The Earth-Healers
Page 3
“Hmph,” said Aling Dalia. “They’ll bring the mountain down upon them with that racket.”
“Why don’t we join them, Dalia,” said Aling Cita. “They are happy to have escaped a worse fate, and are grateful for their lives.” Aling Cita turned to Jopi. “Your father is there with a group to make sure everyone signs the petition to the Governor, to declare the mines closed forever.”
Finally, Aling Dalia allowed herself to be steered out of the house. From the window, Jopi could see her striding arm in arm with Aling Cita as they turned away from the gate. He sighed with relief. He thought his mother would never leave.
Quickly, he stood up and stretched. For a boy as wounded as him, it was a marvel he couldn’t feel anything. But even if he had ached all over, he knew he could not lie down on a night like this.
Jopi snuck through the back ways of the town, away from the feast and hubbub of his neighbors. He found Tim sitting with Guyabano under Mang Gorio’s coconut tree, just where he thought he might find both.
They looked at each other, unable to talk, for the spell of understanding had already faded. Still, what need were words among friends? They sat in companionable silence, listening to the distant sounds of the fiesta, and watching the stars shine on a world made a little bit better than before. A better world, Jopi was sure of it, even with only a white strand of hair on the top of his head to show for it.
Guide Questions for Classroom and Book Club Discussions
What has happened to Mang Gorio’s cow?
What three magical things happen to Jopi soon after he sees Mang Gorio’s cow?
Who is Tim, and what does he need from Jopi?
What does Jopi find out under the mines?
Why is Molles Village in danger?
What must Jopi do to save his village?
If you were in Jopi’s shoes, what would you do?
Why didn’t Jopi join the celebration at the end of the story?
RESEARCH SUGGESTIONS
Look up what happens in an earthquake. What causes the earth to shake? What should you do in such a situation?
Find out why some mines are illegal or should be closed down. In what way do they destroy the environment?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cyan Abad-Jugo took her master’s in Children’s Literature at Simmons College, Boston, and her PhD in English Studies: Creative Writing and Anglo-American Literature at UP Diliman. Her books include: Father and Daughter, with Gémino H Abad; Sweet Summer and Other Stories; Leaf and Shadow: Stories About Some Friendly Creatures; and Salingkit: A 1986 Diary.
She teaches Literature and Creative Writing at the Ateneo de Manila University. She lives in Quezon City with her husband and twin hobbits. During her spare time, she loves to read, doodle, watch movies, and attend lettering and art workshops.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
JC Galag is a full-time designer by day and a freelance illustrator by night. He has illustrated children’s storybooks such as Salu-salo para kay Kuya and Si Tito Libro at Ako. He is also a member of Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK). If you want to say hi to JC, you can reach him at jcgalag@gmail.com or add him on Facebook.