RDD 25

Chapter 25




"Jajjy! Look!"


While I was deep in thought with my Grind System, my daughter yelled and pointed out of the window. I turned to the window and realized the vast fields of rice. 


The two sides of the roads had fields and they were almost boundless. If not for the few trees and 'Kubo' houses. Kubo are native houses in the Philippines that were made of wood, bamboo woods, and nipa grass. I can say that they are a unique type of house. 


"Jajjy! The fields are so wide!"


Sophia was fascinated as she looked at the rice fields. 


'Is this the old Dagupan before the 2000s?'


I asked that question because I know that this scenery will disappear. Most of the farmlands will turn into subdivisions and what I'm seeing right now is a piece of history, I guess. 


Especially the lands next to the national highway, they would transform into buildings and infrastructures. This natural scene would be gone, and I inadvertently sighed. 


"We're here."


My wife muttered and smiled. This was the place where she grew up. I can see the happiness in her eyes as tears gathered. Perhaps she really loves her hometown. 


"Dagupan."


The bus conductor said and stopped in front of a waiting shed. 


My wife signaled me that it was time to leave the bus. 


Using my strength, I easily carried the bags and exited the bus. My wife and children follow me out. The bus moved again and disappeared ahead.


Now, our family was left alone in the middle of the road, surrounded by rice and corn fields. 


"Mommy, is this where my food came from?"


Sophia asked her mother. She was still amazed at the scenery. 


"Yes baby, that's why you have to be grateful for the food that you consume. Farmers are working hard to serve them for you."


"Wow..."


Penelope and I chuckled when we saw Sophia's expression. 


"..."


As for Roman, he was quietly looking at the field. He saw some farmers helping a buffalo plow the field. Tractors are expensive and poor farmers prefer using buffalo to plow the land. Besides, these farmers are plowing a small plot of land so it's probably not a problem. 


 The buffalo are the most economical animals in this country. But, Roman is not used to seeing this.


"Mom, are we going to help them?"


Roman asked a foolish question. He felt bad the farmers are working hard. After he heard that what they eat came from the farmers, he wanted to show his gratitude. 


Unfortunately, I know the answer. 


'Of course not, your mother is used to households but plowing the land is a tiring job.'


He asked curiously but with no hope for an answer. His mom didn't work outside the house. I shook my head. 


"Maybe we can help them."


"Huh?"


I was stunned by what I heard. Then, I turned to Penelope who was looking at the farmers. It seemed that she was not joking.


'Honey! What are you saying? It's a tough job to plow the land! Can't you see that they are wearing rubber farm boots and straw hats?'


Then I realized one thing, my wife came from a family of farmers. She probably experienced the tough life of working on the farm.


Penelope smiled, reminiscing about the past. 


"But of course not today. Once we get to your grandparents' house, we can help them with farming."


She smiled and I sighed in relief. 


Thank God. 


Am I a coward for being afraid of farm work? No. I consumed an Energy Pill and I'm confident with my strength. But I don't want to see my kids working a tough job. I rather work ten times than see my kids gasping and tired. 


'Sophia and Roman will probably play around instead of helping, they are kids after all.'


"Honey, when do you think will brother arrive?"


"I already texted him ten minutes ago, I'm sure he will show up early."


There was actually a city 1 kilometer ahead of this waiting shed. However, our destination was not the city but the rural land. 


There was a road that would take us to the rural land. It was a small road and only two vehicles could use fit in.


-- Beep beep!


Just as we expected, a honk greeted us. A man with short pink hair came out of the tricycle and welcome us. 


"Penelope!"


"Brother Simeon!"


My wife ran and hugged her brother. They were both happy to see each other. Penelope even wiped her tears, she really missed this place and her family. 


"Roman, how are you? You grow a handsome boy."


"Uncle."


Simeon brushed his hair and Roman nodded. He still remembered his uncle.


"And Keith. You look old, haha."


"I didn't have time to shave my beard, that's why. Glad to see you again."


"Me too!"


We shook hands and laughed.  


"..."


As for my daughter...


Sophia looked at her uncle with confusion and shyness. After all, she didn't know him. 


"Brother, this is my daughter. Sophia Castillo."


Penelope introduced Sophia. 


"I see... She looks just like you. Hi Sophia, I'm your Uncle, you can call me Uncle Simeon."


He extended his hand to her and Sophia reluctantly took his hand. 


"Hello, Uncle..."


"Haha. She is just like you when you were young."


He laughed. I guess he was surprised, almost like he traveled to the past and saw a young Penelope. 


"Well, let's talk on the way."


"Thank you, brother."


We went inside the tricycle. The tricycle took a left turn to reach the rural land. 


Then, we can see clearly the rice paddies and plants since they were close to the road. Our eyes watched the vast land of green, amazed by it. 


 Even the birds are singing.


"Look, mommy!"


I immediately looked at Sophia, whose eyes were glistening with joy while pointing out something else. At first, I think she is pointing towards the river flowing beside the road. I quickly turn to the side to find that there was nothing there... Ah. 


She was pointing at the sky, where a beautiful rainbow shines in the clear blue sky.