The next day, it was Sunday, Claridad woke up early to go to church. Beside from the fact that her parents were taken away from her, forever, she still wanted to give thanks for letting her live and being able to enjoy the rest of her life.
When she opened the door, her neighbor was also about to knock, then she greet her.
"Good morning Claridad!"
"Good morning Juana.." Her response was mellow.
Seemed to not know how to start their conversation, either to give her condolence first or just don't talk about it so that she won't get upset, she just simply told her about her reason for coming and handed her a jar.
"Hmmm.. Claridad here is your mother's ashes, it was a bit early than the scheduled time. And also, they put your father's ashes as you requested."
She wanted their cremains to commingle as a sign of their love, also she wanted them to be together evwn from the tiniest part of their remains.
"Thank you so much Juana" with watery eyes she was still able to smile.
She put it on top of a table where she could easily see it when she goes upstairs or go down, even when she's at the dining or the living room. Because of that, she felt more relaxed.
After going to church, and has nothing to do, she decided to open the windows. Fresh air are now circulating inside the house. She changed the mattresses, the curtains, pilow cases, she even put new plants inside the house.
For her, it was a new beginning. She needs to start a new life of being an independent woman. Being an orphan while still 16 is difficult but she was still thankful unlike others who were orphan when they were born.
I need to think for the possibilities and for the positive side of life. I shouldn't break down now, because I know that God is not giving a baggage which a person cannot carry. Thinking about that, she made all the household chores.
Seeing what she have done, and feeling accomplished, she let out a satisfied sigh. "Everything was so good. You should be proud of me, Mama, Papa.." She was about to cry, but she instantly closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Don't cry! Stop right there! Your a big girl, you shouldn't do that, you're strong.
---
"Sergeant Smith, we've found another pile of dead animals. There was even a lot of dead squeaker [baby wild boar] in there."
"So?.... Is that all?" Busy, Smith replied.
"No sir! It was a bit creepy because they have no traces of blood. I mean, it seems like someone must have drained their blood. But the number of the animals were questionable..."
It caught Smith's attention and immediately, he replied firmly "Really? Where is it?"