11.6 Bayani ko
Alfonso (1.6) was a young soul in an old man’s body. He has always loved to explore and have adventures. He wasn’t easily scared but he also was not fearless. He was the right mix of both. He has a chicken peck mark (9.3) on his nose to prove it, as a child he was energetic. Always pointing out, saying how it was his “Battle scar”. He was proud of it. His brother on the other hand was a wimp, less of a man, even a weathercock. Who seemed to just go with the flow with everything. Manuel rode his coattails. That was how he saw it. Never thinking for himself, always he had to be the hero to save him. Although, their mother cared more for him than Alfonso. Manuel was sickly. But who cares? He has to stand up for himself sooner or later.
Their mother now deceased, the taking care of Manuel has been left to Alfonso. Why must he be stuck with his fool of a brother? Manuel works as a waiter boy (10.3). His pay wasn’t even enough to pay for the water bill which Manuel constantly uses to take four baths a day. It has been years like this. Now, Alfonso is also old and lives in a nursing home. One day, Manuel was shouting that he wanted go home, back to Cavite. (5.7) He wanted to see mama, but Alfonso was too busy. They got into a heated argument both shouting so loudly. Manuel: “Lagi lang naman kasi iniisip mo sarili mo” Alfonso slapped him. Manuel was no where to be found after that day he left home - he didn’t say why he left. He just did.
An earthquake shaked the capital. (6.1) It left the nursing home in ruins. It was the only place he sends his pension out to. In the hospital as Alfonso recovers, he receives a package - an empty box. He looks at the box, but there was nothing inside. Only the sweet smell of soap and a note: “Sorry kuya”