21st Century
21st Century
21st Century
12- Techumss
The unforgettable encounter takes place in a rural setting near a village well. The
summer was intense in its exhausting and uncompromising heat. Manong, travelling with
his bull and cart, arrived at the village well and found the comely figure of Ading to his
surprise. There is intense heat in the ambience and it is multiplied with a greater sense of
electricity between the two. Ading throws a curious glimpse at Manong who is a bit more
reserved and accords her comforting space and regard. He draws water from the well but is
lost in the thoughts of Ading. He shows an appearance of fledgeling romance as he worries
about the state of her palms subjected to the callous wear due to the rugged ropes while
drawing up water from the well. There are physical cues of breaking the ice as Ading offers
a muted smile. As he is consuming his meal, Ading draws nearer to him. The nerves are
amplified and she spills water on herself as a result. The drenched clothes of Ading capture
Manong’s fancy while his muscular development makes Ading appreciates his strength and
masculinity. Such explicit expression denotes a level of budding lustful gravitation between
the two. Gathering his wits, Manong helps Ading fill her jar of water again. Obliged and
indebted to his help, she invites him to her house. She assures him regarding her mother’s
sanction and he readily agrees to follow the damsel to her humble abode.
Midsummer Analysis
The story started when Leon and his younger brother were both
waiting for the arrival of Leon's wife, Maria, riding in a carretela. As Baldo saw his
older brother's wife, he described her as lovely, tall, and beautiful. He narrated
their journey to Nagrebcan, their hometown. Leon wondered why Baldo drove
them to the Waig instead on the Camino Real. Baldo answered that he drove them
to the Waig because their father told him to follow the Waig. The Waig route
served as a test for the wife to see if she could really live in a province which was
very different in a life in a city where she lived. While travelling, Maria described
the place of Leon as clean, and free of dust and smoke. Maria admitted of having
some fears if the father of Leon would not accept her as to be his daughter-in-law
because she may not able to survive the life in the province. When they got
home, Leon's family talked to Maria. Baldo and his father had a conversation
about what had happened while they were travelling. The father asked Baldo if
Maria was afraid in their place. Baldo answered that Maria was not afraid and
instead she enjoyed the journey.