Cade's POV
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During my all-day afternoon in the town of Gurabo, I could not see the shadow of Mang Hermano. There is still no news from Abel. He also wanted to help with the search so I said a few details.
But I think I will be rooted in waiting for a call from him.
I went straight to the town market because I thought there was no food in the house. Mother could not make a choice because of her rheumatism. He hasn't farmed for a few days so Cazue and I are always in the paddy field.
A variety of smells hung in my nose while shopping.
"Buy you pogi" said one of them. He wipes away sweat while smiling at me. Old woman almost the same age as Mother.
"Even if I don't buy it. I'm still handsome"
Some buyers automatically looked at me. I laughed at their reaction.
"Philosopher child!" said Manang offering me.
I looked at his butcher shop. Its color is rosy. You would think that there is still something fresh even in the afternoon.
"I'll buy it, Manang. How much is the kilo?"
Napamewang siya. "It's only one-twenty, Iho. After all, you're a handsome boy"
"Oh. Gosh! Manang still has the ball"
He laughed at what I said.
"It's not a ball. Mine! You buy it!"
I looked at how much more money was in my wallet.
"It's only half a kilo" I'll buy more fish for Mom. Tilapia is his favorite. I hope there is more.
After kilohin I paid immediately. The money I gave was correct so there was no exchange. I walked around the whole market but Mom’s favorite was gone.
I go straight to the boat. I saw the man smoking while hiding in a wall.
He motioned for me to come over. I would not have followed but when I recognized who he was my feet moved.
"Grandson!" I exclaimed.
He signaled me not to make too much noise.
"I heard you were gathering evidence"
I was not reprimanded except by my family.
"Don't you know? Your mother just left with Dero and Cazue"
I was confused by what he said.
"Don Emilio sounds like what you're doing", it added. I watched him light a cigarette with a lighter.
"You're doing well kid. I'm sure you've found Hermano so the governor turned his ear to you"
I don’t know if I can trust him with this thing. The thought that he killed Loel is enough to say he was aggressive.
He put his hand on my shoulder. "Why don't you seem to want to trust me?"
I knew that Dad and I would be friends, but that wasn't enough for me to trust him completely. The former he can still. But today is different. Chances are he just put the law in its hands.
Dad also didn't want to get justice that way.
"We'll work with you in a good way. In fact I brought your family home"
I was stunned as we rode the tricycle. At the far end of El Preve he still lives. His old house is still alive. I thought he had left it since he became a rebel.
There are only ten houses standing there.
Unlike us the kids here are holding guns. This place is like a camp.
They looked at me bravely as if I couldn't be in their place.
"Don't be hot-headed kids" Grandpa said as he messed up their hair one by one.
Even toddlers became aware of the violent way of life. I remember a few more times they were involved in the shooting but the police were unable to move them
Some women greeted me. Others shook hands while some just stared. The eyes glaze over.
"You'll get used to it too"
Grandson opened the door. I immediately hugged Mother, who was crying as my two brothers and sisters comforted me.
"What happened?!" I wiped away Mother's tears as I stood beside her. I slowly did that with the handkerchief I was holding.
"Brother ...", Cazue handed me the dish.
"They burned down our house, Cade. They burned down !!!" Mother cried in the middle of crying.
Grandson took water from him which I gave him to drink.
"It's a good thing and I know Don Emilio will do that. Let's just thank Gracio"
"Mang Gracio said?"
Grandson nodded slowly as he sat down in front of us.
"Cade! I heard him shout. He ordered its staff to kill you! Young Vitale was there too!"
That's Arrow. I knew he would take the lead in finding me. That one didn’t turn out well being her desperation. I knew that his purpose for me had nothing to do with the earth. He just doesn't want to give up.
My heart aches. He still has so much hope for Piper that we can't talk anymore. Almost everyone is in their favor. But when I get discouraged at the thought of it, I get even more hurt.
"I didn't know that their daughter was your girlfriend" Apong said laughing while putting ice on his sling.
He offered me but I refused.
"You shouldn't have touched Piper and really had to kill Loel?"
He gripped my collar tightly.
"You have no right to say what I want to do! That one is a traitor! I will both die of false love!"
"That never went wrong, Grandson!"
"Maybe you want me to follow you to your friend !?" his rapid breathing was deep.
Mom held his arm.
"Grandpa, if you'll be patient with this Cade"
Gradually its grip on me loosened.
"I'll just breathe. When you tell your son, Teresa"
The door slammed as he came out. The smell of cigarettes remained inside.
Mom touched my face. Her eyes were full of fear and concern. I wanted to see him happy but since Dad disappeared he has never brought it back.
"Son, let's just slow down. We're still indebted to him"
I want to say that Tita Flora and I can't just be there. I don't know what Apong will think if we leave here.
The cellphone rang in my pocket.
"I've found Hermano Gabon!" by Abel.
I immediately stood up. "Where are you!?"
"I'm sorry, Pre. My mouth is too numb I told him right away"
I wiped my face.
"I said can he testify to some farmers who died"
He tried to laugh. "I'm sorry, Cade. But don't worry. We're here in Gurabo park"