Las Dos Marias

Chapter 31: A Dream of Rebellion

Hurried knocks shattered the stillness of Constancia's hut.

"Manang... please, let us in."

Recognizing the voice, she rushed to the door, fumbling with the latch. "Have you been followed?" she asked as she helped Rafael carry a wounded man slumped over his shoulder.

"No... I don't think so," Rafael replied, breathless as they staggered inside. They laid the injured man on the sick bed. His groans filled the room, and Constancia immediately set to work, her hands moving with practiced urgency. "What happened?" she pressed, glancing briefly at Rafael.

"They were close tonight, Manang," he said, sinking into a chair and wiping the sweat from his brow. "We've been careful, but the patrols are growing with Bonifacio's plan gaining momentum. More people are joining the Katipunan every day."

"Do you think the Spaniards already know?"

"No, not yet. We met with Commander Santos and his men here in San Felipe tonight. He's becoming one of the key leaders outside Manila." Rafael paused, his face darkening. "But a patrol found us. We clashed near the river. Damian took the worst of it while covering our escape."

"And the others?"

"Aguedo and Román got away. They're hiding in the woods. We've scattered for now, but Santos is pushing for more coordinated efforts soon."

Constancia nodded grimly, her hands steady as she dressed Damian's wounds. "I've heard rumors at the market. Bonifacio and Jacinto plan to disrupt Spanish supply routes—small garrisons and munitions depots. It will force the Spaniards to divide their forces if they succeed."

"That's true, Manang," Rafael said, his voice gaining strength. "We're planning the same here in San Felipe. Meanwhile, Aguinaldo is working on Cavite, trying to sway the principalia. But we need more recruits and must move quickly before the Spaniards tighten their grip."

"They already are," Constancia said, pulling the bandage tight. "There's a curfew now. More patrols in town. The Guardia Civil is getting nervous. It's only a matter of time before they uncover us."

Rafael's expression hardened. "That's why we need to act. If we take the cuartel in San Felipe, we'll have leverage for the bigger battles ahead. We've failed once before, but this time, we're ready."

Constancia paused, meeting Rafael's determined gaze. "And you? Will you be at the meeting later?"

Rafael shook his head. "I'll be training with Santos' men. Tonight was a small skirmish, but soon..." He took a deep breath. "Soon, it won't be. We'll be ready for war."

Constancia's hands stilled, her voice soft. "You know the risks, Rafael. The closer we get to rebellion, the more dangerous this becomes."

"I know, Manang. But we can't stop—not now. Not until this land is ours again." A shadow flickered in his eyes. "And Padre Enrique... he's mine to kill."

Constancia studied him, pride and fear mingling in her chest. "It's only been weeks since you convinced me to join the rebellion. But it seems like you've grown quickly into a fine man, Rafael. I'm proud of you. But promise me you'll be careful."

He managed a small smile. "You too, Manang. We'll see each other again—when this is over. Anyway, I have to go now. I must check on my mother before I go to my task."

"Be careful," Constancia replied, watching him disappear into the dark.

Later, as the last light faded from the hills, Constancia made her way to the secluded clearing where the Katipunan members in San Felipe gathered in secret. Familiar faces greeted her as she approached: Commander Santos, with his calm yet commanding presence, and Román, whose fiery determination reminded her of Rafael.

"Constancia," Santos said, his voice edged with relief. "We were worried. Is everything all right?"

She nodded, catching her breath. "I had to check on Damian. He'll recover, but it'll take time."

"Good," Román said. "We'll need every hand. The patrols are getting bolder."

"They are," Constancia agreed, her voice heavy. "It's only a matter of time before they find us. We must stay ahead of them."

As the group delved into plans, Constancia's thoughts strayed. Memories of her late husband, José Ramos, surfaced—a name she rarely spoke but carried in her heart. He had been one of the early Katipunan fighters in San Felipe, killed long before the movement gained momentum. She had tried to stay out of the fight after his death, but the fire he had carried now burned in her.

"My husband wouldn't have wanted me involved," she admitted to the group, her voice quiet but steady. "He gave his life for this cause, and I didn't understand then what he was fighting for. But I do now. I can't stand by anymore. This fight—it's for all of us."

Santos placed a hand on her shoulder. "Your voice matters, Constancia. We need everyone we can count on." His eyes darkened. "We're planning to hit a Spanish garrison next week. If we succeed, it will cripple their hold on San Felipe. But we must prepare for retaliation."

Constancia hesitated, her thoughts turning to her daughter. "Commander," she said, her voice trembling, "promise me one thing. Protect my daughter, Isabela."

Santos nodded solemnly. "Before his death, José made it clear that his family would be under our care. We'll protect her."

"Thank you."

Just then, the sound of hooves shattered the calm as their conversation shifted to strategy. Voices echoed in the distance, harsh and unmistakable. "¡Deténganse! ¡Alto!" (Stop! Halt!)

Panic rippled through the group. Santos sprang to his feet. "Move! Scatter!" Constancia's heart raced as the Guardia Civil's lanterns pierced the darkness. She bolted for the trees, the shouts of soldiers and the crack of gunfire exploding around her.

"Constancia!" Román called, but she didn't stop. Fear and adrenaline pushed her forward, her thoughts consumed by one thing: Isabela.

A searing pain tore through her side. She stumbled, gasping as blood soaked her dress, but she forced herself to keep moving.

"¡No la dejen escapar!" (Don't let her escape!)

A soldier appeared in front of her, grabbing her arm. "Got her!" he barked.

"No!" Constancia screamed, twisting and kicking, but his grip held firm. They dragged her back toward the clearing, her mind spinning. Isabela... I can't leave her alone. With a surge of desperation, she slammed her elbow into the soldier's ribs, breaking free. She ran again, but another gunshot rang out. This time, she fell, pain exploding through her body as she hit the ground.

"Mujer inútil," a voice hissed.

Through the haze of pain, she looked up. The blurred face of her hijacker came into focus. Her breath caught in her throat. "Y-you..." Before she could say more, the world tilted, her vision fading into black. Her dreams of rebellion slipped away, swallowed by the darkness.