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I am Jamila. A doll. I observe everything without emotion.
The day came when Eloisa and her husband returned from the hospital. Eloisa’s face looked tired but bright. She carried new ultrasound pictures. She placed one of them near me in the crib.
Jamila, it’s a girl! Si Bernadette na talaga siya!
Her husband hugged her from behind, his hands resting gently on her round belly.
Mahal, ang ganda ng baby natin. Kamukha mo. he said softly while kissing her cheek.
Salamat, Mahal. Excited na akong makita siya. Natatakot din ako pero mas masaya ako. Eloisa replied, her voice full of mixed feelings.
Eloisa picked me up and placed me on her belly again. She spoke directly to the baby inside while holding me.
Bernadette, baby girl ko… ito si Jamila. Magiging ate mo siya sa kwento natin. Tuturuan ka namin maging matatag at mahalin ang sarili mo.
From that day, the name Bernadette was spoken often in the house. Eloisa began folding tiny clothes and arranging them in the drawers. She would talk to me about her dreams for her daughter while preparing the nursery.
At night, when her husband was sleeping, she would sit in the rocking chair holding me and speak her fears.
Paano kung magmana siya sa mga weaknesses ko? Paano kung hindi ko siya maprotektahan?
She hugged me tightly again. Her heartbeat was faster than usual. I remained still, as dolls do, recording every word and every tremble. → story continues in Chapter 4
Read Chapter 4
The humans now speak a new name often, Bernadette. Eloisa’s body moves differently now. There are more kicks against me when she holds me close. She produces tears even when her mouth smiles. I continue to observe without understanding the reason for these liquids. — Jamila
