Root Of All Evil

This letter is addressed to my niece, Veronica, who, at fifteen, believes she knows everything.

Just last week, a body of a young woman was discovered in a field, still in her school uniform but with several pieces of her clothing missing. It is suspected that she was assaulted before being murdered. Here in Cavite, we are all puzzled, as there are no leads to identify who could have committed such a heinous act. Veronica, my message to you is this: listen to your mother. Although she may be a single parent who works most of the time, do not rebel by associating with strangers just because she cannot always provide you with enough time and attention. After all, it's not easy working double shifts in the Philippines.

Believe me, you do not want to find yourself in the same situation as this young woman. I speak from personal experience; the only difference between us is that I survived to share my story.

With concern,
Auntie Jemima