killed. Only one man was discovered alive after I was found pinned

under the bus with my purse and bag still in my arms.

You were pronounced dead on arrival here. She witnessed my

being parked to one side of the Emergency Room as doctors confirmed

the others deaths. And after working on whom they believed to be the

only survivor, they tried to decide what to do with my body. They

searched my belongings for identification but found none. Whom could

they contact about me?

Four hours later, one doctor heading out of the room happened to

glimpse some sign of life. Maybe my finger twitched. Whatever it was,

he grabbed hold of my wrist. Then he called out to the staff, I feel her

pulse! Shes alive again!

The other attendants hurried over, and sure enough, they confirmed

I had life. They were quick to cut away my blood-saturated dress to set

to work on me.

I was critically injured with a deep gouge in my forehead and a large

gash to the back of my head. Bruises covered both legs, and my knees

were tom open with one cap especially exposed. Glass shards were

removed from my left eye with more fragments from my right knee.

They patched what they could with one doctor predicting Id never

walk properly or see out of that eye again. Despite all the blood loss,


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thank God, a transfusion was not needed. They also took X-rays

revealing fractured bones throughout my body. The worst fractures were

along my ribs and back. So they bound me stiff in a body cast to reduce

movement.

Maria continues talking while she bathes the exposed parts of my

body. Up to this point, we know of no one to contact about your

condition.

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I don't want to have visitors now anyway. Im discouraged about

life. Since I have no one, I dont respond to the daily question of

whether I have family.I guess Im just lying here, hoping to either die

or get better quickly. Its terrible to possibly die in a hospital with no

one to know of it. Yet I suppose I ought to be grateful. Im blessed

with such fine people caring for me.

One nun in particular who visits patients is genuinely kindhearted.

She just arrived to sit by my side and ask questions about my family. I

dont have the strength to speak yet, so she prays Ill soon be on my feet.

She also prays for my quick return to my family. Little does she know, I

dont have any to go back to.

Im alone in this world now. But I manage to whisper, Thank you

for praying for me. She barely touches my hand so as not to add to my


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discomfort. Ill be seeing you again.

My lips form the words, Thank you, before she steps to visit others

around me. Im able to see that our room holds about twelve people.

Those patients arent as bad off as I am since theyre up and moving

about. They even come by to say Hi to me now and then.

>

Maria washes my face each day along with whatever else isnt

hurting. She also changes my dressings. With one leg especially

bruised and swollen, she checks for proper drainage on either side of it.

At least the infection hasnt grown worse.

So this is how itfeels to get run over. Each day, I receive shots of

antibiotics. There are also painkiller shots intended to ease each session

when the doctor scrapes out flesh from my damaged leg. I do grit my

teeth each time they move my other leg with its botched up kneecap.

That would also be completely unbearable if they didnt shoot it full of a

painkiller.

Im still having a time of it struggling to breathe. But since Ive

motioned for them to elevate my head some, it helps. Of course, Im

still unable to move, so someone must often reposition me.I want to do

all I can to get better, but its difficult not to become depressed with my

condition. But Im trying.


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Ive been here a month with no outside visitors. In a way Im glad

because I wouldntbe good company. Its enough to concentrate on

breathing and healing. But I do have doctors, nurses, and other

patients coming to speak to me each day. I fervently thank God Im

alive and pray to remember exactly what happened. Even with Marias

details, its hard to recall the facts.

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>

The doctors took another X-ray of my body and are thrilled to report

theyll remove this body cast off me. Since my bones are healing well,

theyre eager to begin me on simple exercises as much as I can endure.

>

Two nurses help me to stand each day but must start my legs moving

to lead me down the hail. Lying in the bed so long wasnt good for my

muscles. I lost most of my strength. Thank God I can be walked

although my legs still tremble. I just hope the nurses dont have to help

much longer. Id like to be able to do it alone since the pain can be

discouraging, along with the need to depend on others. But Ive

promised myself to cooperate all I can to help speed my recovery.

My doctor now has great hopes that Ill regain my strength and

eventually return to work. Hes thrilled to see me walking around with


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the bad kneecap since he believed Id lose the use of that leg. Its a

miracle of God how both legs are mending well. My eye is also not as

tender.

Whos the lucky guy? teases Maria. Noticing my ring, she

assumes Im engaged.

Just somebody.I dont want to give anyone ideas to search for

Felix and bring him here.

Well, one good thing is that my rent is still paid up for another two

months. My place will be secure to return to. Yet I can timagine what

the girls will say after hearing about this.

One of the staff has kindly offered to make sure I get home safely.

Also, some patients still come back to visit me after their release.

Theyre overwhelmed with the fact that I was pronounced dead on

arrival.

I thank God for their concern.

The doctors still want to be sure I can do well enough on my own

before releasing me. They keep an eye on me since I still have trouble

breathing sometimes. After you leave, keep us posted, they say, and

dont forget to return for checkups.

Im thankful for all these people who display such kindness. I also

keep wondering about Carmen. Maybe I can contact Hedys parents to


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see if she's finally married

>

Once in a while I feel dizzy while they walk me. I dont know

whether its due to the injury or simply because Im getting back on my

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feet. So after I mention it to one nurse, she remarks that Im coming

along fine by the looks of my X-rays.

Shes probably right. I do walk better than a week ago.

Youve come a long way, some staff say. They cheer me on to

keep up the good work.

Im sure looking forward to the day I can return home and go to

work. But the doctor suggests I take it easy for a while once Im

discharged. Thank God the money I had tucked in my belongings is still

all there. I know that anyone could have easily taken it. My little

suitcase is still intact, too.Everything is preserved by God just as He

preserved my life. The Lord knew I'd need money when I get home.

Its funny how everyone still calls me Miracle. They just never

bothered finding out my real name after I could speak again. Yet since I

told them, they still address me as Miracle.

>

A couple doctors tell me I can go home in a few days. If at all


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possible, I shouldnt return to work for at least a month.

But my bosses are expecting me back about this time.

Perhaps you can let them know about your accident and why you

must take it easy. They feel if I absolutely must work, I cant put in a

full day. Then they ask who my parents are. How much family do you

have?

I just begin to cry, so one doctor sits comforting me. I dont mean

to pry, but do you have anyone at all?

I swallow hard and tell him the story of my life--how I was adopted

quite young, and my mother died during the war. Then I came to the

city and have no one. Im alone.

Hes very sympathetic since he knows many people in the same

situation.

I dont know how Ill possibly pay for my hospital bill and your

time in caring for me.

Dont worry, everything will be taken care of. We just want you to

be well again.

I softly thank him and thank God in my heart for what Hes doing

for me. What else could it be? The good Lord is providing all the way.

The doctor mentions how Maria and Cora, the two nurses whove

tended to me since I arrived, hope to accompany me home. Its because


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theyve grown to love me.

Im grateful theyll take me to the only home I know--a room with

three other girls. I hope everyone will recognize me because it seems

Ive been gone so long. The girls knew I was supposed to go to the

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province for the wedding, so I hope I wont be carried away with all

their questions. Im not really up to doing a lot of answering yet.

>

The nurses have escorted me home, and the room appears the same

as when I left. My cots in the same place, but its about ready to need

replacing.

I thank God to be back, and after the women leave, I think of what

to do with my days off.I must figure out how to get over to my bosses

to explain and get my leg checked at the clinic. Much is on my mind,

but God knows what Im ably to do for now. So I pray Ill be patient to

wait for my body to function properly again.

My mood is depressed as I wait for the girls to come home from

work. But I have time to reflect on how good God has been to me.I

dont know why He delivered me from this accident. But He brought me

back to life, so I wonder what He has in mind for my future. This is a

new experience to remember to take medication. Ive never even


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swallowed an aspirin in my life before the accident. But Im grateful to

have these pain pills now that my leg is throbbing.

Im sure it will be a shock for the girls to find me in bed. Ive never

been one to take a nap in the afternoon. Then theyll probably start

asking questions. So I must prepare myself to give some answers. They

ought to be here soon--that is, ifthey come straight away.

For now, I lie thinking deeply of my mom. 1 know she wouldnt

have wanted this to happen to me. I could have gone to join her where

shes at, but Im still here. So I have much to consider about being

alone and how to manage. The lives of many people around us are

affected by everything we do. I know the manner my friends have been

living has affected me quite bad.

At least Ive come to know good people such as Roman. Ill go to

visit the Aspectos when Im able. Theyll also be shocked to learn what

happened to me.

Evening is near now, and I have yet to see any of the girls.Perhaps

its that lady from the other end of the building I hear out there. I reach

into my bag. Maria and Cora are such lovely women. I see they ye

tucked apples, bananas, rolls, and sandwich spread in here for me.

Thank you, Lord. At least I wont have to get something from the corner

store. I dont feel I can make it all the way down there yet.


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Maybe next week Ill return to visit them at the hospital instead of

going to the clinic. Im still impressed with their feelings toward me.

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Since I was instructed to walk as much as I can endure, I head slowly

out to the restroom. Then its back to the kitchen for a drink of water.I

hope some people get here soon.

I just now notice the few things left tucked under my cot werent

disturbed. Then I sit to rest with a sigh.Its going to be some surprise

for the girls to. find me here in the house.

>

It's now five-thirty, so I try combing my hair, but my head is sore in

places from the cuts.At least my hair is finally growing where they

shaved it to stitch some parts. Well, no one can really see the cut on my

forehead unless they look for it. Thank God my hair covers it. Not that

Im ashamed, hut it looks funny with the hair sticking out like that.

The girls obviously walked home because here they come screaming

about their feet hurting. One says she can hardly wait to kick off her

shoes. Another is thirsty. It seems another has run to the restroom

while the last has come to unlock our door. Its not long before theyre

all arguing about who forgot to lock up this morning.

I locked it, insists Mary, but the padlocks not on the door now.


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They continue about how they shouldnt forget to lock up since

someone might sneak in to take their stuff.

Lourdes finally pushes the door open to see someone lying in bed.

She cant make out my face though since Im facing the wall. My

bodys covered with my sheet, so she screams, Theres somebody in our

apartment! Someones lying in Florence bed!

You dont think shes back, do you? whispers Cincia.

I dont know--I cant see, says Lourdes, but somebodys in the

bed.

By this time, I feel silly and say, Come on in girls.

Why did you do that!? they cry, are you trying to scare us? Why

are you in bed? And when did you get back?

I sit up on the edge of my cot, but they cant see the condition of my

leg with my pantaloons under my dress. I got in midmorning. Its

good to see you--its good to be back.

They say, Yes, its good youre back. How is your friend? How big

was the wedding?

Im not sure how to answer, and I break into tears. Theres nothing

much to tell them except that I was dead, came to life in the hospital,

and now Im back.

Whats wrong, they ask, didnt you enjoy your trip?


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I keep crying, so Hedy sits right beside me. Whats the matter, was

Felix here? You know, hes been here often to see if you were back.

Did something happen with you two?

I realize Im obliged to answer their questions. Hedy, may I speak

to you alone?

The girls dont mind and leave for me to tell her how I never made

it out to the province. I tell about the accident and how I was pinned

under the jeepney after it flipped over. Then I was pronounced dead on

arrival at the hospital.

Her eyes widen. Why didnt you have someone let us know what

happened?

I couldnt speak and had enough trouble breathing. So I couldnt

respond to the doctors and nurses. I now show her most of my injuries.

This is all Im able to say for now.

All right, you rest, and Ill tell the girls. Since tomorrows Friday,

we wont go out.

The following day, I clean and redress my legs wound. My knees

still stiff but I thank God its not as painful as last week

When the girls arrive home after work, their arms are loaded with

stuff from the market. They scramble around the kitchen area while


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Hedy checks on me.

Im okay, I say.

All right, Lourdes will cook the rice while I make adobo and

pockpit. By the way, I told the guys they have to wait on the porch, and

were not going out tonight.

Im impressed. Its the first time Ive known her to be bossy around

here. The girls have surely gone all out, too. Besides food, they even

bought soft drinks as if theyre having a big party.

This is supposed to be your welcome home dinner, Hedy says and

then leaves the room.

When the girls check on me, I thank them for being so nice.

Theyre feeling guilty that I was in the hospital and unable to do for

myself all that time. They just assumed I was having a good time

visiting my friends in the province.

I tell Hedy I ought to take my medication so Ill be able to stay up

with them this evening.

So she brings water and instructs me to stay put until they finish

cooking.

Now I smell adobo cooking. I am glad to be back to familiar sights

and smells.

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>

ADOBO Recipe

(a coconut milk version)

I coconut

2-3 pounds pork and chicken, cut up

I cup vinegar

1 cup water

1 head of garlic

1 tablespoon peppercorns

Salt to taste

2-3teaspoons cornstarch

(soy sauce to taste is optional)

Instructions: Crack the coconut open and carve out meat. Place

coconut meat in a strainer and squeeze out milk. Combine coconut milk

with remaining ingredients. Place mixture in cooking pot or wok. Heat

on medium-high until meat is thoroughly cooked and liquid is nearly

boiled down. Slowly stir in cornstarch one teaspoon at a time to thicken

sauce. Ready to feed 6-8 people. Serving suggestion: pour over steamed

white rice.

>

I wonder if the guys heard what happened to me after one makes his


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way into the kitchen. Somebodys outside--what shall I tell him?

Hedy comes onto the porch as Felix asks the guys if Im back yet.

We dont know. Weve just been ordered to sit out here until

dinners ready.

Felix also asks Hedy if theres any news from me yet.

Yes, you have a seat, and Ill get right back to you. She comes

right back to let me know Felix is here. What do you want me to tell

him?

I know I must speak with him sooner or later, so I agree to see him.

She informs him theyre preparing a big welcome home dinner for

me. This is why the girls are all busy in the kitchen. She wants

everyone to stay on the porch until its time to eat. Youre included for

dinner, too, Felix.

Hes awfully eager to see me and asks if I might visit with him for a

few minutes first. So Hedy has returned to ask me about it, and I wish

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for an easy way to let him know about the accident.I suppose I have to

pull myself together, get up, and walk out there.

Once Im on the porch, he almost forgets himself and nearly puts his

arm around me. But he realizes he cant make such an appearance to

people. So he draws back and reaches to shake my hand. Were you


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sleeping?

No, I say, just taking it easy.

Right away, he asks about my trip.

If you dont mind much, Ill wait until after dinner to tell you all

about it, okay?

I was just so excited to hear, but I can wait.

Now, Florence, Hedy interrupts, you can stay out here with the

guys if youre up to it. I just dont want you to get so tired, okay? I

want you to be able to sit up to eat.

Felix expression turns odd. Is something wrong, Hedy?

No, I just want to be sure Florence isnt tired to sit up with us.

After all, this is her big night--welcome home party.

Still, his eyes seem to ask why she would make such a statement.

That wouldnt be like the healthy Florence hes always known.

After we all sit sharing a good meal, I cant figure out if everyones

quiet because Felix is present or because they dont know what to make

of all this with me.

Hedy keeps asking if Im all right.

I'm okay--Im fine. Thanks for asking.

Once in a while, the others look to each other. But they havent

anything to say.


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Afterwards, I follow the guys out to the porch, and the girls stay to

wash dishes.

Hedy finally pokes her head out to ask if anyone wants to play cards.

Their boyfriends immediately go back in around the table and leave

Felix and me alone.

Its not long before Im telling him how I reached the province. Our

jeepney was hit on the way to the bus station and flipped over twice. So

I was pinned underneath with the driver and most passengers instantly

killed. I was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, but I could

hear voices. And I wasnt able to say anything because I was hurting so

badly. I could hear scissors going while they cut my bloody dress off to

examine all my injuries.

Felix has turned white and grips the back of the chair hes

straddling. He asks why I didnt tell anyone I had friends who would

have cared to know my whereabouts.

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I wasnt able to speak and had to struggle to breathe. It felt like my

chest had been crushed. Besides, they gave me lots of medication,

which made me sleep much of the time. I also couldnt move with the

body cast they put around me tight. I am grateful though for the nurse

who tended to my daily needs. Other than that, I wasnt totally aware of


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everything going on.

Hes obviously troubled to hear all this. Im so sorry I couldnt have

been there.

It was probably better you didnt see me injured. You would have

been upset. The nurses did ask who the lucky guy was after noticing my

ring. But I just told them it was someone. After speaking a while, I

express appreciation for his concern. I just thank God Im back here.

So if its all right with you, I wont say any more about this now.

Thats fine. We can discuss it further some other time. He then

says he made it out to the province. He even told his parents hed given

me a ring in hopes of planning something together. Have you given

any thought to your feelings--have they changed toward me at all?

Im aware hes fishing to learn if I love him in any possible way.

Felix, I just dont think of you as a boyfriend. Youve been nice like a

brother. Although Ive never had a real brother. But youve been kind

and considerate, which is why Im thankful youre the kind of guy you

are. You dont force yourself on me, and thats why I like you.

I told my parents I hope you have a change of heart soon so we can

plan our future.

We can always talk about that later.

At this time, Hedy comes to ask if Im tired.


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Yes, Im getting there.

Felix agrees to call it a night since he doesnt want me to have any

kind of setback. I want you to go to bed and rest. But would you mind

if I come again to see you tomorrow?

I think it will be all right, I answer and wish him good evening.

Finally, the girls tell the guys to go home so they can get ready for

bed.

I feel the night went well but reach for my medicine now. My leg is

throbbing after having sat up so long. So Im relieved to elevate it.

Thank you, God, for the time with my friends tonight. He did answer

my prayer for strength and little pain while visiting. I just realize I

should let our landlord know Im back. Maybe tomorrow I can make it

down the stairs by myself.

Hedys writing a letter to her mother. Florence, is there anything I

can let Mom know to tell Carmens aunt as to why you werent at the

wedding?

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I tell her to write about the accident, so she does and includes a

separate note for Carmens aunt.Im glad shes taken care of that for

me. Maybe Ill hear from Carmen some other time.

Come the next day, the girls are kind to take turns making me


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Theyre so gracious that I pay them anyway. Then I get back upstairs

as Felix arrives.

Hes brought fruit and plenty of other food from a restaurant to share

with all the girls.

Later on, he and I are on the verandah with him pursuing the subject

of marriage again. He knows my feelings but wants to marry me

because he thinks I need someone to care for me.

After pressing me further, I say I may go through with that after the

New Year. Until then, Ill think further on the subject. This is a serious

matter were discussing. I now recall having gazed at my ring in the

hospital. It sparked me to remember everyone I know, and I often

thought why did I agree to wear this? On the other hand, it might be

nice to have someone in my life.

To date, I still dont love Felix, and its hard to imagine what

marriage entails. So what am I to do with this kind of friendship? I

know nothing about loving a man. Love to me was basically the words

my mother gave me along with her hug the day she died so before I

commit to Felix, I must know more about the involvement between a

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man and a woman. And I pray to come across someone who might

advise me well.


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>

The doctor at the clinic said my leg is doing great. Just rinse with

this solution each day and change the dressing, were his instructions.

Since Im stronger, Im on a bus to the compound. The medicine

must have helped me heal although I owe this progress to God and

friends whove encouraged me.

Mr. Sadler happens to be home when I arrive to explain my

situation. See, I was in the hospital all that time and then at home the

past three weeks. The doctors told me to rest a while. Thats why Im

here to talk to you. Maybe in another couple of weeks I can return to my

job.

Hes compassionate and wishes hed known about my terrible

accident. Mrs. Sadler wont arrive until around the fifth of November,

so you take all the time you need to get better. We can send our laundry

out until you return. Just dont feel rushed to get back to work now.

Im grateful to him since its been nearly two months since Ive

worked.

Do you have money?

Yes, I didnt have any place to spend what I saved, so I still have

enough to get along.

Are you sure? He withdraws money from his pocket. Take this in


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case you need to buy medicine.

After its pressed into my palm, I find its the same amount of money

I receive for a months wages. Im astounded. Ill work extra hours--

extra days for this.

No, he insists, thats your gift.

I dont recall receiving many gifts, so Im thrilled and begin weeping

because I dont exactly know how to express myself.

Dont cry, Florencia, just remember that a lot of people love you

and want to help.

Now I sob. Im overwhelmed to think, how coulditbe that a lot of

people do love me?

My mind flashes back to my natural mother and her rejection for

me. Its difficult to put together, but the love of people and Gods

goodness seem to make up for what I never received from her.

I still love her and wonder how she is and where shes at. I do hope

that someday she comes to feel love in her heart for me. But I must

think positive thoughts since its the only way I can keep going in this

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world Ill always try to remember people who've been kind to me.

Mr. Julian has just come in, so I also inform him of my situation.

Hes quite stunned to hear my story, and tears fill his eyes. Im so


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sorry, he says, did anyone know you were in the hospital that length of

time?

No, but I had lots of company--the nurses and doctors who watched

over me there.

Oh, dear, he adds and tells me his wife and daughter will arrive

around the end of November. Perhaps we will have Hedy come work

for us. That is, if shes still interested.

I nod. Im sure she looks forward to the opportunity to work for you

and your wife.

Send her over, and well discuss it. Of course, my wife may have

more for her to do than the housekeeping. He also asks about my

financial status and reaches into his pocket the same as Mr. Sadler had.

Then he gives me the same amount I usually receive on payday. I

know that becoming sick might call for medication and money to get

back and forth to see doctors.

I cant believe all this, so I break into tears again. I just cry and cry.

Both men tell me they love me and would like me to return soon but

not to rush myselfso I can only thank them over and over and praise

God for continuing to provide since my birth.

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Chapter 23 The Accident

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