s. We were always bullied by the older kids, and being a girl, I couldn't really defend myself. When Japen was around, the bullying got

and slap him. I thought what I did was for his own good, but I was wrong. Japen became afrai

-skinned, strong man in front of me. His face resembled that of

ehind my back and stepped back. He raised an eyeb

it at the table," he said and turned aw

plate with the dark fish. I threw it out the wide-open window. T

roaching with a small plate. He set it down on the table, and the

hat?" I w

out," Japen retorted. He sat across fr

, I took a portion and ate. We were quiet for a few minutes, and I finished fi

hammock there, so I wanted to try it out. I said my goodbyes to that guy, and he might even shout at m

were plenty of trees. I quickly found the hammock that Japen mentioned. It was there, h

ock, so I slowly and carefully lay down. Once I had lain down, I saw the branches and leaves of the

r so long. Life in the city was full of uncertainties and time ther

kable. It was as if I was in a different world

's face loomed into view. His brow was furrowed. "Didn't

That's when I noticed that my skirt was already raised, so you could

any of my neighbors really want to see a fa

on. Besides, if someone is a pervert, then they're just a

s to desire, so dress

clothes. This is my unive

I watched his figure fade into the distance. Then, I returned to lying down and gazing at the leaves

e more days, Azora. Your father

ring me?" I

ting. He would constantly check on me and ask if I was okay. But right now, I couldn't help but wonder. Even though I clearl

has something

the distance at the rose bushes. I smi

elative who

y are y

read his gaze, but I knew his eyes and

py that Mang Selyo was away, but I definitely wasn't sad at th