Judgment of the Ruling Dilemma(Jonah Leigh Ramos) She remained sitting in the corner as she watched the eve’s nefarious scenery pass by. Michal was helpless. Her husband’s love for her was gone, and she was thinking that even his affection for their children had faded away. She watched her once lover punch his son, with not a bit of guilt feeling for his offense on the family. He took away their money by morn, and went back home with nothing. James tortured them in invective, and after took his path out their small nipa hut and locked his family inside… and for a short time, he was gone through the creepy woods.

Every night, the occurrences were analogous; every night, Michal felt her sanity losing. All at once, thoughts rushed into her head, and she did not know what to do, for as always, she was helpless— trapped inside the four walls of the house, with her two daughters and son, all of them starving to death.

One night, James left them, forgetting to close them up in the hut. Though, Michal did not know of it, and learned it just after some hours flew away. “I’ll search us some food while your father is out. Just wait for me here ‘til I come back,” she declared— her first decision to make within the evil days.

So she wandered with excitement. And when she was successful of doing so, she thought of going back home immediately. She did notice that her “picking fruit” took a long time. But then she stopped. She wanted to sneak up at her husband’s place. His friend’s house is just a kilometer away, and that’s where he is.

Mesmerized by the idea, Michal began her night travel— for once, forgetting her children. She was not yet at the place, but at least covered over a half of the route. Just enough, there he was— with a group of men. Though wanting to flee, she fell stock-still. It did not take much time for James and his progeny to see her. “Michal?” asked one of James’ fellow men. By that time, Michal knew she was in trouble— they have seen her bruises, the violet blood clots on her face. The men stared at James, waiting for him to say something, as if they knew what actually was happening.

In rage, James shouted that they leave them alone, for perhaps they’ve figured out what’s what. The drunkard was on fire. He pulled Michal’s hair with fury, scattering the fruit along the way as her husband lead the way back to the nipa hut.

“Now, I’m really going to kill you! You worthless thing!” and he pushed her into the house. Despite the thundering voice, their children were not disturbed from their sweet dreams, and they were still lying on the banig same as what they’ve reached. She knew James was serious about what he had said. The liquor devoured his thoughts. She did not know what to do. Her hands ran up to her head— all the thoughts at once invading her mind. But this time, there were voices. 'Just do it', whispered one. 'Don’t let him do it', said another. 'Perhaps it will be better if they’ll not see', one suggested. Then she peeked through one of the nipa’s holes and saw her husband approaching from a great distance— a bolo in his hand.

And suddenly, her body stopped shaking; her hands ceased from trembling. She stood up, eyes lusterless, and went to take a knife. 'Perhaps it will be better if they’ll not see', came the voice again. Her husband is still far, but coming— but she cared not and looked at the three breathing people lying asleep— and she decided to put an end to the nightmare. Michal walked toward them, excited to let them start their new life. They should not wake up, she thought, they must go on with their dreams.

And she did.

… It will be better if they’ll not see… the world again… they should not wake up… they must go on with their night’s sweet dreams…

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