“Were you able to finish your reading assignment, class?”
That was the first thing Professor Vargas asked the moment she entered the room. She was five minutes late, but nobody had the gall to call her out, obviously.
Especially since she’s known for being that one strict instructor who brings nothing but her brain and a whiteboard marker. Minsan may index card pa.
“Yes, Ma’am,” we all said in unison.
“Good.” Isa-isa niya kaming pinasadahan ng tingin. “So since you’ve read "The World is an Apple," how will you describe the characters in the story? Hmm?”
Ang kaninang tahimik na classroom ay mas lalo pang napipi ngayon. Miski iyong paghinga ng mga kaklase ko ay hindi ko na marinig. Kung saan-saan na lang din napupunta ang kanilang mga mata—iniiwasang makipag-eye contact kay Ma’am para hindi sila tawagin. I wasn’t sure if they came to class unprepared or they were just afraid na "gisahin" sila ng guro. Perhaps it was both.
As for our professor, she was also waiting for a saving grace to miraculously appear from the class.
“Tell me what you think about them, starting with Mario . . . anyone?”
Karamihan sa mga kaklase ko ay nagsimulang magnakaw ng tingin sa akin. Kaya nung tinaas ko na ang aking kamay at tinawag ako, tila nakahinga sila nang maluwag. Nakita ko pa si Francine na napahawak sa kaniyang dibdib. I mentally shook my head at the gesture.
“Go ahead, Ms. Gomez.”
I confidently stood up and took a deep breath before answering. “From the story "The World is an Apple" by Alberto S. Florentino, Mario was portrayed as a selfless father who cherished his daughter Tita, and would do everything in his power to grant his daughter’s request, even if it meant compromising his own morals.”
Professor Vargas crossed her arms, displaying an act of intimidation. “How can you tell that he compromised his morals?”
“Mario was caught pilfering an apple, as he believed that it would not be noticed due to the amount of apples being carried to the warehouse,” I explained. “He was incapable of buying such fruit since, based on the story, it was implied that they were impoverished. Therefore, even though he knew that it was wrong, Mario continued to take it for his daughter, who wanted to eat one when they went out for a walk.”
“Which is why you described him as a selfless father. Correct?”
“Yes, Ma’am.” I fixed my glasses. “I’d like to add that Mario’s wife Gloria didn’t believe the excuse that he was squandering all of his money because she knew he would rather spend it on his daughter that he loves so much.
“Mario also told Gloria that the moment they brought her into this world, they promised her everything, considering that it was both her right and what she deserved,” dagdag ko.
The professor tilted her head, slightly nodding. “Okay. Does everyone here agree with Ms. Gomez?”
Napatango ang lahat sa tanong ni Ma’am bilang patunay na pare-pareho kami ng sagot. Well, either that or sadyang ayaw talaga nilang patagalin pa ang recitation. Ayos lang sa ‘kin. Grades naman nila ang maaapektuhan. Not mine.
I sat down, filled with contentment. Things were smoothly turning out in my favor . . . until one person had to ruin it by refusing to move an inch. Napansin iyon ni Ma’am dahilan ng pagpukaw niya sa atensyon nito.
“How about you, Mr. Valloria? Do you agree with Ms. Gomez?”
There was a sudden shift in the atmosphere—a mixture of tension, anticipation, and excitement. Naglaho ang pangangamba ng mga kaklase ko dahil alam nilang may handa pang sumalo sa kanila bukod sa akin.
