Jericho sat in the corner of the makeshift hut, staring at the food that Liz had brought in. The smell of grilled fish and steamed rice made his stomach growl, but his thoughts were elsewhere. He was taken back to a time when he was only 10 years old, living on the streets, begging for scraps of food, and getting kicked and pushed away by people who were not willing to share.
"Jericho, are you okay?" Liz asked, noticing the distant look in his eyes. "You seem deep in thought."
Jericho let out a deep sigh and shook his head. "I was just thinking about my childhood," he replied. "I remember the times when I had to dig through the garbage to find something to eat. I was so hungry all the time."
Liz walked over and sat beside him. "It must have been difficult for you," she said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "But look at you now. You're stronger and smarter than ever."
Jericho gave her a weak smile. "I guess so," he said. "But those memories will always be with me."
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to push the thoughts away. But as he opened his eyes again, he found himself transported back to that time and place. He was in the slum area of Manila, surrounded by poverty, crime, and hunger. He was small and weak, and every day was a struggle to survive.
"Jericho, come on, we have to beg for food today," a young boy with ragged clothes called out to him. "Or we'll go hungry again."
Jericho followed the boy, and they walked the streets, asking for food. But no one was willing to help them, and they were chased away by the angry vendors.
"We have to do something," Jericho said, desperation in his voice. "I'm so hungry, I can't take it anymore."
The boy led him to a nearby dumpster, and they started digging through the garbage. They found some stale bread and a few pieces of spoiled fruit. It was not much, but it was better than nothing.
"Jericho, you're smart," the boy said, as they sat on the pavement and ate their meager meal. "You'll find a way out of here one day. You'll make something of yourself."
Jericho nodded, but he didn't have the heart to tell the boy that he already felt like he was beyond hope.
Suddenly, the scene faded, and he was back in the hut, with Liz looking at him with concern.
"Jericho, are you okay?" she asked again. "You looked like you were in a trance for a moment."
Jericho rubbed his eyes and nodded. "I'm fine," he said. "Just a little overwhelmed, I guess."
Liz smiled and handed him a plate of food. "Here, eat something," she said. "You need your strength."
Jericho took the plate and started eating, but the memories of his childhood stayed with him, reminding him of the hardships he had to endure. But he was determined to overcome his past and move forward, with Liz and Tenshi by his side.