THE YOUNG EMILIO JACINTO
Doña Achay arrives in the house of Emilio. She looks for Panggoy or Josefa Dizon, Emilio’s mother. Emilio invites Doña Achay to sit down. He says that his mother has gone somewhere. Doña Achay notices that Emilio is happy. He says that tomorrow is his birthday. Her mother has promised to buy him a new camisa.
Doña Achay is not able to wait for Panggoy. She leaves and tells Emilio that she will be back. When his mother arrives, Emilio tells her about Doña Achay. Mother suddenly looks worried. Emilio asks why his mother won’t tell. She sends Emilio to do an errand.
Doña Achay arrives again. She asks for the ten pesos Josefa Dizon has loaned from her. Panggoy tells her that she will pay her after Christmas. Doña Achay does not believe that Panggoy doesn’t have money. She knows that Panggoy will buy a new camisa for Emilio. Panggoy tells her that she is able to save money only enough to buy a camisa. Doña Achay forces her to pay. Panggoy starts to cry and gives her what she has saved.
Emilio who heard everything enters and tells his mother not to cry. He says that he will find work, so that they can pay his mother’s debt. Panggoy sobs and tells him,” But, Son, the camisa I promised you, and your haircut…and tomorrow is your birthday.” Emilio answers,”Do not let that worry you, Mother. I shall have other birthdays.”