With great fervor, Roseline stirs the pot that contains the future meal of her family, composed (for now) of herself, her son and daughter. However, to keep the little girl from getting into mischief, she holds her up with her strong, thin arms. The little girl watches the steam rise up as the water boils. Roseline reaches for the other ingredients, the carrots and seasonings that go into the soup. Once the broth becomes flavored, Roseline tosses in the cow foot that is the centerpiece of the meal under the suspicions of her young son . She stirs it slowly, sweat building in her brow, her one-room shanty house a wooden hollow. She stops only momentarily both to cool of her burning hand as well as to calm the uneasy, unborn boy in her stomach. She takes a deep breath and proceeds with the task at hand.

 

The evening slowly goes by as she looks down on the meal she has worked so hard to prepare. She may be alone, but she is certainly not helpless. Smiling and praying a blessing over the meal, Roseline watches contently as the hungry children accept the food without complaint. Giggling a little, her daughter is picked up by her mother and hugged tenderly. Roseline practically dances as she holds up the laughing infant, but is forced to stop when she feels a slight cramp building up along her sides. Her baby boy was also dancing with her, it seemed, and wanted some attention. Roseline sat down on her bed and pointed to her children's own corner.Obediently, the children walk over to the makeshift mattress on the ground and curl up. Roseline got up, holding her stomach up to avoid further pain, and covers up the snoozing children, giving them a goodnight kiss before heading to her own sleeping place in the other corner.

Roseline struggled throughout the day, alone. Her sweat and blood were pooled out as she strove to provide the needs of her babies. She does not regret the mental strain nor the sore muscles that will eventually calm and relax once more. She does not regret, for it is effort well-spent. She gives a wide smile as she watches over the children, happy to have been near them, and lets her pride be shown in the grin she carries for her yet-to-be-born son. They, likewise, watch their mother with high hopes and an innocent, joyful face. The baby gave a slight but energetic kick, making Roseline once again put her hand on her stomach to let him know she is there. All of these small gestures of gratitude ensured that she knows the sacrifice of her daily life was not forgotten or in vain.