𝕰𝕿𝕰𝕽𝕹𝕬𝕷

Tribulation

THIRD POV

Leonard swings his axe relentlessly, muscles straining as beads of sweat trickle down his forehead. The rhythmic thud of the axe biting into the wood echoes around him. His manager, a known hypocrite with an air of superiority, approaches with a sneer.
 
“Hey! You Indios! Work faster! The Moniyan Empire has demanded 5,678 logs, and you have just three days to complete it or no pay!”

Indios: a term from the Spanish colonization of the Philippines in the 18th century, referring to pure-blooded Filipinos. Even at the age of seven, they were forced into labor.

Haibara, Leonard's friend, mutters angrily under his breath.

“This is insane! How are we supposed to meet that for just 5 silvers? They pay us next to nothing!”

With a sly grin, he adds, half-jokingly.

 
“If it wasn’t for this job, I’d kick that guy’s ass.”

 
Pauses, looking at Haibara with calm eyes 
“My friend, calm yourself down, violence isn't the key through narrow path. ‘If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.’” 
(quoting Matthew 5:38-40)

Haibara scoffs, crossing his arms.
“You’re too soft, Leonard. Kindness is a double-edged sword. People use it to stab you in the back.”

 
smiles brightly 
“Forgiving isn’t for them, Haibara. It’s for our peace.”

Haibara sighs, rolling his eyes before getting back to work.

The sun dips below the horizon as Leonard and Haibara finish their work. They exchange brief goodbyes before heading their separate ways. Leonard walks home, exhaustion in his steps. As he opens the front door, his young son, Okkutsu, rushes into his arms.

 
“Papa!” 
He buries his face into Leonard’s chest, clinging tightly.

“Good boy~”

 
“Papa, did you get the Gundam I wanted for my birthday?”

Leonard’s face falls slightly as he looks into his son’s eager eyes.

 
"Sorry son, b-but don't worry! I'll buy you a new toy next time,"

Okkutsu’s smile fades, replaced by disappointment.

“But, Papa, my classmates have toys even better than that. Why can’t I?”

Leonard cups Okkutsu’s cheek, his eyes full of love.

 
“Son, remember that Daddy would give you the world just to see you smile.”

Okkutsu’s eyes brighten as he hugs his father tightly.

“You’re the best, Papa!”

Leonard’s wife, Uraume, watches from the kitchen, a gentle smile on her face. She approaches and plants a kiss on Leonard’s cheek.

 
“How was your day, my love?” 
whispers teasingly 
“Don’t forget my reward later~.”

Leonard’s smile turns playful as he leans in.

 
“Oh, we’ll definitely discuss that in a more... private setting.”

Okkutsu looks up, puzzled.

 
“Mama, Papa, what are you talking about?”

Leonard and Uraume’s faces flush red.

 
In unison, embarrassed, 
“N-nothing!”

She laughs nervously 
“Oh, the food’s getting cold!”

They all gather at the table. Little Riko toddles over with a piece of paper clutched in her small hands.

 
“Papa, look! I drew us holding hands in the meadow. Do you like it?”

Leonard’s eyes soften as he studies the drawing.

 
“It’s beautiful, Riko. I love it.”

Riko beams, hugging her father.
 
“Yay!”

Leonard looks around the table at his family, his heart swelling with pride.

“I couldn’t ask for more. You’re all my everything.”

Laughter and stories fill the room, binding them with a happiness that feels unbreakable. But as Riko’s drawing slips from the table, an eerie glow surrounds it. Slowly, it begins to burn, curling at the edges until it fades into ash.

Only one figure remains untouched in the drawing’s last charred remnant
Leonard.

The warmth of the room shifts, a silent omen hanging in the air.