Touch of Time

Chapter 7: Trouble..

It was a rainy yet humid afternoon.  Ersha and the two little girls were staying in the balcony to get some fresh air. Margarita is only 7 while Amarga is 6. They were singing songs that they'd learned in school.  While the children are enjoying themselves, Ersha joined them and ask if they want to hear a story.  Instantly, the two nodded in excitement and listened.  The story she shared is about Walt Disney's Alladin.  As the story line starts to get interesting so is the level of their attention. When it ended, both asked in unison where did she learn such story.

'I think you all are having a good time,' said Dulce as she entered the balcony carrying a pitcher containing a calamansi juice.  Here, have some drink, as she offered the kids and Ersha.

Yesterday's talk with the Bandres family gave Ersha a bit of consolation and security.  Even though she's in the other side of the world, there's a family whom she can somewhat count on to.  

"Mrs. Dulce, if its okey for you while I'm still staying here in your place, allow me to help you in your chores." asked Ersha politely.

"That won't be a problem Ersha, it would be a pleasure for us to have you"

"Mama, there's someone coming towards our house." said Margarita while pointing to the person she saw from afar.

As they were looking to the one who's coming, Ersha noticed that it looks like Andro.  "I think that's  Andro accompanied by two men."  Immediately Mrs. Dulce ran outside for Andro is limping.

"Here, place him here please." commanded Mrs. Dulce kindly with a bit of tension.

Andro had a lacerated wound on his left waist and his right foot look swollen.  From such site, Ersha immediately run to the kitchen to get a warm water and clean cloth.  As she was approaching back, she heard Ducle admonishing Andro. 'This is what I told you, stop what you are doing!  You are putting your life at risk in joining that resistance.

The room turned into a quiet atmosphere as Ersha entered and do what she has to do when someone has a wound and a sprained ankle.

"What happened to you Andro? Is there something wrong?"inquired Ersha.

"Ahh, he just fell by himself." replied by one of his companions who also retorted on her, where have learned all that you are doing? in a tone of suspicion.

My father taught me how to treat some injuries.

"Why, what kind of work does your father have? for not all people in this place are privileged enough to learn such things." the person added.

"Stop that Mario!  You may go home now if you are that rude to our visitor" reprimanded Dulce.

Dulce led the two individuals outside the door entrance leaving only Ersha treating Andro's injuries.  The kids were in a state of shock from seeing blood all over their brother's tummy.  As Dulce came back, Ersha is almost finished bandaging the wound.

"You act like an expert on that.  Thank you very much for the help" 

Yeah, don't mind about it.  I think his foot is only sprained.  Uhmm, I mean like a tear but not that severe.  This only take a week or two to heal if given enough time to rest.

What! exclaimed Andro.  This cannot be for I have more important things to do.

'Have pity on yourself Andro.  You can't even walk alone and then you are worrying about that group.' His mother said angrily.  Your father won't be pleased when he sees you like this tonight.

Mama, you already know that what I'm doing is for our country. 

"Let's not talk about this again. " leaving the room instantly.

From what Ersha understood in the entire conversation, she had a guess that Andro is joining a group doing a government resistance.  1896 is the year known in history when revolutionaries were starting to rise up against the Spaniards.