“They’re at it again.” Tanya grabbed her sister’s dress. “We should stop them.”
“Don’t worry about it, they’re not hurting anyone. Besides, lola always said these ones never take more than they need.” Layla waved as the small creatures walked by. “See? They can be friendly if you give them a chance.”
“I still don’t think it’s a good idea to just let them take the rice,” Tanya said. She grabbed one of the things and held it to her face. “What do they even need the rice for? Do they eat it?”
“Tanya! Put it down.” Layla grabbed the doll-like being from her sister’s hands. “I’m sorry, she’s young.” Layla turned to her sister. “Apologize to them.”
“Why should I? They’re stealing our rice right in front of us,” Tanya said adamantly.
“Do you really want to see where these things take the rice?” Layla looked at her sister sternly.
Tanya was scared. She had never seen her sister look that way, but her curiosity got the better of her. “Yes” was Tanya’s reply.
The sisters followed the group of ugaw through the forest and up the hills. They had to walk fast, the ugaw were small, but they were also swift. Tanya forced herself to not blink because she was afraid that they might disappear. Layla did not rush, she stayed a few steps behind her sister.
The ugaw ended their journey at the cemetery, which wasn’t far from the town. Tanya watched them set each grain of rice in front of a grave until they were all finished. Then, each ugaw walked away, heading towards the forest.
Tanya looked at her sister, it took her a moment before she realized where she was. “That’s lola’s grave,” she managed to say after a few minutes of silence.
“They were her friends.” Layla smiled.
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Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Story inspired by Ugaw description in Myth Museum. Medina. 2015.
Watercolor by Tara Singson
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