Susan & Oishi: Storm-Proof Sass and Soggy Generosity

Narrator: Oishi (who else could it be?)

It was an ordinary day — or at least it started that way.

Susan and I were still curled up in bed at 10 a.m. And before you ask: no, she wasn’t sick, heartbroken, or on strike. She was just… relaxed.

Why?
Because there was a typhoon. A mild one. Flooded roads, car unreachable, and in her words:

“If no storm passes through the Philippines, the Pacific Ocean might just run dry.”
(I don’t even know what that means, but I’ve stopped questioning her logic.)

She got up, made hot cocoa, poured milk into my bowl like I was royalty, and said — while looking out the window:

“Look outside, Badoodle… even the kids are having a great time.”

And yes — I saw it too. Kids with paper boats, the rain falling gently, radio murmuring updates about Typhoon Pepe.
It was… cozy. For now.

I observed the humans doing their thing:

• Some were still going to the market.
• Some stocked up on candles, flashlights, and food.
• And Susan? She was already prepared. Girl never runs out of snacks. I respect that.

After lunch, we were watching our favorite show, The Detective Agency, when suddenly the screen cut:

BREAKING NEWS:
“Typhoon Pepe has intensified. Signal No. 4. Floodwaters reaching rooftops. Evacuation in progress.”

I froze.
There were people — entire families — sitting on rooftops, holding onto pets, waiting for rescue boats. The only things bending harder than the coconut trees were my emotions.
I watched as fellow barkmates were being carried, soaked, shaking.
I turned to Susan… but she was gone.

I heard rustling in the closet. Then she popped out with a trash bag.

“Oishi Badoodle! We need to donate clothes — the ones we’re not using anymore!”

I believed her.
Until…she held up her favorite dress — the one she hadn’t worn since pre-pandemic (pre-pandemic 1).

“But what if there’s a special event in the future?” she pleaded. “I look cute in this one!”

Ma’am, that dress wouldn’t fit over your arm. Let it go.

She saw my expression. I think she interpreted my look and she bent down and said “Why are you looking at me like that? What if I take your bandana, huh?”

No. Not the bandana.
Don’t take my identity, Susan. NOOO.

Then suddenly — because even heaven couldn’t ignore this mess
Jesus appeared behind her and said gently:

“Susan… please. For Me.”

And just like that, she started packing every last piece of clothing she hadn’t worn since 2005.

And me?
I heroically snuck her ancient undies into the trash bag. You’re welcome, world.

But in all seriousness:
I love Susan. Her heart’s in the right place. Even when her logic is… flooded.

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✍️ Writer’s Note

I live in a country where storms and floods are part of the rhythm of life.
This story might feel exaggerated — but honestly? It’s not.
(Okay… maybe the undie part. Maybe.)

I’ve been lucky.
I live in the city, where the water usually rises just enough to cancel errands but not lives.
But once, I had to evacuate. My dog and I were soaked, cold, and displaced.
That night? I understood.
The fear. The discomfort. The fragile prayer of “Lord, please…”

Not everyone will experience that.
But maybe, through stories — funny, honest, odd stories — we can feel just a little closer.
And maybe we’ll be moved to do something too.

This isn’t meant to mock or minimize the pain others have gone through.
Filipinos are resilient — but we’re not numb.
And in those moments of crisis, I saw how we stood together:
Neighbors giving. Strangers donating. Some volunteering in drenched clothes and tired hearts.
We helped because it’s who we are.

And I know you’re probably like that too.
Whether you’re Filipino or not, I’ve seen how people from all over the world show up —
for their neighbors, for strangers, for anyone in need.

Sometimes it’s food.
Sometimes it’s clothes.
Sometimes it’s just sitting beside someone who’s soaking wet — with hope.

Because at the end of the day, no matter where we’re from…

We’re all hooman. 🐾

This story — with its messy closets and flying slippers — simply shows that even in chaos, we still find laughter, compassion, and the will to do good.

Because here in the Philippines, we say:
“Bagyo ka lang, Pinoy kami!”
You’re just a storm.
We are Filipino.

Still Rising 🔥 Still Barking 🐾 💛🇵🇭