A-Maze By YOU

Sacrifice

It was a cold evening at South Cove Village, where every soul is now fast asleep and can hear nothing but the silence of the night. The park is empty but illuminated by the moon up above. Just across the park is a house that has an open window with lights still on. 

A young girl is sitting by her window with a sad face. Tears are falling from her eyes and soft sobs can be heard. Grief and pain are evident in her eyes, you'll know her heart is badly hurt.

Her name is Jho.

She can't help but think of the saddest moments of her life. How tragic for her to lose her one true love.

Two years ago, Jho and her best friend Bea joined a youth organization to help promote reading to all the children in nearby towns. Jho loves books and reading stories, she hopes to one day become a teacher so she can continue her passion at the same time encourage the young ones to read. Bea, on the other hand, thinks that it's a good way to spend more time with her best friend and for them to meet new people with the same interests too.

"Jho! Ang kupad mo! 8 AM yung call time oh, 2 hours pa ang drive to Laguna. Bilisan mo naman." sabi ni Bea na medyo inis.

"Bei naman eh, wala pa ngang araw. Antok pa ako." reklamo naman ni Jho.

"Sa kotse ka na lang matulog uli. Sige ka kawawa yung batang assign sayo pag andun na lahat tapos ikaw wala pa. Di ka ba naawa sa bata?" pakonsensyang lahad ni Bea.

Kita na nagbago ang expression ni Jho sa sinabi ni Bea at nagmadali na itong nag ayos at pumasok sa kotse ni Bea.

Inayos muna ni Bea ang lahat ng mga kailangan nila. Some school items, books, illustration boards, pati sweets and treats na gustong ibigay ni Jho sa mga kids, at saka yung baon nila sa byahe. Nang maayos na ang lahat ay pumasok na si Bea sa driver seat. Napangiti naman ito to see Jho sleeping soundly sa tabi niya. Nakangiti ito na inayos ang buhok ni Jho and added pillows to make sure she is comfortable sa pagtulog. Inadjust nya ng konti pa ang sandalan para mas makahiga ng maayos si Jho. Naalimpungatan tuloy si Jho.

"Shhhss, just making sure you're comfy. Sleep ka pa..." Bea said.

Tumango lang si Jho and closed her eyes again. Bea naman planted a kiss on her best friend's forehead. 

Di nagtagal ay nagdrive na si Bea going to the community where the outreach is held.

Bea and Jho arrived at the venue on time. They both decided to focus on their duties for the activity. Jho prepared the materials for her mini-reading class, while Bea helped with preparing food for the kids and the volunteers.

During Jho's reading class, Bea was there supporting her all the way. Helping her with the materials and in encouraging participation among the kids. She also made it fun with some jokes to make the class lively and enjoyable not only to the kids but also to the volunteers. Everyone had a good time.

"Jho, Bea!" tawag ni Jia, ang organization president.

"Hello po ate Jia." bati ni Jho paglapit nila dito.

"I am proud of you guys! Ang galing. Sobrang lively ng class and lahat talaga nageenjoy. You are a good storyteller Jho."

"Thank you ate." masayang sagot ni Jho.

"Bestfriend ko yan!" pabirong sabi ni Bea.

"You did well too Bei! Pati mga kids tuwang tuwa sayo. Sana sumama uli kayo sa next project. Batangas naman ang venue." Jia said.

"Oo ba basta pwede kami ni Jho." Bea replied.

"Asahan ko yan ahh..." Jia said before she bid goodbye to the two best friends.