After several tries to have children, Gregino and Zia became disappointed. Why couldn’t they have children? They tried one last time.
“If this doesn’t work, we may have to consider baby boost if you want to have children,” Gregino had said. But Zia came out of the bedroom with a baby in her arms. Gregino and Zia both celebrated. Their first child! Zia decided that Gregino should choose the name for their new red headed son. To her surprise, he chose the name Bingozo. Oh well, Zia thought. It’s a unique name for our unique little boy. She showed her new baby the garden where she had played as a child and the toys, which were the same ones she had played with 20 years ago. When Bingozo was 2 years old, he was able to run around the house, playing and exploring. Gregino and Zia decided to try for another baby. Bingozo deserved a sibling. Again they were successful! Zia couldn’t believe their good luck after so many years without children. This time it was a red headed girl, and it was Zia’s turn to name her. She chose Friana, another unique name.
Gregino and Zia loved their children with all their hearts and they wished they could play with them forever, but Gregino had to get back to work while Zia was caring for the children. Gregino was a lyricist, but not very well known and he didn’t get a lot of money. Actually, the only money they had to buy groceries and such was from Zia’s inheritance. They talked about it at dinner one evening.
“Dear,” Zia said to her husband, holding a third baby in her arms, “I’m afraid you’re going to have to go back to work. I’m not sure how long my inheritance will last, especially with three children!”
“But, Zia! I am a lyricist. No one knows about me. I barely get any pay!” Gregino told her.
“A little bit is better than nothing. Do you want your family to live in poverty when my inheritance runs out and I am unable to work because of our children?” Those words seemed to decide it. Gregino would work until they stopped having children, and then Zia would also work as a dress designer. Eventually Gregino was able to make more money, his rank raised to apprentice, but his salary was still only $45 a day. It was just enough to keep the family going.
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