KNIFE

AYERA'S POV

I fell asleep in fear last night, I don't know how to calm myself. I'm still wondering who's that guy. I composed myself this morning and dressed up to go to the plantation where my parents worked before. I have to take their last salary. Even if it's not big, I still need to take it.

I went out of the house and saw the sunlight that didn't burn the skin too much. I watched the outside of our house full of dry leaves, which were scattered in front of us. Even though I have a fear of going out, I still stepped outside the house.

During my walk, I met some of our neighbors. They were all smiling and asked where I was going. I want to ask them too if they saw someone in front of our house but I think that's impossible because of the house's distance.

"Ayera, are you alright?" Which Sita I met. I smiled at her and nodded.

"I can't believe your parents are gone. My God! Those who run into them are really animals." I can see the annoyance in her eyes.

"What happened has happened. All I needed is for the perpetrator to be held accountable.

She held my arm. “Oh! Ayera, you are not only beautiful, you are also kind! So I won't wonder why my son Lito likes you."

I was surprised by what she said about Lito. I didn't know that because Lito didn't mention anything to me about his feelings whenever we went to the farm together to deliver food to our parents.

"Oh he is, Ayera. I'll go first, be careful." Sita said and passed me.

I continued walking until I reached the orchard. There are many people there. They waved at me and smiled. I also waved at them and then passed them to go straight to the cement house. The door of the house was open so I immediately entered. And just then I caught up with the lady who was counting the money. She looked at me and smiled. "Ayera, Isn't it?" She asked and stopped counting. I nodded and approached the table.

When I got there and she immediately allowed me to sit down. "I'm sorry for what happened to your parents, I didn't know it would happen like that." I bent down and played with my fingers.

"My worker who drove the truck is now in jail." She added.

I looked up. "Thank you for helping me arrest him."

She smiled at me and took out an envelope.

"Is this what you mean?" Sheasked.

I looked at the envelope and knew it was my parents salary.

She handed it to me and smiled. “I added that, Ayera. I hope it helps.”

I peeked inside and saw that it was much larger than I expected. "Thank you! This will help me. Especially since I will be looking for a job."

She frowned. "You're not going to study anymore?"

I shook my head. "Not first. Maybe I'll work first and save."

After I came back from the plantation, I quickly went to the market to buy something to eat. I don't have time to cook anymore. I went to a grocery store that had a lot of customers. While I was choosing something to eat, I heard a noise. I turned there and saw the shopkeeper yelling at a man.

"You can't buy here!" The shopkeeper shouted.

While the man was that remained calm. I looked at the man with brown skin and a well-built body. He was on his side and I could only see the side of his face that was a bit wrinkled.

“Your face is so ugly! Get out of here! Don't buy it because other buyers might hate it!” The shopkeeper is very angry.

The man quickly turned and left. He immediately ran as if he was ashamed. I watched him run away and it seemed as if he was stabbing my heart. I feel sorry for him. He just wants to buy food.

"Huh? Will you buy?” The shopkeeper asked when he noticed that I had been standing there for a while.

I nodded and bought vegetables and rice. I will bring the food home and eat it there.

I sadly walked towards the house. I feel like I'm the man I used to be. I can't get rid of my annoyance with the salesman and my pity for that man. What does his face have to do with buying food? Shouldn't they be happy because someone will buy it? Isn't that man easy to serve?

They are the ugly ones.

While I was walking with a frown, I heard a dog barking coming from the house.

I ran there and caught up with Arturo outside carrying a dog. It's big and I think it's male.

He greeted me while holding the dog.

"Where have you been?" he asked.

I kept looking at the dog. "I went to farm and market. Do you have a dog?”

"That's not mine. That's yours."

I looked up at what he said. "Huh? What do you mean?"

"To be your accompany here in your house." he announced.

I knelt down to pet the dog. "Are you really mine?" I asked the dog. I lost my annoyance because of him.

"What can I name you." I said and grabbed the chain that was in Arturo's hand.

"That dog will help you especially if you are alone all the time." Arturo commented.

"I know? Isn't it Turo?" I turned to the dog. I finally thought of a name for my dog.

“Sounds like my name huh?” Arturo asked laughing.

"Yeah, don't ask me where I got the idea for his name."

He smirked. "Arturo, Turo. Alright!” He laughed.

I looked at the dog. "Where is he from?" I want to know where he came from.

"From the farm?” I added

"Yes," he replied

I smiled at him. "Thanks for bringing Turo."

"You're welcome." He said and a smile appeared on his lips. "I'm leaving Ayera. I really just brought Turo here.” He said and walked away. He seems to be needed in the market.

I nodded and thanked him.

"Come on, Turo." I got along with the dog and decided to tie him to the door. I'll eat first and Turo will just split it. Looks like he's hungry too.

"Turo, just eat there." I promised while continuing to sweep the dry leaves outside. I know I'm overthinking what happened last night but I know how to fight. I'm not scared to that guy.

I immediately went to the pile of dry leaves and swept it away with a broom and the one hidden in the pile of leaves slowly appeared. I saw a knife. There is no dirt and it shines because of the sharpness. I don't know why there is a knife there. As far as I know, my father does not have such a knife.

I took a deep breath and did nothing but pick it up and it has a name carved on it.

"Proseo" I whispered.

I gently touched it in a cloth before hiding it in the kitchen. It's so sharp and by mistake of handing it could bruise you.

Is this owned by the guy last night? Is he going to kill me using this? His name is Proseo? I made my own conclusion with this knife. I have to ask my neighbor about this.

It's so alarming.