Happiness Campaign

Things are not easy as they are

I woke up with the sound of the creaking door followed by little footsteps. I was relieved when I found out that I was only dreaming. I wiped away my tears, then, I slowly walked to where the footsteps and the little sounds were coming from. I saw a stick with yellow hair on it, I didn't know what it was called. I aggressively grabbed the stick to serve as my defense. This might be a thief, trying to steal from the bakeshop. The sounds were becoming louder and louder until I reached the room and I forcefully opened the door and started hitting the person with the stick that I was holding with my eyes closed. I could hear him saying something, but that didn't stop me from hitting him until I could no longer feel him moving. When I stopped, I saw a boy with his arms covering his head. I was stunned with what I saw. I wasn't sure if he was the one I was looking for, but I could sense it.

"You are the boy; you are the one that I am looking for!"

He was about to say something when he suddenly fell on the floor. I panicked when I saw his bloody arm. I carried him out of the room and laid him on the carpet. I took a pillow from the couch and put it under his head. I got a container and two white cloth, then, I went to search for some water. I found a bottle of cold water inside the big cabinet that produces cold air. I didn't know what they call that thing, but as soon as I got the water, I went straight back to where the boy was lying. I didn't bother to look for warm water because I didn't have any idea where to get it. I carefully wiped the blood on his left arm using the dry white cloth. I soaked the other white cloth in the water and this time, I placed it on his forehead. I didn't know what else to do. I should have listened attentively to Dr. Jinilei when he taught me about treating minor injuries. A moment later, the boy woke up and he was surprised when he saw me beside him.

"I remember you! You are the girl that was also here yesterday, right? Ahh! My head hurts," said the boy.

"I'm sorry for hitting you; I thought you were a thief or something. I'm really sorry."

He tried to stand up with his right arm on his head.

"A thief? My father own this bakeshop, and I work here. Shouldn't you be the one explaining why you are here at this time?"

He had a point, maybe I should tell him now. I thought I should start by introducing myself.

"I am Princess Liara, 14 years old. I was born in Carrot Village."

"Carrot Village? What country are you from? America? Philippines? China?" he asked with a smile that was unusual. I felt my heart beat really fast. I have never seen a smile like that.

"No. I am not from this planet. I am from Planet Gioia, a planet that is many light years away from Earth."

"Are you an alien or something?" he asked in disbelief.

"In my planet, we are called Jinjileis. Jinjileis are really passionate. We do our work with utmost sincerity and responsibility. All of our foods have carrot as the main ingredient because that is the main crop being produced in our planet. I came here to solve the problem in Gioia.

"What is that problem?" he asked.

"Because of the same old routine that we do everyday, my fellow Jinjileis started to feel weak and bored. The laughter that I used to see everyday on their faces gradually disappeared. I am here to find the true meaning of happiness and to restore the joy that used to flourish in my planet."

"Oh, so why are you here at this time? It's only 5:30 in the morning." he said.

"I am here because you are the only one who can see me," I replied.

"Really? And why is that?"

"At this point, I don't have any idea why. So, please, help me," I begged of him.

"And how will l be able to help you?" he inquired.

"I don't know yet but..."

"The baker must be here in a minute so you need to go now; I need to clean the bakeshop before the other employee comes," he said as he hurriedly sent me off.

"Please, I need you. I need to save my planet," I implored.

"I can't help you. So, please, go now," he said.

I was left there hanging, I couldn't even utter a word. I thought I found my only solution, but I guess, I had to go through the eye of a needle to convince him to help me. I was determined; I would do anything to convince him.

I stayed at the bench in front of the bakeshop. I sat there until sunrise, waiting for the boy to come out and hoping that maybe, he would change his mind. He came out of the bakeshop wearing a white polo full of stains and a brown shorts with lots of stitches. I saw him carrying a pile of books but I didn't know where he was going. I hurriedly stood up to approach him, but he walked continuously as if he didn't see me.

I followed him until he entered a building with a sign atop of it that says, "Bellison School".