HOPE IN DARKNESS

Jane Castro is a 21 year-old girl, a third-year education student.

It was Saturday in the morning when Jane woke up early. No class and assignments for her, but she decided to woke up early to help her mother with the household chores and their sari-sari store. They have a small sari-sari store in their house where they get their source of living.  After doing her morning rituals, she speedily goes downstairs to eat breakfast.

" Good morning, sweetheart. Come, accompany me for breakfast," Jane's mother, Mrs. Mariana Castro, said.

" Good morning, too, mom," she greeted back her mom with a smile plastered on her face and happily sits at the table to grab her breakfast.

"Did you slept very well last night?" Her mother asked.

"Yes, mom," Jane answered and started to eat her bread.

" That's good to hear, sweetheart. By the way, where's your sister?" Mrs. Castro asked.

Before Jane can answer her mother's question, one fine young lady entered the kitchen.

" Good morning, everyone!" Jane's sister, Stella Castro, greeted them with enthusiasm.

Stella Castro is Jane's younger sister. She's two years younger than Jane.

" There you are, come sit down and eat your breakfast," Jane said to her sister.

As her sister said, Stella, joined them at the table and began eating her breakfast. The three of them ate their breakfast full of joy. After eating, Jane washed the dishes while her mother and sister are in the sala, watching TV. 

" COVID-19 is now spreading all over the country. Many people were affected and died. Our country is locked down. The President asked people to stay at home. Establishments, schools, and universities are temporarily closed.

The news made Jane ran from the kitchen to their sala.

" Oh, sweetheart. What's the matter?" Her mother asked her.
" What about our studies, mom?" Jane sadly asked her mother.
" I don't know, Jane. Schools and universities are temporarily closed. But for now, let's stay inside our home just for a while and be safe. It's the best way to do",  said her mother.

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Months and days passed, yet there's still no progress. COVID 19 continues spreading all over the world. The vaccine is still nowhere to be found. Amidst COVID, classes are still ongoing through 'new normal' with the use of different learning delivery modalities. Students can choose either modular or online learning. But in Jane's case, there's no modular learning in her university. So, she has no choice but to choose online learning while her sister chose modular learning.

" Jane? Sweetheart? Can I come in?" Jane was busy answering her activities when she heard her mother's voice outside her room.

"Yes, mom, come in," Jane answered without switching her attention to her laptop.

The door creaked opened. Jane's mother entered her room.

" What are you doing? Let's go downstairs for lunch. Your sister is waiting," Mrs. Castro said with a soft voice, looking at her elder daughter whose full attention is on the laptop.

"Mom, you and Stella should eat first. I'll finish this. I need to submit it on time. Our professor will not accept late papers. I'm sorry, mom," Jane replied. She felt guilty, seeing her mother's sad expression.

Without saying any single words, her mother left her room with a heavy heart. Jane sighed because she knew that their mother is a little bit sad and disappointed. It's been a long time since they ate their meal together. As much as she wanted to join them for lunch, but she can't. She needs to finish her lesson plan.