Lost Rice

A man smiles as he walks down the streets of Quiapo. The streets are full of people pushing and jostling the man. He carries two plastic bags full of rice. They are heavy and full, and he carries them gingerly. His daughter hangs on to his right arm and his son hangs on to his left.

The bag of rice in his right-hand burst and the rice pours onto the dirty street. The street is full of refuse, yellow dog shit and slimy water.The man puts down the bag in his left hand and squats to see if he can salvage any of the rice. His face furrows with worry. There is no way to recover any of the fallen rice. People kick and step on the rice as they pass. He stands, looks at his daughter and son.

He picks up the second bag and continues down the street. The second bag breaks and pours onto the street. The man's face becomes a picture of agony. His eyes are ringed with red and full of tears. He looks at his daughter and his mouth becomes an expression of horror. He looks at his son and he closes his eyes in pain.