Reader's Response

The story begins with the traditional life of Carding and Lucia as husband and wife. There

were full of hardships, challenges, and temptations that put their love, loyalty, and caring for one

another to the test. Carding is a diligent man, brave, and sometimes a short-tempered person. He

desired to marry Lucia, the daughter of Teniente Del Barrio, at a young age. But before getting

married, they go through the traditional "pamamanhikan" in Lucia's family. After getting

married, Carding excitedly builds their house despite the advice of the elderly that building a

home may bring misfortune.

But not ever after; their misfortune began when their first child died at its birth, and the

conflict stirred up when Lucia had an affair with Luis, the son of the Landlord. Then after a while,

Carding, meet Rosing, which was his fellow union member who infatuated him. Lucia sees them

and thinks that Carding is having an affair with Rosing. Lucia left carding, but he followed her.

He was surprised that he would become a father because Lucia was pregnant. They named their

son Crisostomo. The couple was delighted by the blessing.

Life of misfortune still faced them. The land they used to plant is sold to the Landlord's

friend, but he told them that they may still harvest the last crops they have sown. Then because

of what happened, Carding and Lucia decided to move and continue their life in Mindanao with

their son Crisostomo. The land in Mindanao is owned by them, meaning every crop they will put

can be harvested freely and sold on their own.