Ashes in the Dusk [CBS#4]

Chapter 38

🏇🏻

The sun beat down on the busy town square, but I barely noticed the heat. I was focused on ensuring the safety and happiness of the children under my care. Today is El Camarico's Founding Anniversary, and our organization, the Helping Hands, coordinated the owner of the carnival park to exclusively close it for this day. Kagaya nga ng pinagplanuhan noong meeting. The children from the orphanage were very amused by the sight around.

We had set up a booth to distribute gifts and supervise children on the rides.

"Syntia, sinasabi ko na nga bang kakasya talaga yung t-shirt sa'yo." ani Bien, tinutukoy ang simpleng puting t-shirt namin kung saan naka-imprint ang pangalan ng aming organisasyon.

"Yeah, thank you, Bien. Nakalimutan ko talaga na kahapon pala idi-distribute ang mga shirts. I was busy entertaining my friends, bumisita kasi rito mula pa sa syudad. I just want to make sure they have the best experience here in El Camarico."

Bien ended up bringing me the shirt at home last night. So far, my friends are enjoying their three-day stay. Now, they're at the Ollejo's farm. Kinuha sila ni Dana kaninang umaga dahil nga abala ako ngayon sa aming organisasyon. When the sun sets, they'll be back here because we will also experience the rides.

"The kids look extremely happy," Bien noted. Inginuso niya ang mga bata na bagong baba sa van ng munusipyo.

This is the second batch. Ito na lang ang inaantay namin para makapagsimula na sa aming activity.

"They are." I watched them with teary eyes.

This is one of my life's highlights since I could hear the excited chatter and the delighted shrieks of children.

"Eto pa pala," He quietly handed me a small, brightly colored wristband, bearing the Helping Hands' logo.

My eyes sparkled as I raised my head at him. "Wow! Meron pa pala nito."

I wore it excitedly.

Sumunod kami ni Bien kina Ms. Darcie na lumapit sa van para salubungin ang mga bata. Lumabas din ang dalawang madre at tuwang-tuwang nakipag-usap sa aming presidente. Our ever-calm treasurer, logistics coordinator, and other members walked towards the carnival's entrance. Andie was handing out tickets and guiding the children inside. One of our members stood by the entrance with the police officers, ensuring that no one wandered off.

"Thank you so much for this opportunity, hindi nakatulog ang mga bata kakaisip sa araw na 'to. They're very excited." saad ng isang madre.

"It's our pleasure po, Sister. Matagal ns naming gustong gawin 'to, kaso marami pang inasikasong programa ang aming organization. We're also happy our goals have been realized today."

"Mabuti na lang at nag-donate si Rahma ng malaking halaga, kaya kaagad kaming nakapagpa-reserve sa may-ari ng carnival na 'to at kaagad din kaming nakabili ng mga regalo para sa kanila."

"Awwee, Sellozzos could be benevolent if they want. Paano 'yan, we'll leave the children under your care for now."

"No need to worry about them, Sister. Sapat naman ang manpower namin. We also coordinated with the PNP and BFP for the security." matamang saad ni Bien.

Nagpaalam na ang van ng munusipyo para ihatid ang mga madre sa orphanage. We let the children gather and form a line in one area as Ms. Darcie first reminded us of our parts.

"Okay, everyone, remember the pairings!" she called out, her voice slightly hoarse from shouting over the din. "One adult per two children, and stick to the designated areas. Miguel, keep an eye on the food stalls - make sure everyone gets their share."