HOW MY BROTHER LEON BROUGHT HOME A WIFEby Manuel E. Arguilla
The story begins with Baldo, the narrator describing how beautiful and graceful Maria is -- the wife of his brother. Baldo also described how in love his brother Leon to his wife. Afterwards, they start the journey to their home with Labang, the cow.
Was she afraid of Labang?
No, Father, she was not afraid.
As instructed by Baldo and Leon's father, Baldo took the road of Waig which is the harder and bulkier way than crossing the Camino Real. Here, the father wanted to test Maria's characteristics and attitude, as well as how she will handle a province life. Surprisingly, the couple just seem to enjoy the trip, they even sung together while passing the waig.
It's time you watered Labang, my son.
The moment they arrive in their destination -- Leon and Baldo's house, Leon introduced Maria to his family. However, his father remain in his room because of his disability to walk.
While Maria and Leon together with their mother and sister were downstairs, Baldo go directly to his father's room, and they talk about how the trip went -- specifically how Maria adapted and act on the environment. Based on Baldo's testimonies, Maria just passed the test that Leon and Baldo's father had set, and that she already proves that she deserves to be Leon's wife.
The moment Leon and Maria entered the room, Baldo's father asked him to water Labang. This is to change the topic. When Baldo is leaving the room, he said he ca still smell the fragrance brought by Maria.