ILLUSTRATED STORY · FOUR READING LEVELS

The Escape of Juanita

A village listens for a girl inside an old tree

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Juanita Calaon lived in Santa Cruz with her mother and father. A great balete tree stood near the path she used.

People said a tikbalang spirit lived in the tree. Juanita usually called “Tabi,” asking leave to pass, whenever she went by.

One morning Juanita went to collect firewood for her family. She passed the balete tree and searched farther along the path for fallen branches.

She tied the wood into a bundle. Then she turned toward home.

Juanita sang as she carried the firewood home. Thinking of her song, she passed the balete without calling “Tabi.”

The tikbalang spirit came from the tree and drew her inside. Her bundle fell beside the path.