The Lost Diary of Rizal

The Lost Diary (read after Chapter XI)

This should be read after Chapter 11 of the story.

10th of February 1876

It was exquisite afternoon. The sun lazy and barely peeking through the thin patch of clouds scattered in the horizon. A fresh breeze blew in from the windows sending a stroke to my bare cheeks. It was just after lunch that I escaped the clamor of the school into this little library. It is quite rare that anyone should wander in here. It is located at the far end of the hallway near our cafeteria. I believe this room has been forgotten if not bothered by the students. It encases a rather old series of books covered in dust and dated before I was even born. Nevertheless, books are still books. Considering my passion for these things, the place has been a treasure chest to me, as well as solitude where I am able to privately gather my thoughts and put it into writing. I have started cleaning out the aged cobwebs from the ceilings and dusting every shelf, and I can be proud of the improvement that has been made. This place was my own, until today.

A strange girl entered my solace. She was crying and I could not cease my heart from going out to her. I wanted to comfort her but I didn't know how. Instead, I urged her to talk about what she was weeping about.

I could not believe my ears at what happened to her today. She was maltreated by our own fellow Filipinos. I wanted to be of assistance to her if it would in a way ease her pain. I had this flaming desire to give those students my thoughts on the matter, but she stopped me.

I was taken by surprise when she held my hand. She is a strange one, and that peculiarity she is emanating is like the flame of a lamp. I may be the moth who dances to dangerous light. But I may not be able to withstand the beauty of the flame. In truth, I am tempted to go nearer.

11th of February 1875

She came today, the strange girl named Valentina. She brought lunch packed in durable containers, but oddly not made of wood. They were colorful and almost transparent. There was an embossed "Tupperware" on the cover. It is a clever container, which I may add, less space consuming and lightweight.

She enlightened me with her cooking. It consisted of fried rice with strands of scrambled eggs, sweetened pork called ham, bits of tangy sweet and sour tropical fruit known as pineapple, cubed carrots, and peas.

The ingenious blend of ingredients is astonishing to my taste buds. She said it was a Chinese dish called Yang Chow and said something about a restaurant named Chow King. I have never heard of a place named like that. And certainly never heard of a man or should I say a king named Chow.

The rice was as paired with chicken meat, deboned, and covered with a blanket of crunch. She provided a creamy white sauce with lemon zest. It complimented the dish perfectly.

Another item she had with her is a cylindrical metallic container. It was like a can, but I believe it does not develop rust. It is also lighter. Everything she has seems to be light.