Scent of Apples

Narrator:
This is a story about a Filipino writer living in America. One day, he meets a fellow Filipino who
has been living in the United States for a long time. Through their conversation and visit to the
man’s home, the writer realizes the loneliness of Filipinos who live far away from their
homeland. This story shows the feeling of missing home and how memories and scents, like the
smell of apples, can bring back thoughts of the past.

Narrator (Filipino Writer):

I was invited to speak at a gathering in America. After my talk, a Filipino man came up to me.
He looked old and quiet, but there was something familiar about him.

Fabian:
(Smiling) You are Filipino, aren’t you? It feels good to see another kababayan.

Narrator (Filipino Writer):

(Smiling back) Yes, I am. It’s always nice to meet a fellow Filipino, especially here in America.

Fabian:
My name is Fabian. I’ve lived here for many years. My wife is American, and we have a son.
But life here is not the same as life in the Philippines.

Narrator (Filipino Writer):

I noticed the sadness in his voice. It made me wonder how long he had been away from home.

Fabian:
Would you like to visit my home? It’s not much, but my family would love to have you over.

Narrator (Filipino Writer):

I agreed. Fabian took me to his farm, far from the city. When we arrived, I saw many apple trees
surrounding his house. The air smelled sweet, filled with the scent of apples.

Fabian’s Wife:
(Smiling) Welcome to our home. It’s nice to have a visitor.

Fabian’s Son:
(Shyly) Hello, sir.

Narrator (Filipino Writer):

Fabian’s wife and son were kind, but as I sat in their home, I felt something was missing. There
were no signs of the Filipino culture I knew—no Filipino food, no decorations that reminded me
of home.
Fabian:
Life here is different. It’s lonely sometimes. I miss the Philippines, but I can’t go back. I have a
family here now.

Narrator (Filipino Writer):

I understood what he meant. Living in another country for so long can make you feel like you no
longer belong anywhere.

Fabian:
Do you ever miss home?

Narrator (Filipino Writer):

(Smiling sadly) Yes, I do. No matter where we go, home is always in our hearts.

Fabian:
(Sniffing the air) The smell of apples… It reminds me of something, but it’s not the same as the
scent of mangoes or sampaguita in the Philippines.

Narrator (Filipino Writer):

I realized that the scent of apples, though sweet, was not the scent of home for him. It was a
reminder that he was far away from where he truly belonged.

Narrator:
At the end of the story, the Filipino writer understands how hard it is to be away from home for a
long time. Fabian may have a new life in America, but he still longs for his homeland. The scent
of apples, though pleasant, reminds him that he is in a foreign land. The story teaches us about
homesickness, the longing for our culture, and how memories of home stay with us no matter
where we go.
 My Father Goes to Court

Narrator:
This is a story about a poor but happy family and their rich but unhappy neighbor. It shows that
happiness is not just about having money—it’s about enjoying life and sharing laughter with
others. In this story, a rich man accuses a poor family of stealing something unusual—not his
money or things, but the smell of his food! Let’s find out what happens.

Narrator (Son):
I grew up in a small town with my parents and many brothers and sisters. We were poor, but our
home was filled with laughter. Even though we had little money, we were happy.

Father:
(Laughing) As long as we have each other, we will never be poor!

Narrator (Son):
Next to our house was a big, rich man's mansion. His family had plenty of food—roasted
chicken, fresh bread, delicious soup—but we noticed something strange.

Mother:
(Sadly) Why do they always look so serious? They never laugh or play.

Narrator (Son):
Even though they had everything, the rich family looked pale and weak. They always stayed
inside their house, never smiling.

Father:
(Teasing) Maybe they don’t know how to be happy!

Narrator (Son):
Our family, on the other hand, was always outside, enjoying the fresh air. We played in the sun,
laughed loudly, and smelled the delicious food coming from the rich man’s house. The smell of
their food made us even hungrier, but we just laughed and imagined how good it tasted.

One day…

A messenger came to our house.

Messenger:
(Serious tone) Your father has been summoned to court!

Narrator (Son):
We were shocked! What did my father do? We quickly dressed up and went to the courthouse.
Judge:
(Sternly) Rich man, why are you accusing this family?

Rich Man:
(Angrily) Your Honor, every day, this poor family stands outside my house, smelling our food!
They have been stealing the delicious scent of our meals! That is why my family has become
weak and sick.

Narrator (Son):
The judge looked surprised. The people in the courtroom whispered to each other. How could
someone steal the smell of food?

Judge:
(Confused) Is this true?

Father:
(Smiling) Yes, Your Honor, we enjoy the smell of their food, but we never took anything from
them.

Judge:
Hmm… How do you plan to settle this case?

Narrator (Son):
My father reached into his pocket, took out a few coins, and shook them so that they jingled in
the air.

Father:
(Smiling) Do you hear that, rich man? That is the payment for the smell of your food—the sound
of my money!

Narrator (Son):
The rich man’s face turned red with embarrassment. The judge laughed, and so did the whole
courtroom.

Judge:
(Laughing) Case dismissed!

Narrator:
In the end, the rich man realized how foolish his complaint was. The story teaches us that
happiness cannot be bought with money. The poor family had nothing but laughter and love,
while the rich family had everything except joy. This story reminds us that real wealth comes
from being happy with what we have and sharing it with others.
 HOW MY BROTHER LEON BOUGHT HOME A WIFE

Narrator:
This is a story about love, acceptance, and change. Leon, a man from the province, brings home
his wife, Maria, to meet his family for the first time. His younger brother, Baldo, tells the story
from his point of view. Their father wants to see if Maria can handle the simple life in the
countryside, so Baldo takes them on a rough, dusty road as a test. Will Maria prove that she truly
belongs with Leon?

Narrator (Baldo):
My brother Leon just came home… with his wife Maria. My father wanted me to test if Maria
could handle our simple life in the province. So instead of taking the usual road home, I took
them on the rough, dusty Waig road. Let's see how she reacts.

Leon:
Maria, this is my hometown. No tall buildings, just fields and fresh air.

Maria:
It’s beautiful! The sky looks bigger here than in the city.

Baldo:
(Thinking) She’s smiling, not complaining. That’s a good sign.

Leon:
That’s because there are no skyscrapers here blocking the view.

Baldo:
The road is bumpy, dust is flying everywhere… will she get mad?

Maria:
(Laughing) This cart ride is fun! It’s like an adventure!

Baldo:
Wow. She’s really not bothered at all.

A while later...

Maria:
The dogs are barking! They knew we were coming.
Leon:
Yeah, they always do. They’ve been waiting for us.

Baldo:
(Thinking) We’re almost home… Now, the real test begins.

At Home…

Father:
(Silently looks at Maria)

Maria:
(Smiles warmly) It’s an honor to meet you, sir.

Leon:
Father, this is Maria.

Baldo:
(Thinking) She looks calm. She’s showing respect. Will Father accept her?

Father:
(Nods approvingly)

Baldo:
Yes! Maria passed the test! Father accepts her!

Narrator:
Maria proved that she truly loved Leon—not just with words, but with her patience, kindness,
and willingness to embrace his world. She didn’t complain about the rough road, the dust, or the
simple life. Instead, she appreciated everything with a smile.

This story teaches us that love is not just about feelings—it’s also about understanding,
patience, and the ability to adapt to change. Maria showed that she was ready to be part of
Leon’s family, and in the end, she was welcomed with open arms.