The rising action in "How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife" by Manuel E. Arguilla is the journey of Leon, Maria, and Baldo to Leon's family home in the province. This journey is filled with tension and anticipation as Maria faces the challenges of adapting to a new environment and proving herself worthy to Leon's family. Here's a breakdown of the rising action: - The Test: Leon's father, wanting to ensure Maria is a suitable wife for his son, instructs Baldo to take the longer, more difficult route to the house, passing through the "Waig" instead of the "Camino Real." This is a test of Maria's resilience and ability to handle the hardships of rural life.- Maria's Anxiety: Maria, being a city dweller, is apprehensive about the journey and the potential disapproval of Leon's family. She worries about her ability to adapt to the rural lifestyle and fears being judged for her city upbringing.- Baldo's Observation: Baldo, the narrator, observes Maria's reactions and anxieties closely. He notices her fear of the carabao, her fascination with the unfamiliar surroundings, and her efforts to adjust to the new environment.- The Growing Tension: The journey itself becomes a source of tension as Maria faces challenges like the rough terrain, the unfamiliar sounds and sights, and the potential judgment of Leon's father. This tension builds as the story progresses, creating a sense of anticipation for the climax. The rising action culminates in the arrival of Leon and Maria at the family home. This is where the climax begins, with Maria facing the ultimate test of acceptance by Leon's family.