Chapter Sixteen: A Letter of Distress from Cabanatuan, Philippines

 She took one last glance at the letter she wrote with passion and meant to deliver to the North Pole, wishing that it finds its way to the generosity of Santa Claus, to be opened by the most faithful Elves. Although she wasn't quite sure how to mail letters to the Village, she was hoping to use the address she had found in a search engine. Google search has helped her a lot, especially in understanding the illness of her mother.

Her name is Amihan, and she is not writing to Santa Claus for herself. Of course she was asking for a gift, but unlike many other children who are mostly asking for toys, her request is selfless and pretty straightforward. She wanted a miracle for her mother who is battling a rare form of blood cancer.

She wasn't sure if Santa Claus do grant gift request for miracles, or if he is capable of granting it, but at least she is trying. The health condition of her mother is quickly deteriorating, and she cannot bear to witness the suffering that her mother had to face everyday, battling the pain and attempting to be strong. Indeed, the fight to win back your health once it succumbed to a terrible, terrible disease is proving to be overwhelming.

"If you cannot give me a miracle, then please just give me strength. I am also fervently praying to God regarding this humble request, but I thought you should also know," she wrote in Tagalog. Although she wasn't sure, too, if Santa Claus can understand her native tongue, she made sure that her penmanship reflects her deep emotion, nonetheless, to paint the face of her distress.

"I have nothing more to ask of you, dear Santa, other than to restore the health of my mother. I know God is listening to our prayers, but I would like to ask you as well because I believe that generosity heals physical pain, and your kindness will definitely become a healing pill to the many aching hearts." 

Amihan smiled as she was re-reading the letter. There is no harm in trying, and today she will be mailing it. It goes with it every hope she had remaining to get a reply from Santa Claus, and be heard of her predicament. She was clearly in distress, and she is crying for help. Santa Claus will help her, she is very certain of this.

"I have been a good girl, Santa. Thank you for reading my letter."

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This Chapter is sponsored by Tom Ford men's shoes.