Hunting for Shadows (JaThea Fanfic)

Thoughts

I got up to get a glass of water. On top of the table was a note.

 It read:

"COFFEE in the YELLOW container."

My roommate / superior / cousin Ate Linda, is currently on duty. She works a nurse at the Provincial Hospital and have been employed there since she got her license.

After Ate Linda's parents abandoned her when she was a kid, my Aunt Esther took her in and raised her like her own daughter. When my aunt died, the house was left to her. 

Ate offered me to stay at the house while I do my volunteer work. She lives alone and could use some company. Plus, it would be more practical since Aunt Esther's old house is just across the hospital. That's why I'm here.

My mind wandered.

I wonder what kind of life I would be living without the war... If people didn't give in to their greed. 

Are we really that overpopulated that we need to fight over a dot of an island in the Pacific?... Well, I guess if the island is rich in oil? But is it really worth all the blood and gore? 

When I was a child, I read about war in history books. But I never thought that I would experience it in my lifetime. Clearly, people haven't learned anything from the past.

If these were more peaceful times, I'd be working abroad right now. Saving for Tatay's dream bakery and Miguel's studies so he can be a lawyer... 

If war didn't happen, life would be easier for everyone...

No more violence and senseless deaths everyday! 

Stupid war! 

There's nothing romantic about it at all. War brings nothing but suffering to people!

Still, I am grateful that my town San Martin is safe from all that violence. The enemy promised to spare the province from destruction in return for our military to also spare some of theirs. Our town was chosen, making it a safe haven for refugees and its locals alike.

Let me tell you something about myself..

My dream was to be a doctor. However, the money Tatay earns from his small bakery and the extra income I get from working as a cashier wasn't enough to send me to medical school. 

Then I learned of an NGO in town offering free short courses for high school grads like me. I enrolled myself right away. When I certified as a Nursing Assistant, I applied for a job abroad to support my family. 

I waited for a long time for the opportunity to come along. But you guessed it, war broke out and my employer backed out. 

When I told my family that I want to volunteer as a Nurse's Aide, they thought I was joking. It took my father a lot of convincing. He said hospitals are usual targets for air raids. 

"Besides, food and lodging are free! I'll be living with Ate Linda anyways. Think of what you can save on me,'Tay!.." I jokingly told my father.

"And, there's this NGO that will give us a small allowance for our services. It won't be much, but we can use the money!.." I added. 

"It will also be an advantage for me 'Tay, at least I can practice my course and won't forget my training. At the same time, I'm helping people!" I reasoned.

My father looked at me with defeated eyes.

 "You really are your mother's daughter Althea!" He sighed.

"Alright. But be careful, okay?.. 'Cause if any of those soldiers try to hit on you, I'll barge right in there with my dough roller and give 'em a good whack in the head!"  

I laughed.

 "Don't worry 'Tay.  I'll pour a bottle of rubbing alcohol over their wounds if they try to do that!" I winked.

"Ouch!!.. What a sadist!!"  My brother joked.

 I didn't notice him enter the room. He grinned.

 "I wouldn't worry about Ate, she's a man's man!" 

Migoy laughed at his own joke.

"Man's man?.. I'll make you wince in pain right now you little.."  I gave him an evil look.

He crossed his arms and laughed.

"You wish! I'm not a kid anymore, you can't bully me forever!" he retorted.

"Oh please, I can wrestle you blindfolded and win!" I rolled my eyes. I like annoying my brother. 

"See 'Tay? She's definitely more macho than those soldiers! They should send her to war instead. Hahaha!" 

He laughed, tonsils showing.

My father's the silent type. But right now his face was like crumpled paper, trying to supress his laughter. He gave in and joined my little brother in his laugh fest.

"Yeah, you're right son!"  Tatay was laughing so hard, his dentures fell off!

That's when I joined them. My lungs almost gave in from laughing. It felt so good. For a moment there, I forgot about the war. 

When it all subsided, my brother gave me a pat in the back.

"We'll miss you Ate. Visit us on your day off. " he smiled.

"Ofcourse! I'll always be home on my day off. " I promised.

 "And enough with the drama you guys, the hospital's 45 minutes away from here!"  I gave both of them a big hug. 

That night, I packed my things. The next day, I left. 

The sound of a ticking wall clock brought my mind back to the present. I took another deep breath. My heartbeat's back to normal. Good. 

I smiled at the thought of my family. There's still a lot to be thankful for I guess. Hmmm... I wonder what will happen tomorrow?... I mean later? 

Shoot! It's already 4:00 in the morning! My shift starts at 5:00 a.m.!

I hurriedly drank my water and went back to bed.

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Thanks so much for reading! :) Please let me know if you want me to continue.