The Dawn of the Ashes

   I was packing my bag, getting ready for another journey while my friend Jessica waited for me behind the red-colored gate one cold January night. I grabbed my bag, kissed my husband, Nilo reclining on a wooden bed. Tears slowly spilled down his cheeks and felt like down in the mouth. I can't utter a single word just to let him know that I love and care for him and our two daughters, Cherry and Sunshine, who are in grade school. I am Sheena Bermot, a simple mother but is searching for a better opportunity for my family. I wiped his tears with a small handkerchief and walked away slowly.

"Sheena, we're late now!" called Jessica.

"Yes, I'm here," I replied.

We grabbed a taxi and arrived at Mactan-Cebu International Airport around 1 a.m. I've got my plane ticket inside my yellow pocket and waited for our flight. We looked for our seats and then put my bag on my lap. Ten minutes later, the plane soared high from dense as I closed my eyes and began to pray for a safe flight.

After 15 hours on the plane, I finally got to San Francisco, California, USA. I was amazed at the dazzling white flowers, my favorite plant, and color. We then took a train ride going to our employer's home while looking at the map on hand. It took 35 minutes before we reach the glittering house of Madam Celine, surrounded by magnificent flowers and a large orchidarium.

"Hi, I'm Sheena Bermot from Cebu, Philippines. Is this the place of Madam Celine?" I asked courteously.
The lovely woman near the gate with short curly hair around 4-5 inches nodded and smiled.

"Yes, I'm Madam Celine. I'm a Filipina also," she replied.

Jessica then introduced herself to her. Madam Celine brought us inside their house, introduced us to her husband, Sir Derick, a 68-year old US citizen, and retired marketing manager at the business firm in their city. She then showed us our rooms and gave us our routines. It was my first time working in San Francisco as a domestic helper.  I was assigned to clean the house and maintain the cleanliness of the surroundings. After finishing my work, I got my phone and called my husband in the  Philippines.

"Hello, Sheen. Is this you?" His voice filled with loneliness.

"Hi, Nil. It is me, your Sheena. I've just started my work here. I have my job now so, don't worry, I can send you the allotment next week. Please take care of yourself and the children. I miss you so much there." I replied.

"Thank you so much, Sheen. You know, I'm worried about you. Please take care of yourself, too. I love you so much."

We've lasted our conversation for just 3 minutes and 10 seconds. I then kept my phone, got my handkerchief, and wiped my tears smoothly.

"I miss my family so much. I was supposed to stay with them because they needed me as their light, but I can't, I can......t." I cried so hard, covering my mouth to keep the silence of the room.

I had treated my loneliness when I heard his voice, gained the strength to work for my family. I leaned against the wall, got his frame, and placed beside me.

On my day off, I always give time to call my husband, and sometimes Jessica brought me to the Filipino Community in San Francisco. We talked to each other and had some fun to ease our loneliness.

Two months later, I called him over the phone, but something had perturbed me. I wasn't able to contact him. I called him 50 times, but I heard no answer. My heart beat faster and faster. I didn't sleep well and just thought of my family. I wanted to know what's going on with them. I could not hold back the tears from my eyes.

The next morning, I lost my urge to got up and work. I was shocked when I heard a loud knock on the door. I got up quickly and opened the door.

"Who's the. . .?" I screamed angrily. I found Jessica's incomprehensible face.

"Oh!  Jessica, it's you. Why did knocked on the door so hard?" I asked.

"I'm sorry, but I need to tell you what's happening around. The Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) has rapidly spread throughout the world. And you know what? Your husband and children are brought to the quarantine center because they become infected with the virus." She nervously informed me. I wasn't able to reply. I collapsed.

She immediately carried me to my room, then called Madam Celine. They treat me and got hot water and massage my hands and the soles of my feet. After 48 minutes, I felt too many aches in my body. I opened my eyes and saw Jessica, sat beside me with her worried eyes. I slowly remembered everything.

"Jessica. . .? Why did it happen to me? I can't believe it. I can't accept it. I can't."

She tapped my shoulder and hugged me like a mother.

Two weeks later, my phone rang. A doctor called and informed my husband's situation is critical. I was shocked and couldn't move. After 24  hours, the doctor called again and told me to keep calm. I  couldn't understand his words.

"Your husband has not survived. I'm sorry. I'm very sorry."

I cried and cried in melancholy until my voice almost lost in grief. I couldn't understand why. My husband has died, and my two children are in the ICU. I felt that my heart stabbed with a 12-inch knife, and I couldn't stand while my heart is bleeding. My friend also cried and hugged me for too long. I ran fast towards the gate even if it was dark. I shouted with my husband's name, "Nilo, Nilo, Nilo. . ." Jessica followed, and she brought me back to my room. I slept, but the phone call awakened me. Another doctor informed me about my children's situation. Their condition is getting well made me rose and said, "thank you, God!" I regained my energy and put a little smile on my lips with tears of hope to see and hugged them one of these days.

I got the rosary I used when I prayed on the plane, kissed, and held it tighter as my dreams and hope for my family.