BREAD OF SALT by N.V.M.

GONZALES
CHARACTERS

SUMMARY
(In which there's always a gap.)
It was his assigned duty to be up early in
the morning and be on his way to the bakers to
buy rolls and pan de sal for the breakfast table. He
was fourteen and he has already got used to his
task. On his way he thought of the bread of salt
pan de sal and wondered how it was made, what
gives its flavor and shape. He looked around the
landscape at daybreak and once again
remembered how much he adored Aida, the niece
of the old Spaniard whom he thought he was
destined to serve, just like his late Grandfather. At
times he thought it was his duty to stay in the house
in the service of the young maiden. He even
dreamed that she likewise keeps an intense
emotion for him, which she will only dare manifest
in the right time.

He was a diligent student and violinist. It

didnt take long before he was transferred from
second to first violin and before long, he was invited
to join Pete Saez band and perform in one
engagement after another. He was happy to earn
money through his own skill, although it was with
utter bitterness that he had to endure rehearsals
despite the outward disapproval of his aunt against
his chosen field. She thought musicians are no
better than dogs scurrying to get their mouths on
food scraps in trash bins. But he didnt mind,
thinking that the money hell earn from playing the
violin will allow him the capacity to buy a brooch
and beautiful stationery for his ardent love letters to
Aida.
Then he was invited, together with Saez
band, to the asalto for Don Esteban's daughters
who were arriving from Manila. He was honored to
be in a sophisticated gathering and get a magnified
look at Aidas stunning beauty. He was beside
himself with immeasurable joy and pride but will
later on be displaced by an equally immeasurable
embarrassment at the buffet table after Aida caught
him sneaking some sweets into the packet under
his shirt. She nonetheless offered him a big
package of food after the party but due to his
intense shame, he lost the composure to react,
along with the entire ardor he used to shower the
maiden with. After the party they led the guests
home with their music. Then with Paez, he went to
the bakery to buy pan de sal with his own money.
But the bread wasnt ready yet so they waited.