Little Diwata

7/25/2019 Little Diwata

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Little iwata

Beryl Andrea P. Delicana

Illustrated by:

Raphaelle Filomena Aranas


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The soft pinkish glow of the morning sun washes over the valley as darknessslowly gives way to blue and bluer, and everything seems to come to life all at once.Songs fill the air as tiny winged creatures perch on the branches of trees stretching outand waking from a long, deep, and restful sleep. Tiny droplets of water glisten in the

morning sun as they fall slowly to the earth as the leaves and flowers sway with the cold,morning breeze. The forest has come alive with the rising of the sun, and the people of theParaiso began to stir and start their day.

Minea stood at the window of her tiny cottage, watching the sky streaked withpink and blue, and all things awashed in the golden morning haze. It was exactly sevenyears ago when things changed for Minea. She was at the mainland then, the land of thehumans, tending to the flowers and the plants. Minea was a diwata of nature they tookcare of all things green and growing and alive in the mainland and they worked to keepthem beautiful and abundant.

The sun had begun to set on that bright summer afternoon and Minea was just

about to leave for home when a woman carrying a little baby wrapped in soiled blanketscame to her asking for her help. The poor baby was squirming in her arms, restless andunconsolable.

Now, it must be said that when diwatas visit the mainland, they tuck their wingsand keep them hidden beneath clothes a regular human would wear. They made sure thatthey blended in with the people, for harm will come to any diwata discovered by ahuman.

Her heart aching at the sight of the little baby, Minea agreed to lend a hand to thepoor woman. She looked tired and hungry, her clothes even more soiled than the blanketswrapped around her child. The woman left her baby in Mineas care, for a few minute

was what she said, to try and find some money to buy milk and medicine for the baby.

The sun had set, and night time had enveloped the city but the woman never cameback. Minea waited and waited, and the baby had fallen asleep with exhaustion. Notknowing what else to do, and not having the heart to leave the baby alone and out in thecold, Minea walked back to the edge of the park, where trees were lined up almost in arow. Making sure that no one was looking, she touched the tree that stood tallest amongthem, and beneath its lowest branched shimmered a portal and through it Minea went.

For the next few weeks Minea kept going back to the alley, the baby in her arms,waiting, hoping the woman would come back for her baby. Father Bathala had allowedher to care for the baby in the meantime, but he insisted that the baby be returned to hermother, for a human didnt belong in Paraiso.

But months had passed since and there still was no sign of the woman evercoming back for her baby. Minea pleaded with Father Bathala, asking him to let her keepthe baby and be her mother. For in the little time she spent taking care of her, Minea hadfallen in love with her. After much convincing, Father Bathala finally relented andallowed the baby girl to grow amongst the diwatas only if Minea devoted her time to


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taking care of Maya, meaning that she would never leave for the mainland again. Mineadidnt have to think twice about it. Since then, the little baby girl had been called Maya.

Inay! Inay!

A sweet voice broke through Mineas reverie, and she looked down to find thesweet angel that changed her life.

Inay, what are you doing?

I was just thinking, langga. Youre up early! she said, smiling sweetly at the littlegirl looking up at her.

Yep! Im so excited for today, Inay! Maya declared, clapping her little handswith glee.

Really?What are you so excited about? Minea asked, feigning innocence.

Oh, Inay! You cant trick me again! Im a big girl now! I wont fall for it, the littlegirl replied stoutly, placing her hands on her hips to emphasize her point.

Is that so? Minea laughed at the little girls antics, and she kneels down to givethe pouting girls lips a tiny kiss.

Very well, big girl Maya, what would you have for breakfast today?

Apple pie! Maya exclaimed and ran to the kitchen to set the table.

Slow down, slow down! You might trip! Minea admonished, yet smiling fondlyat her daughter. She made her way to their small kitchen and took out the apple pie shehad prepared the night before and set it on the table where Maya sat, eagerly waiting forher meal.

Happy birthday, anak, Minea kisses the top of her head, then sits across Mayawatching her as she happily savors her pie.

While she was eating, Maya asks Minea if she could go out to spend time with herfriends at the meadow, because they wanted to greet her a happy birthday too. Mineagives her permission, and tells her to invite her friends over for lunch.

When she finishes her pie, Maya places her plate and utensils in the kitchen, andruns to her room to change. She has been looking forward to this day for weeks now.None of her friends celebrated birthdays. Her friends, Sasa and Chari, are flower pixies.When Maya told them about her birthday, and how Minea always cooked her favoritefood every time, they were as ecstatic as she was.

The pixies are considered as the children of the Paraiso. They are small creatureswho help the diwatas in going about their duties, but they rarely venture out to themainland. Maya always thought of them as miniature diawatas. Pixies are not born of the


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diwatas, rather they are born from a babys first laugh. Diwatas and Pixies do not age,they do not count the years as humans do, and so birthdays were a foreign concept tothem.

Maya ran all the way up the blue mountain, past the butterfly cove, and down themeadow. It was a wide expanse of green grass, freckled with flowers of pink and blue andred and yellow. In the midst of the meadow was a tiny pond of crystal clear water whereyou can see water pixies flittering about, making orbs of water and letting them pop towater the flowers. But what fascinated Maya the most was the view of the Golden Fallsthat flowed down to the river surrounded by majestic trees with leaves of different colors.Only diwatas were allowed to go near it, and only during special occasions. The waterthat flowed down that river was what provided the magic of the diwatas, and of theentire Paraiso.

Maya saw Sasa and Chari sitting down by the east end of the meadow,surrounded by sunflowers and chatting with the other pixies. She called out and made

her way to them. Sasa and Chari were excited to hear about Mayas birthday, and Mayaexcitedly shared how her Inay made her apple pie for breakfast. She even invited herfriends over, knowing Minea would be happy if they came. Maya was in the middle ofher story when a group of pixies came closer to their little group.

Whats a birthday? a pixie piped in with a smirk on her face.

Minea celebrates the day Maya came to Paraiso every year. She calls it abirthday! Chari explained.

Whats so special about the coming of a freak? the pixie answers, drawinglaughs from everyone else but Chari and Sasa.

Im not a freak! Maya shouts.

Oh, really? Then what are you? You arent pretty enough to be a diwata, andyoure far too large to be one of us. You dont even have wings! the pixie answers andflies up to Mayas face, a challenge in her eyes.

The pixies last words tugged at Mayas heart, for these were questions she sooften asked herself. It was a sensitive nerve for Maya, one that she never showed anyonethat it bothered her.

The other pixies started chiming in, calling her names. This wasnt new to Maya.

And every time this happened, she always tried to take her mothers advice to just ignorethe taunts, and not let them win. But this time, Maya had had enough. They had ruinedher special day. She grabs a small stone lying at her feet and threw it at the pixie whostarted the taunting. The other pixies squealed and flew out of the way, but Calisa was toostunned to even move and the stone hit her arm and a part of her wing, causing her totopple down.


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Calisa!

Maya!

What is going on here?a loud, stern voice broke through their panic. The pixies

surrounding Calisa broke apart to make way for Diwata Ina.

Diwata Ina, Maya threw a rock at Calisa! one of the pixies shouted.

Only because she kept calling Maya a freak. Diwata Ina, Maya didnt start it, itwas Sasa who came to Mayas defense, seeing how she was still seething with anger andrefused to talk.

Diwata Ina leaned down to check on Calisa who lay on the ground, groaning.Her wings are not damaged, but her arm is bruised. She will be fine. Take her to thehealers, she ordered the other pixies then turned to Maya.

Maya, why did you do this?

She called me a freak. Theyve always teased me just because I have no wings. Icouldnt stand it anymore, Maya said, anger coating her words.

That is no reason to hurt her. She could have broken a wing, had you thrown therock any harder.

Serves her right! Maya huffed, refusing to back down.

Diwata Ina was shocked at Mayas outburst, and though she felt for the child, shereminded her that what she did was wrong, that the incident could have caused Calisa

her power, even her life. Maya understood perfectly well what the consequences of heractions brought upon her, but she was too mad to feel sorry for Calisa. She felt the sharppain of Calisas words in her heart, and as her tears threatened to fall, she ran in thedirection of the forest. She didntwant to give anyone the satisfaction of seeing her cry.

Chari and Sasa wanted to run after their friend, but Diwata Ina thought it was bestto let Maya be for the meantime. Although they wanted to make sure Maya was alright,they both knew that Diwata Ina was right and so they decided it was best that theyreturned home.

Meanwhile, Minea was just about finished preparing the chocolate cake sheespecially made for Maya, along with other food that she knew humans enjoyed. She

knew Maya didnt have many friends, but she always hoped that one day the pixieswould come to accept Maya. When she learned that Sasa and Chari befriended her littlegirl, she was over the moon with joy. She often worried how it would affect Mayagrowing up, being the only human in Paraiso. She was starting to think her worrying wasfor naught.


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Just as she set the final letters to decorate Mayas cake, she heard a knock on herdoor.

Coming! she trilled, thinking it was Maya with her friends. But she wassurprised to see Diwata Ina at her door.

Ina! What a surprise! What brings you here?

Im afraid I have distressing news, Minea. Is Maya already home?

Maya? No, she hasnt come back. Do come in, Ina,

Thank you,

Minea opens the door to let Ina in, and offers her a seat. Inas eyes wander aroundthe little cottage, not used to such living quarters. Her eyes fell on the food laid out on thetable, lingering on the cake with the candles on top, counting each one of them.

Seven candles for seven years? Has it really been thatlong, Minea?

Yes, surprisingly so. Time does go by so fast, doesnt it Ina?

Yes. Yes, I think so.

So, your news?

Ah, yes. Im afraid it has something to do with Maya,

Maya? Whats wrong? Did something happen? Is she okay? Mineas eyeswidened in panic, worried for her little girl.

Diwata Ina tried to calm Minea down, assuring her that Maya was fine. She toldher about what she saw at the meadow, how Maya threw a rock at Calisa. She told Mineaeverything the pixies told her, how Minea lost her temper when the pixies started teasingher, pushing her to throw the rock at Calisa.

Minea could hardly believe what she was hearing, knowing that Maya took toheart the things she taught her as a child, especially about not harming others. But sheknew Diwata Ina had no reason to lie to her, and Minea began to worry about herdaughter.

Where is she, then? Where is Maya?she asked Diwata Ina.

Im afraid I do not know. She ran off in the direction of the forest. I had the mindshe would make her way here after she had cooled off,

After explaining everything to Minea, including Calisas condition, Diwata Inatook her leave, reassuring Minea that Maya will be okay. Minea thanks her and stands atthe doorway for a while, trying to find signs of a little girl running home to her mother.


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But she saw no such signs and so she walked back inside and closed the door. Maya knewher way around, she may just be taking some time for herself. Minea sat heavily down achair and waited for her little girl.

Maya didnt stop running until she got to the forest. There she found the huge treewith trees of the color red, the same shade as her Inays hair. Every time the diwatasperformed the annual rituals down at the Falls, Maya would come here and sit at thecarved hole in the middle of the trees trunk and imagine being cradled in her mothersarms.

This time, she climbed up and sat there to be by herself.

The sun was high up in the sky, indicating that it was already noon and she knewthat her mother is expecting her to be home soon. But Maya didnt feel like going home

just yet. She knew Minea had prepared something special for her and she wanted to beable to enjoy it. But at that moment, she knew she couldnt enjoy her mothers surprise.

She was still too bothered with what happened with Calisa and her friends.

Maya couldnt help comparing herself to the diwatas and the pixies, carefullynoting all the traits that she lacked. She grew, and changed, and she had no specialtalents. Pixies and diwatas didnt grow, and they had their powers. And of course, themost obvious of all, Maya didnt have wings.

Maya had tried asking Minea countless times about why she was different, but shenever got an answer that quite satisfied her. Minea skillfully avoided the topic most of thetime, or simply told Maya that she was special. End of discussion. Minea would smile toher as she says this, but the flicker of sadness in Mineas eyes doesnt escape Mayasnotice. She doesnt mention it, however, for Maya never liked seeing her mother sad.

This didnt mean that it stopped bothering Maya, though. And the tormentingfrom the pixies didnt help. They constantly reminded her that she wasnt one of them,that she didnt belong, that she was a freak.

Maya never understood why they treated her so differently. Aside from the wings,she didnt look that different from the others. But that didnt stop them from calling her afreak. She sat wondering what she could do to make the pixies stop their teasing, and shedidnt notice the passing time.

Maya remembered her Inay telling her that she will explain everything to her onceshe grows older. Thinking now was a good time as any, Maya decides to go home to ask

Minea about it. But before she could jump down the tree, Maya hears Diwatasapproaching, forcing her to curl up smaller into her hole, not wanting them to find herthere.

She heard the Diwatas voices even before they reached her tree, for their voiceswere quite loud, for just two people talking to each other. They were talking about Minea,and about the incident that happened at the meadow. Maya groaned inwardly knowing


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that Minea must have already heard about it, and that she must be really mad at her atthat very moment.

Maya made sure she was hidden from the passing diwatas and continued to listenin on their conversation. It was then she heard them talking about her being human, andhow her Inay had no intention of telling her about it. Maya sat frozen, not knowing whatto make of the conversation she just heard.

The voices grew softer and softer, as the Diwatas moved deeper into the forest butMaya did not even notice. The words Human rang clear in her head, repeating itselfover and over again.

Maya jumped down form her hole and hurriedly ran home, an overflowing urgeto talk to Minea powered her legs to talk her home fast. When she reaches their cottageshe bursts in through the door and is confronted with a worried Minea.

Inay!

Oh Maya, where have been anak? Ive been so worried, Minea almost wept withrelief at the sight of Maya and hugged her daughter tightly. She was on her way out tosearch for Maya in the forest, fearing that she may have gotten lost or hurt herself.

Maya felt guilt creep in when she saw how her Inay was so worried about her, andshe immediately apologized for what she did, especially for not going home when sheknew Minea was expecting her. Maya tried to explain why she acted the way she did,feeling as if Calisa had robbed her of the happiness she felt for her birthday.

She tried again and asked Minea why they treated her so differently, but she gotthe same answer she heard in the pastshe was special.

Minea had heard that question so many times in the past, but she never heard thatmuch conviction in her daughters voice before, and she was at a loss for words. Shedidnt know how she could explain to Maya how her mother, her real mother, never cameback for her after leaving her with a stranger.

Maya mustered up her courage and asked Minea what she really was, asking herif she was human, as the diwatas in the forest called her. Minea had no clue how toanswer Mayas questions, wondering how she heard of humans. She felt a tug ather heartwatching the hope in Mayas eyes, hope of finally knowing the truth. But Minea couldnttell her that, not yet. She didnt have the words to explain the truth to Maya.

No, Maya. You are a diwata. Wings or not, you are a diwata. And thats that,Minea declared with finality. She couldnt bear to see the pain that crossed Mayas face,but she couldnt bear it any more if Maya found out the truth.

But


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Go to your room, Maya. We will not discuss this anymore, Maya had neverheard her mother speak so sternly to her before, and so she decided not to argue anymore.And with her head down and her shoulders slumped, Maya made her way to her roomand hid under her covers and cried herself to sleep.

The next morning, Maya was up early. She didnt feel like getting out of bed, butMinea knocked on her door. She knew her Inay felt guilty about last night, and Mayaknew she was at fault, too. Mother and daughter both tried to act as if last night didnthappen, and Minea tried enticing Maya with cake, to which the child readily agreed.Before Maya got up from bed, Minea hugged her tightly and held her close for a moment.

Maya, I know you have many questions in your head. But for the meantime,please, stop worrying about all these things. Erase that little frown, sweetheart. Yourestill young,

But why wont you just tell me, Inay?

There is a time for everything, anak. Someday, I will help you to understandeverything. Right now, just enjoy being who you are,

Okay, Inay, Maya did not know what more she could say. She knew her motherwouldnt tell her anything. She will not win that argument.She just forced a smile on herface and followed Minea out to their kitchen.

Maya asked if she could go out and play, and Minea agreed. Letting Maya outmay help her forget about her need to know who she really was. Maya made for theforest, wanting to be alone for the mean time. As she was walking there, she happened topass by two diwatas sprinkling golden water on the flowers.

Maya recognized one of the diwatas. It was Diwata Iya, a friend of her mother.They were talking about the storm in the mainland, and how humans needed to takebetter care of nature.

She didnt really understand what they were talking about, but Mayas earsperked up at the words mainland and humans. She knew her mother never went to themainland. And every time other diwatas passed by their house carrying provisions for themain land, Maya saw the sadness in her mothers face. She never dared ask why hermother never went to the mainland, but she felt that somehow it had something to dowith her. She once overheard diwatas talking about her mother, and thats when shecaught glimpses of conversations about her coming to the Paraiso, and Father Bathala no

longer allowing Minea to travel to the mainland.

Come on, we have to leave soon,

Okay, lets meet up at the forest. I have a few things to pick up and then Ill beright there,


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At this, Maya ran as fast as she could to her tree in the forest. Her heart waspounding as she began to think of how this might work out for her. She could followthose diwatas to the mainland and find out more about the humans.

Maya knew the diwatas were meeting at the forest, but she didnt know whereexactly. And she was thinking of what to do next, she remembered her Inay, and how shewould be worried if she found out what Maya was up to. But she need not know, Mayathought, just as long as she got home before it got dark.

Maya ran back out to the edge of the forest to try and spot the diwatas. After a fewmoments, she noticed Diwata Iya making her way towards her. Maya ran and took coverbehind a tree, and waited. Soon after, Diwata Iyas friend came eating what appeared tobe a slice of the cake Minea had baked for her.

The two diwatas make their way deeper into the forest, oblivious to little Mayafollowing them. Maya took care not to step on any of the fallen leaves, and that she was

hidden behind the trees. But she was fairly sure the diwatas wouldnt notice her, for theywere too caught up chattering happily to each other.

A few moments later, Maya was surprised to find herself back at her tree. Thediwatas stood before the great tree and sprinkled gold dust into the large hole whereMaya loved to sit. A shimmering door appeared before the two diwatas, just beneath thearched branch of the tree.

This is it. Come on Iya! and the two walked through the shimmer anddisappeared.


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Maya stood before the portal now, and tentatively reached to stick her hand closerand closer. She took a look back to where they passed through the forest, then back at thedoor and pushed her whole body in just as the shimmer was disappearing.

Maya held her eyes tightly shut as she felt a surge of power pass through her tinybody. She stood, frozen and felt the sudden shift in the air that surrounded her. The firstthing that registered in her ears were the sounds, they were very loud. She couldnt nameall of them, like the zooming and something honking. But she also heard the faint chirpsof little birds, and the sound of laughter.

She didnt dare open her eyes, scared of what she might see. She stood on the spot,frozen, and listening andsmelling. There was a hint of something sweet in the air, likechocolate! But there was a trace of something foul, something Maya never knew of.

Little girl? Hello? Little girl? Are you ok? a voice broke through Mayasmusings, a voice she had never heard before. It was that of the male pixies! Only, this

sounded smaller.

Hey, arent you going to open your eyes? Whats wrong with you? continuedthe voice.

Slowly, Maya opens her eyes and finds herself staring straight into huge orbs ofbrown and white, and a huge smile with a gap in the teeth.

Aaaah! she cried, thinking it was a huge thing that stood before her and she fellon her back.

The little boy roared with laughter at the reaction of the peculiar girl. Mayawatched the boy who wasnt big at all. In fact, he was about as big as she was. Theylooked so alike, he even matched her tanned skin that stood out most of the time amongstthe pearly white skin of most of the pixies.

ImIm sorry. Are you okay? the little boy offered a hand out to Maya betweenfits of giggles.

Whatwhat are you? she whispered, eyeing the hand that was offered to her.

Well, Im a knight! the little boy says proudly, raising what looked like awooden sword in his hand and placing the other on his hips.

And I have come to rescue you, my fair princess, he then says, smiling down at

her.

Maya slowly gets up, and looks closely at the boy. She noticed for the first timethat he was wearing something that looked like what the male diwatas that followedFather Bathala wore, only that it was fashioned out of something brown.

Im not a princess, Im a diwata, Maya tentatively offered.


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Oh, then do you have wings? the little boy asked.

No, Inay says Im special.Maya says, feeling a little hurt.

Okay then, my special diwata. I am Jan, he says with a bow. Whats your

name?

My name is Maya. Wont you tease me? she asks, just a tiny bit shocked that hedidnt challenge her about being a diwata.

Why would I tease you?

Because I have no wings,

It doesnt matter. You can be a diwata with no wings! And if harm comes yourway, I will defend you! Jan says again, striking his pose.

Maya laughed at the little boys antics, and immediately felt at ease with him. Janinvited Maya to play a game with him, and sure enough she said yes. They were havingfun playing, when Maya thought to ask Jan where they were exactly. Surprised at herquestion, Jan told her they were at the park. He thought it may have been her first time,that she might be from the province, thinking there were no parks there.

Maya looked at the place around her in wonder, explaining to Jan how she hadnever been to the mainland before. She told him she came from Paraiso, the land ofDiwatas. Jan was confused, not knowing whether to believe Maya or not.

When she saw the confusion on her friends face, she thought show him the portalfrom which she through. But when she turned to where she thought the portal was, both

children only saw a ow of trees and no shining door.

Butbut it was there! I went through the door! It was shining! Where? Mayafelt her heart constricting, and tears started to fall on her cheeks.

Come on, Maya. Please dont cry. Come, lets look for your parents, Jan tries toconsole his new friend.

ButInay is at home, she whisperssoftly, looking at him through tear her tears.

Who did you come here with? he asks.

II was alone. I only followed Diwata Iya and her friend here, but they didntknow I followed them here,

Jan always knew that there were no such thing as diwatas and the like, that theylived only in the books and stories that his Lola told him and his cousins. But he felt thatMaya was telling him the truth, or at the very least, that she was lost.


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Come on, Ill help you. Dont cry, Jan tried consoling Maya, who was nowcrying harder. Why did you come here all by yourself?

Because I wanted to know who the humans are. I wanted to find out ifif I waslike them, she replied in between sobs.

Well, Im a human. And you look human to me, he said, laughing a little.

I do? Maya said and looked up at him.

Yup. Come on, lets go look for yourerfamily! he says brightly, t rying hisbest to cheer her up.

Maya thought the diwatas would head to a place filled with flowers, as they werediwatas of nature like her Inay. And so hand in hand, Jan and Maya made their way tothe garden at the other side of the park, two peculiar looking kids in costumes and adultsthat passed them couldnt help but smile at the sight. Jans costume consisted of an armor

shaped out of the cardboard, while Maya wore a pink dress of gossamer and silk, lookingvery bit like a princess, or a diwata, or both.

As they walked, they passed a stray cat that hissed at Maya. Maya squealed infright and her Knight in shining armor was quick to defend her by shoo-ing the cat awaywith his cardboard sword. The barking dogs walking around the park elicited the samereaction from Maya, who was not very familiar with these animals, and Jan stood todefend her.

Maya felt like she was on an adventure as Jan began telling her of all the things

about humans, well as much as a seven year old knew. She found the gray suits that menwore funny, used to the white, flowing outfits of most of the male diwatas. He told herabout the colored things a man rolled around in a noisy machine, which formed intosomething that looked like clouds which he placed inside a plastic bag. Jan told her it wascotton candy. He didnt have money to buy the cotton candy, but he offered her the lastcandy he had in his pocket.

When they reached the small garden at the park, Jan asked Maya to look for herfriends. Maya looked at all the people walking around in the garden, trying to spot afamiliar face, or even their wings, but all she saw were humans going about their ownbusiness.


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Maya began to worry again, so Jan tried comforting her, asking her if sheremembered anything else about where her friends might have gone to. Maya vaguelyremembered the diwatas talking about the storm, which she mentions to Jan.

The storm? Oh! Maybe theyll help out at the center! Jan says, remembering theplace just across the street when he asked his mom why people were giving their clothesaway.

The center? Where is that? Maya wonders.

Its a place people go to togive away their things. My mom told me that its away for people to help the ones who were affected by the storm that passed, Janexplained.

Whats a storm? Why do they give clothes to the people who were there?

Well, a storm is a really strong rain. It destroys houses, and people get hurt

because of it. Thats what I see on T.V., Jan says, trying to explain in the only way heknew how, People lose their things because the water washes them away, so others helpby giving out the things they dont use anymore,

Maya tried to imagine what a storm was, for even rain wasnt often in Paraiso andthey were mostly just soft patters that lasted for a while. Jan wanted to know if Mayawanted to the center, and she happily agreed, her musing about the storm immediatelyforgotten.

Butits across the street. Its dangerous, my mom never let me cross all bymyself, Jan says, pointing to the other side of the street. Maya stared at the cars, Jan saidthey were called, and watched them zooming past each other.

Oh, she says, disappointed. She didnt want her friend to disobey his mother,like she did hers.

Jan looked at Maya and felt sad that he couldnt help his friend. He knew how tocross the street, hes done it so many times. But never without his mom or his dad holdinghis hand.

Come, he says, holding out his hand to Maya, Well cross the street together,

Maya was hesitant, not wanting to let her friend make the same mistake as shedid, which was to disobey her Inay.

Its okay. Well be careful, we wont get hurt. I promise, Jan says confidently.

Okay, Maya agrees and takes his hand.

They walk hand in hand to the sidewalk. There were only a few people on thisside of the street, so nobody noticed the two kids attempting to get across.


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Okay. My mom said that we should look to the left, and to the right first, Janinstructs, and both heads turn in both direction. Seeing that there wasnt a car yet passingtheir way, they step onto the pavement and start walking.

But they had stopped looking on either side and stared straight ahead toward theirgoal that they didnt notice the car coming towards them. A woman across the street sawthe kids and the incoming car and ran to get them out of the way just in the nick of time.

Maya and Jan were surprised when the lady grabbed them, and felt their heartquicken as they saw the car that almost hit them.

You two! What were you thinking? Where are your parents? the woman asked,her voice still panicked.

Werewere sorry, was all the children could say.

Oh, come here. You must be shaken up. Are you okay? Are you hurt? she asks,

inspecting both children.

Im fine, Jan answers, still holding on tightly to Mayas hand.

Good, good. What were you thinking, crossing the street all by yourself? sheasked them again, more calmly this time.

We wanted to go to the shelter, to see if hermothers friends are there. Sheslost, Jan explains shyly, remembering that he shouldnt talk to people he didnt know.But the woman looked so kind, and she saved them.

Are you lost, dear? Do you have relatives working at the center? The woman

asked Maya, seeing as how the little girl hadnt spoken. Are you okay? Whats yourname?

Jan answers for both of them, seeing as how Maya was barely able to talk fromfright. He tried to shake her and squeeze her hand, and it was only then she responded tothe woman with her name. The woman asked Maya again if she was okay, worried thatthe child could still be in shock. Maya nodded her head, telling the woman she was fine.

Your friend said youre lost. Do you have relatives at the center? the womanprobes, hoping to help the children home.

I dont know, Maya answers quietly.

Why were you going there? the woman asks, incredulous.

She heard them talking about the storm. Maybe they were also helping, Jananswered for Maya.

Very well, Ill come with you to the center and then well ask around, okay?


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The children both nod and follow the woman towards the group of people at thealley, all carrying boxes and lining up. The woman takes them inside and leads them to arow of chairs lined up against the wall.

Stay here, okay? Ill go ask around if anyone knows you, she says to them, andmakes her way into a mass of desks and people all busy doing one thing or another.

Maya stared in wonder at the hustle and bustle before her. There were papers, andboxes, and people yelling into something they held against their ear, or at each other.They sit quietly, and wait for the woman to come back.

Im sorry, Maya. But your relatives dont seem to be here, the woman crouchesin front of them, Do they know you were at the park?

Maya hesitantly began to explain the same thing she told Jan, how she followedDiwata Iya and her friend through the portal, hoping to know more about humans.

Please believe me, Maya looks pleadingly at the woman, hoping that she couldhelp her find her way home.

I do, dear. I do, the woman says to her, gently caressing her hair, How aboutyou, Jan? Where are your parents?

Jans eyes suddenly widen in fear, knowing his mother would be worried abouthim by now. They must still be at the park, looking for me,

Very well, Ill walk you back there, the woman says and stands up. Come on,you two, lets get you home,

Butwhat about Maya? Jan asks.

Dont worry, Ill get her home too, she promises, with a smile for both children.

They walk back to the park and heads back to where Jans parents left him, findingthem there looking around and calling out his name. His mother and father looking veryworried. When they spot the trio, his mother hurriedly runs toward Jan and hugs him.

Oh, Jan! Where were you! Youre father and I have been worried sick! I told youto stay close, she said, holding him at arms length. Whathappened to you?

Im sorry, mom. I didnt mean for it to happen, he says, eyes downcast.

I saw them at the side walk, playing. They must have been so caught up in theirgame, they didnt notice the time, the woman offers with a smile. Jan and Maya look upat the woman in wonder, and she just gives them a wink.

Jans parents thank the woman who helped them, and then they start to maketheir way home.


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Wait, mom, Jan says and hugs Maya, I hope you get lost here again, hewhispers with a laugh and then he goes to his mom.

Maybe, she whispers back and she and the woman watch Jan walk away withhis parents.

Jan looks back at her and waves with a smile, Bye, little diwata!

Maya just smiles and waves back at him.

Now, lets get you home, the woman says to her, smiling.

How? Are you a diwata, too? Maya asks, but the woman just answers her with asmile.

They walk toward the trees lining the edge of the park, and approach the tallestone of them. Now, touch that big tree and try calling out your mothers name,

Maya doesnt look convinced, but she moves to do so. She places her small handon the trunk of the tallest tree, closes her eyes and starts to shout, Inay! Inay Minea!

Her eyes remains shut for a while, she slowly opens them hoping to find her Inaystanding in front of her, but she wasnt there. She looks back up at the woman, tearspooling at her eyes.

Just wait, she says, smiling at Maya.

All of a sudden, a shimmering appears at the lowest branch of the tree and forms adoor. Minea steps out of the portal, and runs to Maya and hugs her tight.

Oh Maya, my baby, she cries, relief flooding her heart as she finally holds herdaughter close. Why did you come here? Oh baby, are you hurt? Are you okay?

Maya hugged Minea tightly, crying as well. Im sorry, Inay. Im sorry, was allshe could say.

Shhhits okay, its okay. Stop crying. Im sorry, too. I know I should have toldyou. Oh Maya, Im so glad youre safe, Minea holds her closer, not ever wanting to letgo.

Reluctantly she turns to the woman standing close to them, and her eyes widen insurprise. She makes a move to speak, but the woman just slowly shakes her head. Mineastands up, still holding Maya close to her, Thank you, she whispers.

No, thank you, the woman answers softly, tears in her eyes as well.

Maya runs to the woman and hugs her as well, Thank you for helping me andJan, she says.


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The woman crouches down to Mayas height and gently wipes the tears off herface, Youre welcome, little one. Dont disobey your mother again, okay? she says witha slight chuckle.

Yes, Maya answers, smiling.

Promise? the woman asks her, holding out her pinky.

Maya sticks out her pinky and wraps it around the womans, Promise, she sayswith a bright smile. She walks back to Minea and hand in hand, the walk through theportal back to their home.

~THE END ~


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Little Diwata