ALMOST HUMAN

Dearest Papa

December 2023

Manila, Philippines.

My Dearest Papa,

How's New Jersey? I haven't messaged you on any social media app for quite some time because everything is currently banned here. You probably heard the news from your local media outlets there. The government here gave each and every citizen a government phone so they can all track us. If this written letter has reached you, I have Carlo to thank for. They recently moved there in New Jersey just in time before they closed the borders.

Papa, I want you to know that I am safe. My wife is safe, and your beloved grand daughter Belle is also safe. Even though there are restrictions and limitations we were able to celebrate her 8th birthday at UP Town with some of her classmates. As of now, Zarina and I are gathering all our things. We will be moving up north, to Baguio for the mean time. When the time comes, and they open the borders I will be processing our visa's so we can join you there and start a new life.

Don't worry. I declined the offer of the government to join the Military Robotics Program as an engineer under the Department of Science and Technology, the department you once led and loved. I am planning to set up a small working station there in Baguio so I can continue my experiments. I'd like to help the small-time farmers up north who were affected by the recession and are constantly the target of harassment by this inutile and fascist government.

But enough of the Philippines. I want to talk about Belle. She has taken interest in our robot prototypes. I am pretty much sure she'll be an engineer or a world class scientist one day. She's also good in illustrating and singing. She misses her Papa-Lolo a lot. Sometimes I cry myself to sleep because the future seems so bleak for her but I have high hopes that her dreams will come true.

On the other hand, Zarina has developed a heart condition. But she is doing her best to cope up even though she was truly devastated by the death of her parents from the bomb that exploded in Tanay, Rizal. I will make sure she gets the best care there. My experiments would probably make her feel better or if lucky heal her. She has meds.

Papa, just in case anything happens I want you to know that I love you so much. I miss the sound of your laugh, your jokes, I miss playing robots with you, I miss everything about you. Me and my family loves you so much and I know even though we don't have connection you are always praying for me and this country.

Papa, I have no ink left and we must hurry so I am keeping this letter short. I don't know when I will be able to write again or talk to you. But when the borders open and Filipinos are allowed to travel I will make sure to contact you or ask someone to deliver some letters to you for updates.

Love,

Your only son, Ezekiel.