"Dinner is ready!" My mom shouted as she serves our meal: a pack of noodles.
Yes, we are not rich. I consider ourselves lucky if we get the chance to eat three times a day. We live in a small house beside a river.
I only live with my Mom. Back on the days my Father was still alive, they would exchange sweet words in a poetic way. Oh! I forgot to mention, my Mother wants to be a writer. She often writes for me. Literally everyday.
"Dinner is ready,
I hope Mama made you happy
Eat well, my lady!" She said with a big smile.
I kissed her on the cheek and told her to pray. After praying, we ate together and told each other stories.
It's only four days away before Christmas! I badly want a new T-Shirt. I always get insulted for wearing the same two shirts everyday. Our house was caught on fire six months ago, that's why I only saved the one that I was wearing and the one that was hanging outside out house.
"Ma, It's almost Christmas! Can you please buy me the shirt I was telling you?" I asked her happily.
I saw her smile fade and she answered, "Uh, how much was it again?"
"It's 150PHP, Ma! Please?" I asked eagerly.
"Okay, sweetie! But Mama won't promise, okay?" She answered.
"Okay, Ma." I sighed. I know she won't get it for me.
"Cheer up, Anna.
Your Mama will try her best,
I will be your Santa,
But first, I'll put you to test!"
"Test? What test?" I asked.
"Show it to me if it is worthy of you to receive that gift!" She smiled.
"Yes mama, sure!" I answered happily.
—
December 24, 20xx
"Anna, I'll just buy some goods so we can have something to eat on Christmas, okay?" I heard my Mama shout downstairs as I fold our clothes.
"Yes, Ma! Please take care." I answered.
I did not get any response, I only heard her close the door.
3PM
I placed my gift on the table. Surely, my mother would love it. It's her birthday today!
I saved my allowance and bought her a cake and some balloons so she could feel that it's her birthday.
4PM
She's taking so long. Where is she?
7PM
It's raining outside, I hope she's safe.
11PM
I heard a knock on the door. I know it's her!
"Ma! Where have you be—"
"Excuse me, lady? But do you have some food? I am really starving right now." A little kid said.
I gave him a slice of bread and told him to take care.
I went back inside to lay on our bed.
11:30PM
I heard another knock on the door, but this time, it's a heavy one.
I opened the door and saw three policemen.
"Good evening, Ma'am. Are you Miss Anna Wilson?" The officer asked.
"Yes, I am. May I know what is the problem?" I asked.
"We received a call from Sta Mesa Hospital, they asked me to find your address. You seem to be the only relative Mrs Wilson has." The officer answered.
"May I know what happened?" I asked while my knees were shaking.
"Please come with us."
Without thinking, I joined the officers after I locked our door. My heart was terribly beating, I could not think straight.
As we arrived to the hospital, I felt like something was off. It was a difficult moment for me. I could not determine what's going on.
The officers were told to go to Room 569 and I followed them.
As soon as we arrived, they told me to go inside and they would wait outside. I said thank you for their efforts.
I opened the door and I could not help but to burst out tears, I saw my mother laying in front of me. She looks hurt. She looks like she is in deep sleep.
There are lot of bandages covering her body.
Finally, a doctor entered the room and said," Your mother got shot three times."
She continued, "Based on the CCTV Footage, she was being asked to surrender her wallet and phone. But she refused, and eventually, she got stabbed. When emergency arrived, she was barely conscious, that's why she asked our men to give you this."
The doctor handed me a box. I cried when I opened it.
It's the shirt I've been asking her.
I went to my Mom to hug her and to my surprise, she moved.
"Hush now, Anna. Merry Christmas. Mama loves... you." She whispered.
She closed her eyes and the line went straight.
"Ma? Ma! Please wake up!" I shouted.
"Ma'am, please step aside first!" said the nurse.
I did not know what was happening, The nurses and doctor were trying their best to revive my mother, but after a few minutes of trying, they gave up.
"Time of death, 12:25 AM. I'm sorry for your loss."
—
It is my mother's first night.
My hands are shaking.
My eyes are tired of crying but I could not help but to cry more.
I miss her.
I saw the box the doctor gave me. I smiled a little bit. But surprised to see a paper fell off the box.
It was her last poem for me.
"Anna, my daughter
There's a world you think you can't conquer,
But fear not— Mama knows you better
She knows you can do it without her.
If I pass away sooner or later,
Still, share to the world some laughter,
Be good and kind forever
Pass it on, your Mama raised a fighter.
I love you, daughter.
— Mama
