ELISA SALEM

Flor Contemplacion

Sarah Balabagan

 

A letter of Elisa to her parents

Dear Mama & Papa,

Sometimes, I think of committing suicide but what will happen to you, my loved ones. But my body is suffering so much due to her frequent beatings. When she learned that I have a child already, she charged that I am a prostitute and she tells this to all. But I suffer all of these. Until now, I have not received a single centavo of my salary for my labors.

I am very scared that they will even include you in my predicament. They are "big timers" even in the Philippines. This is what I get for stating in my passport that I am single. So please be careful when you write to me since my life is at stake here, Mama, Papa. If you address me differently from my passport name, she can have me detained and not one of you will ever know. She is very influential anywhere. You can be interrogated so a little caution.

Now, I seem to have typhoid fever since I have very little hair and I have many bruises all over my body. She made me sign to extend my contract as a payment for everything or I will be detained for life. Please, Mama, write me to cure my loneliness and don't forget that my name is Elisa Salem and my life is at stake here.

I hope that you will always make me a prayer request that nothing will happen to me. I want to go home alive for my child, Mama, and for you all.

I suffered all of these for more than two months. I breathe with difficulty. I felt like something snapped in my back and my chest. So pray for me that He will always give me strength and firmness... (Distor, Emere)