THE GROWLING TUMMY | CHILDREN'S BOOK IN TAGALOG WITH ENGLISH/TAGALOG SUBTITLES THE GROWLING TUMMY | CHILDREN'S BOOK IN TAGALOG WITH ENGLISH/TAGALOG SUBTITLES

Ang Kumakalam na Tiyan The Growling Tummy

Kuwento ni Grace D. Chong Story by Grace D. Chong

Guhit ni Beth Parrocha-Doctolero Drawings by Beth Parrocha-Doctolero

(MUSIC) (MUSIC)

"KRRRRG......KRRRRG......KRRRRG...... KKRRRG. KKRRRG. KKRRRG.

Kumakalam ang tiyan ni Teo. . . ." Teo's tummy growled.

Parang tunog ng ungol ni Arsab, ang bundat na aso ni Apong Cion. It sounds like the growling of Arsab, Grandson Cion's dog.

Sinakmal nito ang baon ni Teo sa may tarangkahan sa likod ng eskuwelahan. It grabbed Teo's pocket at the gate behind the school.

"Arsab," nagmamakaawa si Teo sa aso. `Arsab," Teo begged, please give me back my baon.

"Akin na ang baon ko. Katatapos lang ng test namin at tanghali na. "My pocket is mine. We just finished our test and it's noon.

Gutom na gutom na ako." I'm very hungry."

Kagat-kagat ng aso ang hawakan ng pombrerang baunan ni Teo. "Kneeling before his pombrera hanging from the thief's mouth.

"GRRR. "GGGRRRRR!"

Inilagpak ito sa lupa at hinalukay ang mga laman sa pamamagitan ng dalawang paa. The dog dropped Teo's baon and growled again, "GRRR. . . ." with both paws.

Nilamon ni Arsab ang inihaw na hito, kamatis at kanin! Arsab spilled the pombrera and munched the roasted paltat, tomatoes, and rice!

"Bawal kunin ang hindi iyo!" "You must never take what isn't yours!"

Iwinasiwas ni Teo ang kanyang hintuturo sa matakaw na aso. Teo shook his finger at the greedy dog.

Matapos simutin ang bawat butil ng kanin sa pombrera, tiningnan ni Arsab si Teo, After licking every morsel, Arsab tilted his head, wagged his tail, and raised one paw.

ikinawag ang buntot at itinaas ang isang paa. wagging its tail and raising a leg.

"Aba, hindi ako makikipagkamay sa iyo!"naiinis na sinabi "Well, I won't shake hands with you!" he said angrily

ni Teo sa bundat na aso ni Apong Cion na kumakain ng prutas. by Teo to Grandson Cion's dog eating fruit.

"Busog ka na nga sa prutas pero inagaw mo pa rin ang pagkain ko! "Your tummy's overstuffed with fruits but you still grabbed my food!

Akala ko pa naman magkaibigan tayo!" I thought we were friends!"

Nagmamadaling naglakad si Teo pauwi. Teo hurried home.

Bagsak ang mga tainga ng napahiyang Arsab habang sinusundan si Teo. Arsab followed closely, his big ears drooping in shame.

Kumahol nang maiksi at matinis na parang nagsasabi ng "Sorry." He yipped, as though saying, "I'm sorry."

"Arsab, ang layo-layo pa ng bahay namin. "Arsab, my home's still far away.

Wala doon si Tatay para magluto ng pagkain namin. My father isn't there to cook our food, he's busy farming!"

Abala pa siya sa bukid! He is still busy in the field!

Masaya ka ba sa ginawa mo?" "Does that make you happy?"

Pinandilatan ni Teo ang nagkasalang aso. Teo glared at the guilty dog.

"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!" "Har-har-har-har-har!"

May malakas na tawanan na nanggaling mula sa itaas. Happy sounds burst from above.

Sa dulo ng bakuran sa tuktok ng mga punong atis ay Up on the atis trees by the edge of Apong Cion's huge

nagpipista ang tatlong batang siga ng eskuwelahan—sina Abe, Badong at Carding. orchard were the three school bullies Abe, Badong, and Carding eating heartily.

"Ang sarap-sarap! Ang tatamis! "Yum, yum! So sweet!

Teo, halika rito at kumain ka ng pinakamasarap na atis sa buong mundo!" anyaya nila. Teo, come on up and taste the world's best atis!" they chorused.

Umangil si Arsab sa tatlong magnanakaw ng prutas, "GRRR. . . ." Arsab growled at the three fruit monsters, "GRRR. . . ." "GRRR.

"KRRG. . . ." sagot naman ng tiyan ni Teo. KKRRRG. . ." Teo's tummy growled, as well.

Ang sarap nga sana. At gutom na gutom na ako! isip ni Teo. I'd love some. I'm so hungry! Teo thought.

"Teo, akyat na rito! "Come on, Teo! The selfish old grouch can't hear us anyway!" they cheered.

Hindi tayo maririnig ng masungit at maramot na matanda," pagyayaya nila. The grumpy and stingy old man won't hear us," they cheered.

"Ibig ninyong sabihin, hindi kayo nagpaalam kay Apong Cion?" nagulat si Teo. "You mean you didn't ask Apong Cion?" Teo was surprised.

"Hindi!" sagot ni Abe. "No!" Abe replied.

"Talagang hindi!" dagdag ni Badong. "Double no!" Badong added.

"Naku, hindi naman namimigay ang huklubang iyan, e!" buga ni Carding. "The hag never gives anything away!" Carding spat out.

"KRRG. . ." lalong kumalam ang tiyan ni Teo. "GRRR. . . ." Teo's tummy growled even louder.

Parang gusto na rin niyang umakyat ng puno ng atis. Now he was tempted to join the boys.

Ilang atis lang naman para maalis ang gutom ko. Just some atis for lunch . . . how can it be so wrong?" he asked himself.

Mali ba 'yon? Tanong niya sa sarili. At papunta na siya roon nang. . . On his way to join them. . . .

"GRRR. . . ." umangil si Arsab sa tatlong batang siga. "GRRR. . . ." Arsab growled at the meanies but flapped his ears at Teo.

Pero ikinampay ng aso ang mga tainga niya kay Teo. But the dog flapped its ears at Teo.

"Bawal kunin ang hindi sa inyo!" bulalas ni Teo. Teo blurted what his father always told him, "You must never take what isn't yours!"

Ito ang lagi niyang naririnig sa tatay niya. This is what he always heard from his father.

"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! "Har-har-har! Teo is scared of a little old lady!" the ogres teased,

Takot si Teo sa matandang maliit!" buska ng mga Teo is afraid of the little old man!" they shouted

salbahe, at tinapon nila ang mga balat ng atis sa lupa at ibinuga ang mga buto. throwing the peel carelessly and spitting the seeds.

"ARF-ARF!" kahol ni Arsab. "ARF-ARF!" Arsab barked at them loudly.

Lumabas si Apong Cion na iika-ika. So loud that Apong Cion, who couldn't see too well, waddled out of her house waving her cane.

May dala-dalang tungkod at iwinawasiwas ito. A stick is carried and it is thrown away.

"Hoy, mga magnanakaw! Baba kayo riyan!" "Hoy! Don't steal my fruits!

Naglundagan sa lupa ang tatlong bata mula sa mga puno ng atis. The boys jumped down and ran away with their shirts full of atis.

Bawat isa ay lumolobo ang polo dahil sa mga ipinasok na mga atis sa loob nito. Each one inflates the pole because of the inserted atis in it.

Sumigaw si Apong Cion, "Arsab, habulin mo sila!" Apong Cion howled, "Arsab, get them!"

Tumalima ang aso—"ARF! ARF! ARF! GRRR!" Her dog obeyed—"ARF! ARF! GRRR!"

"KRRRG. . ." Nag-iingay na naman ang tiyan ni Teo. "KKRRRGGG. . . ." Teo's tummy growled again.

Baka naman sa dami ng mga atis sa puno, e puwede Seeing so many atis above, he thought that maybe, just maybe,

niya akong bigyan ng ilan—para lamang tumahimik ang tiyan ko. he gave me some—just to settle my stomach.

Hihingi ako nang maayos. I will ask properly.

Si Apong Cion ay parang naglalakad na question mark. Stooped—like a walking questionmark—Apong Cion was a cranky old lady.

Masungit at nag-iisa niya magmula nang mabiyuda. She had been living alone since her husband died many years before.

Si Arsab lamang ang tanging kasama niya sa bahay—walang pamilya at kamag-anak. Except for Arsab, she had no family, no friends and trusted no one.

Wala siyang mga kaibigan, o sinumang pinagkakatiwalaan. He has no friends, or anyone to trust.

Dahil malabo na ang paningin niya, lagi siyang Because his vision is blurry, he always

ninanakawan nina Abe,Badong at Carding ng mga prutas sa kanyang bakuran, Abe, Badong and Carding steal fruits from his yard,

lalo na ng kanyang matatamis at makakatas na atis. eat her fruits, specially the sweet and juicy atis.

Dahan-dahang pumasok si Teo sa bakuran ni Apong Cion. Slowly, Teo went into Apong Cion's orchard for the first time.

Akma namang kukunin ng sumpunging matanda ang walis-tingting. The old grump was reaching for the walis-tingting.

Nagkalat ang mga tuyong dahon, maliliit na sanga at Strewn among tall grasses and weeds were dried leaves, twigs, and fruit peel.

mga balat ng prutas sa gitna ng mga matataas at sukal na damo. fruit skins among tall, thick grasses.

Magandang tanghali po, Apong Cion," magalang na bati ni Teo. "Good afternoon, Apong Cion," Teo greeted politely.

"Hrmmp," singhal ng matanda. "Hrrrmp," she snorted. "What's good about the afternoon?"

"Ano namang maganda sa tanghali?" "What's good about noon?"

"Ako po si Teo—" "My name is Teo—"

"Teo! Hindi ba ngayon-ngayon lang ay nagnakaw ka ng mga atis ko?" tanong ni Apong Cion. "Teo! Were you just up my trees, stealing my fruits?" Apong Cion wanted answers.

Ngunit dumating si Arsab na humihingil; malambing ang matinis niyang kahol kay Teo. But Arsab came panting in and yipping sweetly at Teo.

"Ah—hindi kung ganon," sagot ng matanda sa sariling tanong. "Oh, I think not!" she answered her own question.

"Anong kailangan mo?" "What do you want?"

"Ah. . . ." pasimula ni Teo, "Pwede ko pong walisin ang bakuran ninyo—" "Uh. . . ." Teo began, "I could sweep your yard—"

"Wala akong ibabayad sa iyo!" pasigaw niyang sagot. "I have no money to pay you!" she shrieked.

"Ilang atis lang na maliliit—" "You could give me some small atis—"

"Isa! tawad ng matanda. "One!" she bargained.

"Salamat po, Apong," sagot ni Teo at kinuha na ang walis-tingting. "Thank you, Apong," Teo said, taking the walis-tingting from her.

Madali lang ito para kay Teo. It was an easy job for Teo. He was used to helping his Tatay with the housework and the farm.

Sanay na sanay siya sa pagtulong sa tatay niya sa mga gawaing-bahay at trabaho sa bukid. He is very good at helping his father with household chores and farm work.

Ngunit habang siya'y nagwawalis, biglang kumalam na While sweeping, his tummy growled again—a bit too loudly this time.

naman ang tiyan niya—GRRRRRR! KRRRRRG! KRRRRRG!

Ooops, narinig ni Apong Cion, Ooops, Apong Cion heard it.

"Ayokong makarinig ng maingay na tiyan! "I hate stomach noises!

Sige, kunin mo na ang atis mo! Angil ni Apong Cion. Go get your atis now!" she snarled. "Any size!" she added.

"Maski na anong laki!" dagdag niya. "No matter what size!" he added.

Pinitas ni Teo ang pinakamalaki sa tuktok ng puno. Up the tree, Teo picked the largest one.

Wow! Pinakamasarap ito sa mundo—totoo! True, it was the yummiest atis in the world!

Tumahimik na ang tiyan ni Teo nang makita niya ang mga siniguelas, kasuy, santol at tsiko. His tummy kept quiet and his eyes lit up when he spotted the sarguelas, kasuy, santol, chico, and more.

Naku, ang dami talagang prutas para kay Arsab dito! isip niya. Arsab is blessed with so many fruits! he thought.

Hindi maalis-alis sa isipan ni Teo ang bakuran ni Apong Cion. Teo couldn't get the orchard out of his mind.

Nang gabing iyon habang magkatabi sila ng tatay niya sa indayon, That night, while swinging on the indayon with his father, Teo announced,

ibinalita niya rito, "Binigyan po ako ni Apong Cion ng pinakamalaking atis ngayong araw!" "Apong Cion gave me the biggest atis today!"

"Talaga?! Bakit?!" nagtataka si Tatay Ador. "She did?! Why?!" his Tatay Ador exclaimed.

"Kasi. . . ." At ikinuwento ni Teo ang mga nangyari. "Well. . . ." And Teo told his father about what had happened.

"Kailangang walisin ang bakuran na iyon araw-araw. "That orchard needs cleaning everyday.

Pero matanda na si Apong Cion," malungkot ang boses ni Tatay Ador. But Apong Cion is now too old to do it by herself," Tatay Ador said sadly.

"Bakit wala pong tumutulong sa kanya?" usisa ni Teo. "Why don't people help her?" Teo was curious.

"Sinubukan na ng mga kapitbahay niya, pero sinisinghalan at bunubulyawan niya sila. "Her neighbors try, but she snarls and snaps at them.

Wala naman siyang ipambabayad kung uupa siya." She has no money to hire anyone."

"Sininghalan at binulyawan din niya ako kanina," sagot ni Teo. "She snarled and snapped at me," Teo replied.

"Pero pinayagan din niya akong tulungan siya—" But she allowed me to help her—"

"ARF! ARF! " "ARF! ARF!" It was Arsab!

Si Arsab! Pilit itong lumusot sa pagitan ng mga halamang- bakod at tumakbo kay Teo. Squeezing his bulk between the hedges, he bounded towards Teo.

Naupo ito at malungkot ang tingin habang itinataas ang kanang paa. He sat up and, with sad eyes, raised his right paw.

"Aba, gusto niyang makipagkamay at maging kaibigan mo, Teo!" "Oh, he wants to shake your hand and be your friend, Teo!"

"O sige, Arsab, Pero ipangako mong hindi mo na "Okay, Arsab. Promise not to steal my baon again?" Teo stressed, shaking the dog's paw.

aagawin ang baon ko, ha?" pagdidiin ni Teo at nakipagkamay na rin siya sa aso. will grab my pocket, huh?" Teo stressed and shook hands with the dog.

"Magkaibigan na tayo magpakailanman!" "Friends forever?" Arsab flapped his ears and tumbled on the ground, inviting Teo to play patulid-tulid.

Iwinagwag ni Arsab ang kanyang mga tainga, at nagpagulong-gulong sa lupa. Arsab flapped his ears, and rolled on the ground.

Gusto niyang maglaro sila ni Teo nang ganito. He wanted to play with Teo like this.

Kinabukasan, nanood na lang si Arsab habang kinakain The following day, under an acacia tree just off the school's back gate,

ni Teo ang baon niya sa ilalim ng punong akasya sa may likod ng eskuwelahan. Arsab behaved well and watched Teo finish his lunch.

Nang tapos na si Teo, marahan siyang itinulak ng bumait na aso. Then the reformed dog pushed Teo gently.

"O sige, sasama ako sa iyo," at sumunod siya sa bakuran ni Apong Cion. "Okay, I'll come with you," Teo said, following Arsab to the orchard.

May hawak na kumpay ang matanda at sinusubukang magtabas ng mga damo. Apong Cion was struggling with the kumpay.

"Magandang tanghali po, Apong Cion," bati ni Teo. "Good afternoon, Apong Cion," he said.

"Ako na lang po ang magtatabas ng mga damo." "Uh, let me cut the grass for you."

"Teo! Hrrrmp, magkano?" "Teo! Hrrrrmp, for how much?"

"Dalawang malaking atis—?" "Two big atis—?"

"Kung ang buong bakuran ko," bulyaw ng matanda, at "If you clean my whole orchard now," she snapped, spreading bony, wrinkled arms,

inunat ang yatyat na bisig, "magdadagdag ako ng ilang tsiko at siniguelas." "I will throw in some chico and sarguelas."

"Talaga, Apong?" tanong ni Teo. "Pero ... kung buong "Really, Grandson?" Teo asked. “But ... if full

bakuran ang tatabasan ko ng damo at wawalisin, yard I will cut grass and sweep,

kailangan ko ang tulong ng mga kaklase ko." I need the help of my classmates."

"Bawal ang mga magnanakaw dito!" "No thieves allowed here!"

"Kami na po ni Arsab ang bahala roon—hindi sila kukuha ng anuman na hindi ninyo ibibigay." "Arsab and I will make sure they won't take anything you won't give."

Nagsasayaw si Arsab nang paikot-ikot sa matanda Arsab danced around Apong Cion who shook her cane.

habang iwinawasiwas naman nito ang kanyang tungkod sa aso. while he was throwing his stick at the dog.

"O sige, Teo. Basta siguraduhin mong hindi manloloko ang mga kasama mo. Maliwanag ba?" "Okay, Teo. But make your classmates behave! Clear?"

"Opo, Apong Cion! Maliwanag po." "Clear, Apong Cion!"

"At ang ibibigay ko lang sa inyo ay ang nasabi ko na— "You'll get nothing more than we discussed two big atis, some chico and sarguelas.

dalawang malalaking atis, at ilang tsiko at siniguelas. two large atis, and some tsiko and siniguelas.

Maliwanag ba?" Clear?"

"Opo, Apong Cion! Maliwanag po." "Clear, Apong Cion!"

Hinanap ni Teo sina Abe, Badong at Carding. Teo found Abe, Badong, and Carding eyeing Apong Cion's trees again.

Naroroon silang tumitingin-tingin na naman sa mga bungang-kahoy ni Apong Cion. They were there looking again at Apong Cion's fruit trees.

"Gustong-gusto ninyo talaga ang mga prutas ni Apong Cion, ano?" "You love her fruits, don't you?"

"Ay . . . si Mateo!" At nagtawanan sila. "Oh, Mateo!" they laughed and aped Teo,

"Bawal kunin ang hindi sa iyo!" panggagaya pa nila. "You must never take what isn't yours!"

Biglang dumating si Arsab, Arsab appeared from nowhere,

"GRRR. . ." "GRRR. . . ." The three villains sucked their breath in and stood still.

Tumahimik bigla ang tatlong salbahe at nagpigil ng paghinga. The three savages fell silent suddenly and held their breath.

"Ganitong gawin natin," sinimulan ni Teo na kumbinsihin sila. "Let's do it this way," Teo began to convince them.

"Walisin natin ang bakuran ni Apong Cion at tabasan ng mga damo. "Let's sweep Apong Cion's yard and cut grass.

Madali lang gawin kung apat tayong gagawa. "Together we can easily do it.

Babayaran niya tayo ng prutas kaya hindi na kayo kailangang magnakaw." She'll pay us with fruits. So you don't need to steal them."

"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!" lalong malakas na tawa ng mga salbahe—kita pati mga tonsil nila. "Har-har-har!" the naughty boys laughed harder, their tonsils showing.

"GRRRRR. . . ." ungol ni Arsab—kita ang mga pangil niya. -GRRR. . ." from Arsab, his fangs gleaming.

"O... sige, Teo," biglang pag-ayon nila. "T-tara na." The bullies swiftly said, "O-okay, Teo. Let's g-go."

Mabilis ang pagtatrabaho ni Teo at ng tatlong siga Teo and the three toughies with Arsab growling and gobbling up the fallen fruits worked briskly.

habang si Arsab ay umuungol sa tuwi-tuwina at ngumangasab ng mga nahulog na bunga. while Arsab moaned from time to time and chewed on the fallen fruits.

Nagmamanman si Apong Cion na pasigaw-sigaw: Apong Cion nosed around, gruffly shouting: "Cut the grass close to the ground!"

"Mas iklian pa ang pagputol sa damo!" "Cutting the grass is even shorter!"

"Sunugin ang mga tuyong dahon nang malayo sa bahay ko!" "Burn those dry leaves away from my house!"

Nang malinis at maayos na ang bakuran ni Apong Cion, When the place was neat and clean,

sinulyapan nina Abe, Badong at Carding Abe, Badong, and Carding nervously glanced at the ever-alert Arsab.

ang sobrang-listong aso at binulungan si Teo, the super-clever dog and whispered to Teo,

"Mamitas na tayo ng prutas natin." Then they whispered to Teo, "Time to pick our fruits."

Ngunit narinig iyon ni Apong Cion. Apong Cion heard.

"Hrrmp, Teo! Anong kasunduan natin?" "Hrrrrmp, Teo! What payment did we agree on?"

"Dalawang malalaking atis .. ." itinaas ni Teo ang dalawang daliri. "Two big atis .....Teo gestured with his fingers.

"Hrrrmp! Sige, gawin mo nang apat—tig-iisa kayo! Ano pa?" "Hrrrrmp! Make that four -- one for each of you!

"Ilang tsiko at siniguelas!" "Some sarguelas and chico!

"Sige, imbes na kumain kayo ng ilan ay kumain kayo "Change some to eat-as-much-as-you-want!" she quacked.

hanggang sa kung ilan ang gusto ninyo,"ang sabi niya. up to how many you want," he said.

"Bilis na! Baka magbago pa ang isip ko!" "Move! Before I change my mind!"

"P-pero. . . ." Hindi makapaniwala si Teo sa dami ng mga "B-b-but " Teo couldn't believe all the bonuses the stingy old lady was giving away.

dagdag na ibinibigay ng maramot na matanda. extra given by the stingy old man.

"Walang pero-pero. Siguraduhin n'yo lang na sa tiyan "No buts! Just make sure they go to your stomach and nowhere else!" she muttered.

ninyo mapupunta, at hindi kung saan-saan pa!" you will go, and not anywhere else!"

Mabilis pa sa kidlat na umakyat ng puno ang tatlong matakaw sa prutas. The three fruit terrors climbed up the trees faster than lightning.

Kumain sila nang kumain, tumalon sa lupa at dumidighay na nagpaalam na. They ate all they could, jumped down, then said burpy good-byes.

"Apong Cion," paalam ni Teo hawak ang isang "Apong Cion," Teo said, cradling a huge atis like a precious gem.

napakalaking atis na parang may dala-dala siyang mamahaling hiyas. huge head as if he was carrying a precious jewel.

"Puwede ko po bang kainin na lang ito sa bahay?" "May I eat this at home?"

"Bakit? Hindi ba bagay itong lugar ko para kumain ka rito?" "Why?! My place not good enough for you?" the old grouch cried.

sigaw ng masungit na matanda. shouted the grumpy old man.

"Gusto ko sanang bigyan si Tatay—" "I'd like to share it with my Tatay "

"Bigyan?!" napasinghap ang matanda. "Share?!" Apong Cion gasped.

Hindi pa siya nagbibigay kahit kanino man magmula noong mamatay ang asawa niya. She hadn't shared anything since her husband died.

"Sana nga po ay binigyan ko siya ng atis ko kahapon, "Well, I would have shared with Tatay my atis yesterday

kaya lang halos di pa po 'yun sapat para sa pananghalian ko, paliwanag ni Teo. but it was hardly enough for my lunch," Teo explained.

Natigilan si Apong Cion at nag-isip. Apong Cion stood still and thought deeply about that.

"Sige na po, Apong, iuwi ko na lang ito sa bahay, ha'?" pakiusap ni Teo sa hukot na matanda. "Please, Apong, may I bring it home?" Teo begged the hunched old woman.

Pagkaraan ng ilang sandali, suminghot ang matanda. After a long silence, Apong Cion sniffled,

"Hrrrmp! Sa iyo 'yan. E, di kainin mo kahit saan mo gusto!" "Hrrrrmp! It's your atis. Eat it anywhere you want!"

Pero parang may kaunting lamyos na narinig si Teo sa tinig ng matanda. But Teo thought he heard kindness in her voice.

"Pwede po bang maglinis kami rito uli?" "May we clean your orchard again sometime?"

"Anong masama kung bukas na? "What's wrong with tomorrow?!

Kailangang mawalisan ito araw-araw. Maliwanag?" bumulong-bulong ang matanda. This place needs cleaning everyday. Clear?" she grumbled.

"Opo, Apong Cion. Salamat po!" At paluksong lumakad papauwi si Teo. "Clear, Apong Cion. Thank you!" Teo said, hopping away.

"Hoy!" tawag ng masungit na matanda. "Hey!" the grump called Teo back.

"Marunong din ba kayong mamitas ng bunga, hindi lang maglinis?" "Can you harvest as well as you can clean?"

"Aba, opo, Apong Cion. Pwede kaming mamitas ng mga kaibigan ko para sa inyo." "Why, yes, Apong Cion. My friends and I can harvest the fruits for you."

"Marunong din kayong magtinda?" "Can you also sell?"

"Aba, opo. Pwede rin po naming itinda ang mga pipitasin namin para sa inyo." "Why, yes, Apong Cion. We can sell them for you, too."

"Ngayon, dapat ko ba kayong bayaran at bigyan ng kahit ilang prutas na gustuhin ninyo?" "Now, should I pay you and give you all the fruits you want?" she rasped.

"Ay, hindi po—" "Why, no "

"Aba, oo!" masayang tili ng matanda na pagkaraan ng maraming taon ay ngayon lamang uli ngumiti. "Why, yes!" she squeaked, showing her very first smile in years.

"Maliwanag?" "Clear?"

"Maliwanag, Apong Cion," sagot ni Teo at nagmamadaling inuwi ang atis sa kanila. "Clear, Apong Cion!" Teo replied, rushing to bring his atis home.

Iwinagwag ni Arsab ang kanyang mga tainga habang abala itong nagngangasab ng bunga. Arsab, busy munching, flapped his ears.