A Bullet of Love Since 1900

Promise

Miguel and young Tonyo were running quickly through the dense forest, trying to reach the Filipino fort in Plaridel. They had to get there as soon as possible as it was the only major camp of Filipinos fighting and resisting in the entire Bulacan archipelago.

After running for a while, Tonyo suddenly stopped, panting due to fatigue. He begged Miguel to rest for a while, but he was concerned about the risk of being caught by the Americans and replied, "I would like to, but we have to hurry. It's going to be difficult, and we can't afford to slow down."

Tonyo was exhausted and pleaded with Miguel to leave him there, but he did not want to abandon the child. So, he picked him up and carried him along with him.

After some time, Miguel realized that they had gone a little too far and stopped at an abandoned house to rest. He searched for clean water behind the house and offered it to Tonyo, saying, "Drink some water. I know you're tired, but you need it to regain your strength."

Tonyo, still upset, asked Miguel why he had saved him and why he didn't leave him behind. He yearned to be with his parents, and his tears began to flow.

Miguel approached him, attempting to console him, and explained the situation they were facing. "Do you know what's happening in our country? After the Spaniards conquered us, now it's the Americans who want to take away our independence," he said.

"Young people like you are what Senior Rizal believed to be the hope of the people in his novel EL Filibusterismo. I believe in that too. That's why I couldn't bear to leave you in such a situation," Miguel added.

Tonyo was still confused and asked Miguel, "But what can someone like me do? I'm just a child."

"You are not just a child. You are a Filipino. You have a vision and believe that one day we will be free from the hands of the conquerors," Miguel said, holding Tonyo's shoulder and speaking to him carefully.

He went on to explain to him how his parents had made the ultimate sacrifice to save him and how he should not waste his life. "Keep going. One day, you will tell your grandkids what happened to you," he said, motivating him.

As they continued their journey on foot, they finally arrived at the camp in Plaridel, Bulacan. Upon their arrival, they were warmly welcomed by other Filipino soldiers who were stationed there. Tomas, who was Miguel's close friend, was overjoyed to see his friend return safely.

Tomas hugged Miguel and said, "It's good to see you back, Miguel! I was really worried about you."

Miguel replied, "I'm fine, Tomas. Thank you for your concern. And you're safe too, I see."

Curious about the young boy who was with Miguel, Tomas asked, "Who is the boy with you? Is he the one you saved and chased so you got lost?"

Miguel was about to answer, but before he could, Tonyo spoke up. "My name is Antonio Servas. I'm only five years old. My mother died earlier in the war while saving me. Can I join you and fight with you?" he said in a brave voice.

Tomas hesitated, knowing that children like Tonyo couldn't go to war yet. But Tonyo was insistent. "I want to join. I want to defend my country! I will fight," he said determinedly.

Finally, Tomas relented and agreed to teach Tonyo how to handle a rifle, but he made it clear that the boy couldn't join the fights.

Meanwhile, Sarah was sent to Bulacan to join the Americans and help them with their medical needs. One day, while lost in thought, she was approached by an old man who noticed her deep contemplation.

" you seem to be thinking deeply," the old man said.

Sarah was surprised and replied, "Ah, it's not there."

The old man then asked, "Are you having second thoughts about coming here?"

Sarah took a deep breath before responding. "Why does it have to lead to this? So many lives have been wasted because of the war. Children are orphaned by their parents, and parents lose their children. Why can't they just discuss everything properly? Why is it necessary for someone to sacrifice for the principle and dignity they are fighting for?" she said while expressing her confusion.

The old man listened patiently and then responded, "Sarah, we are in a war. War has two faces. One side is the enemy, some are fighting and some want to achieve, on the other side, we are fighting and some are protecting. If you are worried about the Filipinos who sympathize with this war, also think of the young American soldiers who did not return home alive to their families, our compatriots who also suffered greatly in this war."

He continued, "You know Sarah, there is no right or wrong in war, and no one wins. In the end, everyone loses. But if we don't fight for our people, who will defend people like you?"

Sarah listened intently and then asked, "Does this mean this is the truth behind the war?"

The old man nodded, "You're right. This is it."

A few more days passed and Miguel's life resumed with the rest of the Filipinos.

January 25, 1900.

Plaridel, Bulacan.

The news surprised Miguel. Tomas went to Miguel.

"MIGUEL! there is bad news." Tomas said.

"What is that Tomas?" Miguel answered.

"Tonyo is missing! And what's surprising is that no matter where I go, he's gone." Tomas said.

"What!? How did it happen?" Miguel said in shock.

After a while, Miguel and Tomas were able to say that the two rifles and bullets were also missing, and they saw a child with a gun going west.

"West? As far as I know, there is a small American base there" Tomas answered.

"It's not possible, maybe Tonyo is planning to go there and fight alone," said Miguel.

"Then we must chase him, Miguel!" Tomas answered.

The two quickly headed west to chase Tonyo.

When they reached the fort of the Americans they engaged in a shootout, they knocked down and injured many but they still could not find where Tonyo was. When they saw an American pulling the child, Tomas immediately rushed at him and punched him. He also used a knife and stabbed him.

"Tonyo! Are you crazy? What did you do?" Thomas's language.

"I just want to help you," he said.

"Come on Tomas! They are increasing" said Miguel.

The three ran away in a hurry, but for them to get away quickly, Miguel decided to chase after the Americans.

"Promise, I'll be back. You go first!" said Miguel.

It immediately changed direction and the Americans chased after it, they exchanged shots with him until he was hit in the shoulder and ended up rolling down the hill. With the speed and force of Miguel's fall, he lost consciousness.

Before he lost consciousness, he saw a figure approaching him, but it was vague.

When he woke up, his wound was bandaged and covered with a lot of herbs and medicines by his side. He cannot understand what is happening. He was still dizzy and holding his head.
"Where am I?" He asked.

"You're awake," said a woman.

Miguel immediately took out his rifle and pointed at it.

The said woman who introduced herself as Sarah Bellings raised her hand.