“A Storm of Change”

By: Hannah Benitez and Marian Quinto

The sky is surprisingly bright today, no clouds above and the SUN seems to

be smiling at me. Well, this day should be a good one; after all, we’ve been

waiting for this to happen again. It’s the month of June and we have expected

for it to be rainy and considered it as a bad luck for us. Although, rain is good for

the industry, too much is never good. I can see Lolo Ben from where I am sitting

right now; he’s busy taking care of our small land which he loves the most. Huh,

what can I even get from that stupid farm, anyways? I should be in the city,

living my life. I should be studying in a prestigious school and not stuck here with

only a farm and an OLD MAN.

This is stupid and nonsense, to be honest. I never liked it here, even from

the start. Now, I even have to take care of him and his dying land. I was still

resting on his old rocking chair here in the patio when he began walking

towards me. “Noah,” He called my name as he started fanning himself with his

old HAT. “Could you please get me a glass of water?” He said in a husky tone.

Tsk, he can even do it by himself, so why ask me? I stumped my foot before

entering the house. I really should just leave him and be with the big city. I bet,

life is better there than here. I have been keeping that in my mind all the time,

I’m just waiting for the good moment to tell him that. I deserve this, anyways.

“Noah, what’s taking you so long?” His voice echoed inside the house.

“At least, I’m doing what you’ve told me!” I let the glass of water slide on the
table and left him alone in the dining area. “Noah!” He called me again but I

never looked back. I can hear the creaking of the floorboard as I walk towards

the door. I really should leave this place already; he’ll be fine on his own and so

am I. I hate this place and I hate to be here! I kept on cursing inside my head as

I kicked the hay stack over and over again. He should just sell that land and let

me study in a grand school! I’d be happy if that happens.

But, he’s more stubborn than a mule; he wouldn’t listen to me every time I

try to tell him to sell the land already. Dinner came and he was already waiting

for me in the dining table. With our usual meal for the night, I heard him sigh

loudly. The round table has its rough edges when you touch it, while the wooden

chairs have gotten old like time. I sat down and waited for his prayer.

I noticed that Lolo Ben was earnestly praying. “I am so hungry! Can’t you

pray quickly?” After saying that, I sighted a frown from him. I just smirked and

began eating my dinner. Soon after, we were in the living room to watch

television; the channel was broadcasting the news. As stated by the weather

forecast, an intense STORM is coming. “Please be careful always, Noah. I can

really feel it coming.” He sincerely said that to me. But I didn’t care even an inch

because weather forecasts are not even accurate for me.

Skies started to darken as if Gods were somewhat angry at us. The storm

came; thunderstorms roared and the rain started to pour down like a waterfall.

The forecast was accurate and Lolo Ben was right. But before that, I was outside
walking just because frustration hit me up. It really stresses me out to take care of

my old man. I want an adventurous life, not a dull one here in the province.

For hours, the drizzling did not stop nor did the skies clear, the rain poured

so hard that I needed to find a shelter. As I sought for a place to stay, an old

acacia tree has fallen right after me and I was unable to move, I needed to call

out for help because I really couldn’t stand the pain. “Anybody! Help! I need

help!” I continuously shouted at the top of my lungs. Suddenly, I heard a familiar

tone calling out for my name. “Noah! Where are you? Noah! Noah!” Lolo Ben

worriedly searched for me, his GRANDSON. “Lolo! I’m here! I’m here!” I replied

with a loud voice. Thank God, my old man found me.

But as he helped me in getting away from the tree, the storm became

stronger. The cold air blew his hat away and I knew that it is really precious for

him because Lola herself wove it and gave it to him. It was a memorabilia for

him. At last, Lolo pulled me away from the fallen tree and quickly went right

back at home. I saw how devastated he was when he found out that his hat

had gone missing; it was the only thing that reminds him of his wife. I had a lot of

realizations that time, I know it has been years since I’m with my grandfather,

and I have never felt grateful for having him to take care of me. A rude

grandson, that is who I am to him. “Lolo, I’m sorry that you had to lose your hat

just to save me.” I uttered to him. “You know what, Noah, although it’s the thing

that I treasure the most, I will not trade you over anything. It’s you who I want to
take care of the most until the day that I die.” He had a huge smile on his face

when he told me that.

I was really moved by what Lolo Ben told me. In this life, there are really

different kinds of people; those who are rude and those who stay kind. Lolo Ben

is one of the latter and I’m one of the rude ones. Despite the fact that I did not

really take care of him and was an ill-mannered grandson, he still remained as

the same old man that was generous and the person who truly loved me the

most. I did numerous of outrageous things to him yet he still forgave me for the

things that I did. “Lolo, can you still forgive me for my disrespectful behavior? I

promise you that I’ll be better and try to help you in every way.” I earnestly

promised him.

Years after, I was in a bar called ‘La Viva’, living the night life with some

co-workers before heading home to my family. Yes, this feels good. I love

everything right now, I’m here in the city with my very own family and I am

reaching my dreams one moment at a time. But, with all that I have right now, I

can’t leave the thought of my grandfather inside my head. He’s finally with his

one and only beloved, but he can no longer see me and my family. I wish I had

made him proud, even after all that I did. And up until now, he’s still and will

always be my inspiration and the greatest lesson I have in my life.