Inside the worn, faded pillow was a small, carefully wrapped bundle. With trembling hands, I unwrapped it to find an assortment of yellowed, crumpled papers and a few old coins. Each piece of paper was painstakingly saved, each coin a testament to years of foresight.
The papers were a collection of Tatay Ramón’s scribbled notes and receipts. What struck me most was a particular note written in his shaky handwriting: “For Maria – to show my gratitude, my saving for you.” Tears welled up in my eyes as I read these words, understanding the depth of his love and appreciation.
Among the notes were receipts from selling vegetables at the local market, notes on the cost of seeds, and miscellaneous expenses related to farming. It was evident that he had been setting aside a small part of his meager earnings for years for this very purpose. While the total amount wasn’t substantial by any means, it was the most generous gift I had ever received.
