When A Heart Gets Broken

Part 38: Waiting shed

It was a bit colder than yesterday but nevertheless, still a good day to start spawning the sunflower seeds. He can see the new shoots from the old roses. When the sun starts shining brightly, the first blooms will be out.  Even the morning glories are showing off. A visit  to see an old friend in nearby La Union, inspired him to plant herbs  as well. He attempted to grow lavenders but twas not successful. So far, annuals such as small leaf oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary have added new clients to his list.

He wiped the trickle of sweat from his brows and surveyed his farm contentedly. He walked back to the gate of the farm where the sign Flowers of Hope hangs. It was the original signboard from the store.He took the newspaper from the basket and headed to the waiting shed where he always spend his lunch while his farm helpers go home to be with their families. 

His lunch was pandesal with cheddar cheese in it. He boiled oregano leaves for his tea which quiete complemented the pandesal. At dinner, he will have the vegetable soup that  Virgie cooked before leaving. That will be his food for today. He learned to live healthier.He completely abandoned drinking which became his companion for a year. 

When they moved to this farm, Violet was so happy to be back where it all started from, gardening. She taught him and he learned everything from her. They toiled in the farm for 4 months until the first signs of life emerged from the seeds they bought from different farms, stores, agri seminars and farmers. They just has a successful harvest when his mother didn't wake up one morning. With another woman gone from his life forever, he felt the urge to give up. 

Mothers know best. Unbelievable but he saw her in the waiting shed one afternoon when he was walking to grab a bottle of liquor from the tool shed. She didn't say anything but he felt her sadness through her eyes. The apparition of her mother continued until he stopped drinking altogether. From thereon, he quietly understood why his mother never left him. He was sinking like an unmanned boat.

He was about to return the newspaper to the basket when he caught a glimpse of the community news. A team of medical professionals are visiting the village for free medicines and treatments. The mayor is asking for hosts who will accommodate the visitors in their homes. He contemplated about it for a while and called up the mayor.

"Hello Mayor!"

" Oh Lee! How are you doing?"

" I am well mayor. Thanks for asking. I want to offer my cottage to the medical mission since I will be away most of the week. How long are they going to stay here in the village?"

" Let me check it from my secretary." After a few minutes, they resumed the conversation. " The nurse practitioner from the US is arriving on Saturday night while the ones from Canada, early Sunday morning. Can you host 2 personnels Lee?"

" Yes mayor. The bigger cottage has 2  bedrooms. My househelp Virgie can stay in the smaller bedroom to assist them during their stay."

" I hope you won't be away the whole time that they are doing the mission in the village. I want them to meet you as well Lee."

" I'll try my best mayor. The program says the whole week but who knows. It all depends on the speakers and the activities. Hahhaha!"

" I know Lee. Anyway, head back to the next flight available as as soon as boredom reached you. You have to meet them, I insist."

" I'll try my best mayor. Don't worry, just in case I won't make it. Virgie is superb."

He hang up the phone and headed back to the cottage as darkness chases the light in the farm.