Chapter 1: A life in the province

"Lorence! Wake up now! It's already 5:00 am!" Dang! My mother's yelling again outside my room.

Good thing that she didn't slam the door nor get the duplicate key and splash me with cold water.

"I'm up, no need to yell, mom." I responded and stretched my body.

Good morning Philippines, a wonderful place to live in.

God, thank you for another morning! Heart, heart!

I make my bed and open my window widely; I close my eyes as I inhale the fresh air and feel the beauty of nature. It's very refreshing since there's a cold breeze of air from swaying trees outside.

Argh! I'm going to miss this place. Five days from now I'm going to leave my hometown and let the dangerous city welcome me.

"Good morning sis." It's Stacey, my younger sister.

"Ahm! This day will be the busiest, I think." I said and yawned continuously.

"I think so too, busier than on the other busy days." She answered as she rolled her eyes.

Dang! I found that cute rather than annoying.

Stacey and I prepared and cooked food for our breakfast while dad was fetching water and putting it in the big water tank that connects to all faucets inside the house. Mom was cleaning inside and outside the house and watering her beloved beautiful flowers in the front yard while Toby, our 4-year-old brother, was already playing with his toys in the gaming room that was designed by yours truly.

After doing our family morning routine, we eat breakfast and chill at the moment just for digestion.

Around 6:30 in the morning, we started to pack things needed for our grape vineyard.

Visiting and helping our hardworking harvesters, the vineyard family.

After the grape harvesting, we prepare and distribute the grape products to the wine company while other workers are doing the process of dried grapes or raisins. Red grapes contain resvesatrol, a compound that may have various health benefits.

Grapes may help to protect you against cancer, eye problems, cardiovascular disease and other health conditions; they are also a good source of fiber, potassium and a range of vitamins and other minerals.

Grapes are also suitable for people with diabetes as long as they are accounted for in the diet plan.

See! Order now!

For sure, what I've said is pretty convincing.

Life in the province isn't really hard, it's exciting, but I want to explore. I need more.

"Are you really sure about working in the city? Why don't you find another job or just stay here and help us grow our business?" I know, she can't let me go.

My mother loves me so much, and they'll miss me, but life goes that way. I have to go on my own to learn and grow.

I had to leave and explore out there, maybe there's more that waits for me.

"Yes mom, Aunt Nely recommended me to the house sitter agency and I think that's a good idea since I'll work in a billionaire's crib. While grabbing that opportunity I'd try to apply in my field, I heard that Texno was searching for a games designer and animator, I think I suit there." I smiled widely. But why did I study for four years to get my degree and become a helper when I could apply for my dream job directly? What a good question. Let me act a fool for now though.

She had teary eyes.

I'm an adult now but my parents treat me like Stacey.

Argh! I'm no longer 18, and was scared of the lightning and thunder.

I was surprised by my mom's hug. She's really dramatic. Always.

"We'll miss you," she whispered, which warmed my heart.

A mother will always be a mother to a child and a child to her mother.

I really love my mom.

"Mom, I won't leave yet!" I joked just to change the mood.

"I know," she cupped my face and smiled after kissing my forehead. I'm very lucky to have them, to have parents like them and to be in this family. Thanks to the powerful creator above.

Hours later, we enjoyed talking after eating our meal together. Yes, my family and the workers.

They're already saying goodbye though I'm not leaving yet, and they have a lot of reminders like I'm a little kid that'll go on a camping trip. Oh my, I know I'm really childish, but I got this one.

Time is the greatest athlete. It runs faster than ever. Yes! Days have passed, and I'm here, waiting for my flight, and I'm really excited but nervous at the same time.

"Good morning passengers. This is the pre-boarding announcement for flight 109B7 to Cazila City. We're now inviting those passengers wi--" that announcement was cut by sobs and parting tears.

Argh! It's hard to leave after seeing my mom and siblings crying. The good thing is that dad stayed calm.

Toby's crying hard and since I could do nothing, I just hugged them tight.

"I love you guys, see you via facetime and when I get back," I said and made a smile.

Again, I felt excitement but at the same time I felt a mixture of sadness and doubt.

I went on board after waving goodbye. Leaving did make me feel heavy on the inside, as well as the extraordinary feelings like there's a happy butterfly in my stomach.

Argh! I had to stand by the plan.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome on board flight 109B7 with service from Lahzon to Cazila. We are currently third in line for take-off and are expected to be in the air in approximately seven minutes' time. We ask that you please fasten your seat belts at this time and secure all baggage underneath your seats or in the overhead compartments. We also ask that your seats and table trays are in an upright position for rake-off. Please turn off all personal electronic devices, including laptops and cell phones. Smoking is prohibited for the duration of the flight. Thank you for choosing Mantaña Top airlines. Enjoy your flights."