Good day G10-Ruby!
This is your first blog entry for fourth grading period.
With a partner, create a story or a drama based from the
context of “A Martian Sends a Postcard Home” by Craig Raine. This is a creative
writing activity. Make sure that your story or your drama contains the complete
elements. Discuss your ideas with your partner and construct a literary
masterpiece full of sensory images. You
may include other images aside from those which are included in the poem.
It is time that you unleash that hidden Shakespearean
talents in you. Take your readers in a wonderful world of imagination!
Enjoy writing!
The Postman
ReplyDeleteby: Ma. Kyla Angelica C. Manzanares
Shannen Mae C. Torrejos
Part 1:
Astok went home to his city in Curio, Mars after laboriously working for his family. He is a postman who collects and delivers mail to every household. While he was heading home, the street was already covered with a ghostly light and a spooky whish of air. He was stepping his foot in front of the other, it seems that he was unaware of what's going on in the atmosphere. It was striking almost 12 'o clock midnight. As he reached his destination, his feet touched down a strange object in the middle of the road. That object was a red button - like that buzzed and spread noise all over the tranquil roadway. The martian was puzzled about what's happening. He fell onto that road he was walking and the street was cracked into half. The dark road ingested that specie and lead him to the world of wilderness.
That place he reached accidentally was a different planet. He already reached the planet earth, the Mars' neighbor planet. It seems that this place is mostly covered with water and has a bright atmosphere covered with feathery clouds. He also saw different green plants that made that place a heavenly paradise. This planet have many different climates: summer, spring, winter, and fall from snow to desserts, forests to cities. There are many creatures and it seems that the dominant one are species called "humans". Like planet Mars, there are also residences or subdivision where the houses of the people of the earth was inside and it is the place where they live.
The martian was so curious that he went inside the residential subdivision. He went onto one of the residential houses. His trembling hand clutched the gate of the house. He watched in fear when a strange dog that is howling went near to his place and continuously creating noise throughout the entire house building.
Astok entered the house and he saw a little girl holding a book like he saw once a caxton in his planet that perched into his hand. The bright atmosphere that was outside the house seems getting darker and he quietly went outside and watched the droplets of water that falls to the ground but he seems scared of the sound of the rain so the martian decided to go inside the house without no human noticing him. He saw an old man watching television and he noticed that it was like the pouring rain outside because of its picture making colors darker surrounding the view and he sees pictures in the television as a reality.
Part 2:
ReplyDeleteAstok, the postman martian that wants to unveil the world that he is exploring right now so he decided to get out of the house and went by the road with the old man in the house that is also getting outside to buy something to the grocery store. He rode in a model T - like vehicle with a lock inside. This is the car of the old man that he is with. Astok sees a mirror in front of the automobile that sees places outside that cannot be seen by our eyes at the back view. The old man suddenly went down into his car and the martian notices that he runs out of time to the grocery because it would already get close. The old man decided to move to the convenience store that is 24 hours open and brought what he needed.
When the old man got home, Astok the martian follows him on his back secretly and the atmosphere is already getting darker and it turns into nighttime. He went upstairs to go to their room, a place in the house where they lay down and sleep. Astok saw a tiny human which cries aloud. He compared it to a telephone because when his mother picks him up, that tiny human stops crying. The following day, he saw that the mother wakes the baby by tickling it with a finger.
The martian thinks that the calling for nature in humans is weird. The young ones may do this openly while the adults do this privately. He thinks that they are punished by their own self because of the sounds they suffer alone. They also have that different smell which results from their pain.
When it is already evening, the whole family went to bed altogether and closed their eyes. They went dreaming by themselves in their own imagination. The next day, Astok wrote down his experiences in planet earth and sent that postcard home. He changed his appearance and braced himself to the horror of this encounter.
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ReplyDelete"LOST BOY"
ReplyDeleteBy Gelo P. Zaragosa & Marc Jandell F. Mendoza
I tremble, in this cold, damp, eerie, weather atmosphere that I feel right now.
I am dressed with dirty clothes like rugs. As I wrapped a scarf around my neck, it slithered like a snake. I was once from a good place but now I am here.
I walked outside hoping to breathe a fresh air and that all my wounds and heartaches would heal.
Suddenly, I looked up and saw that winter is definitely coming.
"Hey!" I heard a man’s voice shout at me.
I walked towards him.
But he said: “Not you, you dirty piece of filth.”
I stood drowned in depression, a tear dropping from my eye. Back then, I was treated like a prince, not like this. I turned and smiled at him and followed him into the house to face the reality.
I knew why, it was because I am lost. I am a lost boy who is not ready to be found by someone else. I need this for me to be able to find my own self.
I had already been put down because of this before but now I am getting myself to get used to it by now. But I wouldn’t let this bring me down.
I was once again surprised by the reality.
The metal came over my tired back and my body convulsed ; my limbs shaking , my head throbbing as I fell to the hard , rocky floor . Blood and salt are mixing on my open wounds, stinging as the impact spread through my cuts. My vision was blurry and tinged crimson from my own blood, yet somehow I could still see that annoying face , the scowl , grimacing over me . The reality was in control, it is my master and it held my meaningless life in his rugged hand, which was an obvious pleasure in his mind to hold over me.
The dreams were so tempting, lovely, and deep. But I have promises I need to keep and miles to go before I go to sleep.
Look at me. Look at me. I'm a mess. Lost
A JOURNEY TO REMEMBER
ReplyDeleteby: Erica Angel Nadeen R. Ruga and Shekinah Millen Maramot
PART 1:
A long time ago, there was a tiny village named Hailsbrooks. There lived a simple yet delighted family. They were very happy and contented in their life even though they only have one son. There was always this time in their life wherein they seem to share a lot of stories in everyday of their lives. Just like a normal family, they became very close to each other because of the time they shared with each other. As time passes by, people surrounding them were very amazed because of the relationship of this family. But just like any other happy family, there comes a point in their life wherein they faced a tremendous challenge. The mother of the family experienced a very serious disease. They don’t have enough money to accommodate the medication she needed. Because of this, the mother died. The father and the son suffered a downright depression. The father keeps on blaming himself because he was the breadwinner of the family but he wasn’t able to provide enough money to protect his wife. He thinks that he was not a devoted father to his son that’s why he chooses to stay away from him. Then his son cannot accept the fact that he loses his mother and at the same time his father. The family that seems to be very close to each other happened to vanished in just a blink of an eye. The son thinks that he was not important anymore to his father. He thinks that he is one of the reason why his father’s life became miserable. The son ran away from their home and decided not to go back to that place anymore. It was the middle of the night; the air seems very cold. The son was walking alone in the street. A lot of things came up to his mind. All the happy moments his family shared together. But what happened? Why did all the things suddenly happen to them? They seem to be very happy. No problems at all. Because of the deep thoughts he was having, the boy didn’t notice that there was a huge truck approaching his way. One moment later, he realized that he was lying on the ground and felt some liquid running on his head. And there, he didn’t know what happened next.
He saw a shadow of a man approaching toward him but his clear sight is slowly fading and becoming blurry. He opened his eyes but he cannot see anything, he tried to move but his body aches and he keeps on shouting, trying to call for help then he heard a voice that is trying to keep him calm. The boy stopped shouting and asks the old man what happened, where he is and why he can’t see things. The old man told him that he was passing by the road and he saw this boy lying on the ground with blood and bruises, he carried the boy to his car and brought him at the nearest hospital. When they finally arrived at the hospital, the boy was delivered into the emergency room and the doctor said that his eyes were damaged and the only thing that can help him to survive is to remove his sight. The old man decided to agree just to save the life of the boy, the operation succeeded and the old man stayed at the hospital until the boy wakes up. After knowing what happened, the boy just can’t stop crying because he don’t know what to do and where will he go after what happened. The old man with open arms offered his house to the boy and he asks the boy if he can adopt him and be his son, the boy happily agreed and thanked the old man for his kindness. Finally, the old man named the boy “Pan” and the boy shall call him “Mr. Crimson”. They went home and Mr. Crimson guided Pan to his room. Mr. Crimson finally adopted the boy and tells him that he is an inventor and he makes things that people need. Pan asks if he can come with him while he invent such things so he can know and learn what these things are capable of, Mr. Crimson smiled because even though the boy is blind, he doesn’t think of this as a hindrance in learning and accepting new things in his life.
PART 2:
ReplyDeleteYears and years passed the relationship of the boy and the old man grew deeper. They became very close to each other. Pan suddenly thinks the times where his family used to be close just like that. They were with each other all the time. The boy was there when the old man was inventing different things such as television, remote control, telephone and many more. In spite of his blindness, he was not able to see how the old man create such things but he knows deep down in his heart what’s the real worth of all these things.
Mr. Crimson is too old and very weak so as time passes by; he passed away and left all his assets to his adopted son, Pan promised to continue what the old man ended and to fulfill his duties as making things that will help other people in their daily life. Days passed after Mr. Crimson died, Pan went out to the veranda to sit and rest when a voice of a little boy talks to him. The little boy asks him about the mail he saw from the table near him, he doesn’t know what is written so he told the little boy to read it out loud… “What has a ring but no finger?”... He answered the little boy that it is a riddle and the answer is telephone. The little boy was curious about this thing. Pan answered his curiosity. He tells him that there was a part of his life wherein he met a great inventor and because of all the things that happened to him in the past, this inventor adopted him as his son. As he continues his story, he tells the little boy that during the times when Mr. Crimson was inventing things, he was there so he knows all about these things. “How come that you know what a telephone is when in fact, you are blind and you can’t see this thing?” asks the little boy. “Yes, I am blind and I can’t see such things. But, Mr. Crimson taught me what the real worth of this thing is.” answered Pan. Our life is like a telephone. There comes a point when the telephone is ringing, and that is the part where our life is running. When we pick up the phone, this is the part when we accept that life is full of challenges. It depends on how we are able to face these challenges. And the part when we hang the phone, this is where we are going to wait for the next ring or in reality; we are going to face the new challenge that is waiting for us. The little boy was very amazed of what Pan had told him. The little boy read another one… “It is so full of light but always in shade?”… He answered and said that it is a lamp; the little boy asks another riddle… “What starts with t and ends with t that has a t in it?”… He laughs and said that it is a teapot. The little boy was surprised and asks him how he knew all of these things. Pan answered him that all of the answers to the riddles were the things that Mr. Crimson invented.
PART 3:
ReplyDeleteThe little boy asks him if he can go back the other day and bring his friend with him so he can hear some riddles too. The next day the little boy came with his friend and he asks Pan and his friend to read some of the riddles on the mail but the friend of the little boy seems to be very emotional because he can hear him crying. The little boy’s friend hugs him and whispered to him, “My son, I’m very sorry because I became weak; I hope you can forgive me for letting you leave.” He was shocked that the little boy’s friend was his father, he felt his tears running down his face, and Pan hugs his father so tight and also asks forgiveness for leaving and not coming back. The little boy was amazed on how things come up. From all the things that happened to him, he was very thankful because he met his father again and he was able to ask for forgiveness. Because of all the problems they faced, they were able to start a new beginning and finally, they see life in a positive way. In addition for this, this is the journey that the boy will never ever forget.
This short story is compared to the poem entitled “A Martian sends a postcard home”. The poem is all about a normal man who sees things differently. We come up to an idea and we are able to create this story. This story is all about a normal happy family who were very close to each other and in the blink of an eye; it all vanished because of all the challenges that happened to them. A lot of things happened to them but in the end, they were able to realize all the things they should have done. In life, things happen around us, things happen to us, but the only thing that truly matters is how you choose to react to it and what you make out of it. Life is all about leaning, adopting and converting all the struggles that we experience into something positive.
SUMMER TIME MADNESS
ReplyDeleteby Christine Agan & Mike Cabarles
It was a gloomy morning. It was already 10AM but the skies were still gray, covered with ominous clouds – not a single patch of blue could be found. It had been like this for days now but not a single drop of rain poured. I’ve got a feeling that today it will.
I was walking down the hallway; my stomping could be heard as an echo. It was quiet – meaning that there were no riots of any sort, just the distant howls of the patients inside their rooms or at the corners.
“Dr. Goodman,” my assistant approached me. “I’ve prepared Dana for your appointment with her.”
“Thank you, Claire.” I obliged.
“It’s her birthday, isn’t it?” Her tone was sympathetic, almost heartbreaking.
I just nodded.
It had always been like this. I’ve always felt as if everything that I have ever done, all the years spent studying, observing – had meant nothing, gone to waste. I had always tried my best to bring them back. But I’ve always failed.
Just like her case.
215
I entered the room with a joyful aura, hoping that she could absorb some of it or maybe even meet it with an equal aura.
But she didn’t.
Dana was curled in the corner, eyes wide-open, her hair wet from her morning shower. In her hand was her doll. She never seems to let go of it at all cost.
“Good morning, Dana.”
I knelt in front of her and gave her the chalk she’d always request for.
This is her daily routine: she’d take the chalk from me, she’ll then draw a line that tells her what day of the week it is. Every time she reaches the seventh draw, she’d ask me –
“Is it my birthday?”
She got it right this time.
“Correct.”
She returned to her corner. I noticed her hand turning white against her doll and the chalk. And then she started stabbing the doll.
“It’s my birthday,” it was almost monotonous with a slight trembling.
Maybe she was imitating what they did to them on that day. It’s been two years…
Smith family massacre Feb. 10, 2014
Four bodies, one female and three males, were found dead inside a rest house. One survivor lost her sanity due to trauma and rape. Investigations revealed that it was the famous Smith family taking a vacation at a beach in Gainesville, Florida. The survivor had been identified as Daniela Smith. Suspect had not yet been found.
I slid my hand to her back to calm her down. She was shaking.
I slowly took the chalk away from her. Once I grabbed it, she stopped.
I pulled ourselves up and guided her to the table next to her bed. I sat in the side of the bed facing her.
“So,” I sighed. “Since today really is your birthday, we can go outside.”
She said nothing. Her expressions blank.
“Don’t you want to go outside?”
“Will we ride the caxtons?” She finally gave a response in an innocent and fragile tone.
She was referring to the children books I read to her. I told her that they could give anyone a ride to places just by reading what’s inside – like an airplane. She called them caxtons because they resembled that of the cartoons except that they were not moving and that they were stored in a box underneath her bed.
“No, no,” I said. “I mean in the garden or at the playground.”
I checked on the time strapped to my wrist. Patients are only allowed to be out for five hours.
10:48
We should get going.
SUMMERTIME MADNESS PART 2
ReplyDeleteI guided her to the door. The moment we walked through it, two older patients were fighting over a water bottle. They were being seized by two guards in white but they seem to be unmanageable. One of them is my patient.
I looked away. I couldn’t handle the fact that I can’t help them any further. This had been the path I’ve chosen. But I suppose that it isn’t for me. I have the passion, I’m fully devoted to this career, I made sure that I did my best to study everything related to it. I suppose I just lack the talent, the skill. Maybe I just wasn’t born to be a psychiatrist. I’m a failure.
Dana was silent; she never said a word until we’ve reached the main door.
“There’s a ghost.” She said pointing at the direction of the office.
I wasn’t entirely sure for what she meant. All I saw was the telephone being picked up by the nurse. Perhaps it’s one of the works of her imagination. Or maybe it is a ghost, her mother’s or whoever from her family.
I opened the door to the outside. Like instinct, she hurried to the giant swing with a plastic roof – one that resembled the hut next to their rest house on that incident.
“Dana,” I began once I’ve sat facing her in the swing. “It’s been two years. The police had been demanding me to talk with you about that day. They’ve been forcing me to make you reveal the culprit. Or just any hint.”
I told her these although she doesn’t understand a thing I say. She’s always someplace else, wandering.
The both of us were silent for a good couple of minutes. I observed her. I tried to imagine what she could have been if that incident never happened. Her biography never told me what she wanted to be. She looks delicate and sweet. She could pass out as a friendly cashier of a fast food chain or if she’s serious enough, as a teacher or a nurse. She’s way too young.
Then it started raining, as I have thought. I expected this. But what I didn’t expect was what Dana did next.
She started hyperventilating. She abruptly stood up and dashed out in the rain.
She ran so fast and swift that the guards could not catch up with her. But because the ground was uneven, she tripped and fell.
I was chasing after them. The guards were already helping her up but she started screaming. I could no longer see what was happening since the other patients crowded around her.
Once I got there, she was crying, struggling against the guards.
“DON’T TOUCH ME!” She shrieked. She was rolling on the ground, covering herself with dirt.
“NO! GET OFF OF ME! GET OFF OF ME!” She was screeching, letting out an ear-piercing cry.
“She said let her go!” I yelled in panic.
I tried to touch her but she’d only cry louder.
So I let her be. I let her roll against the mud. I let her cry in the rain. I let her scream out as much as she wants.
Eventually her sobbing slowly faded with the rain. As if her sorrows were accompanied by the skies. The patients, getting bored of the scenario, left her alone.
SUMMER TIME MADNESS PART 3:
ReplyDeleteWhen she had finally stopped crying, she was unmoving. I called for Nurse Claire to give her another shower.
“Where are we going?” Dana asked.
“You’ve been a bad girl, Dana. Because of that, we’ll have to take you to the punishment room.” Claire answered.
“But I’ve already been punished.”
After she had been given her shower, Dana had a slice of strawberry cake as dessert for her lunch. It was her birthday after all.
I could no longer stay next to Dana for the rest of the day. I had to attend to my other patients as well. But I had Claire talk things out with her.
The next day, Claire had already submitted her report to my office in the morning.
It said that Dana had run wild yesterday because she thought that she was in TV. And all she could re-enact was what happened to her on that day.
It was also stated in her report that Dana had forced her to sleep next to her that night. It was because she was scared.
She could remember.
She could remember some of what had happened during the incident. It might be painful for her but it will help her. Progress might be slow but progress is progress. If this continues, she’ll get better in less than a year. Hopefully.
FRIEND
ReplyDeleteBy Sophia Anne Lorraine and Trisha Rullan
PART 1
I’m walking silently in the hallway of the hospital when someone suddenly called my name. “Jeff!” my best friend Ara called while running towards me.
“Where have you been? Everyone’s looking for you-,” I looked at her coldly that made her stop talking. “Look, I know you’re hurt by what happened to your mother but it doesn’t mean that-“.
“Stop it Ara! Please just leave me alone, I need some time to think,” I shouted without looking at her. Yes, I know it’s rude to shout to a lady like that but it’s just that I’m hurt and shocked because of what happened to my mother. I saw her nod without looking at me and decided that she will just tell my friends and family that I need some time to think alone, then she walked away.
I sighed and went to the garden. When I got there, I saw a little girl looking intently at the flowers. I don’t know why, but there is something in me that want to approach her and talk to her.
“Hey there,” I was shocked when she called me and smiled.
“Oh! Hi?”
“Is there something wrong? I can see it, there is something bothering you,” the little girl asked while smiling. I was amazed that at her young age she can already read people’s feelings.
I walked towards her and bent down so that I can see her face clearly. “What are you doing in this place young lady?” I asked in an attempt to change our topic.
“I’m here to take a look at these flowers in the garden, they are just so pretty and I can’t help myself but to admire them. You know what? This world is just full of things you can’t explain.” I looked at her with eyes full of questions.
She laughed, “Here, I have a riddle for you, ‘Caxtons are mechanical birds with many wings and some are treasured for their markings – they cause the eyes to melt or the body to shriek without pain. I have never seen one fly, but sometimes they perch on the hand. Mist is when the sky is tired of flight and rests its soft machine on ground: then the world is dim and bookish like engravings under tissue paper’”
“Hmmm, is it an airplane?”
“Silly, it’s a book, look . . .,” then she started bending the pages of the book that she was carrying. We both started laughing.
“The mist?” I asked her.
“The mist part of the riddle shows personification. Then after that line the book is described again.”
“I have a riddle too: Blank is when the earth is television. It has the property of making colors darker,” I stated.
“That is so simple, it’s rain,” the girl answered. She didn’t even think twice about it.
“How did you guess that so easily?”
“I’ve been observing flowers ever since I was a child. Part of a flower’s life is the rain from above. Whenever it rains my Mom doesn’t allow me to go outside that’s why every color is darker. I’m not allowed to admire the colors of nature. So, I just look at the garden from above my room.”
“That’s pretty deep.”
She just smiled and asked for my name.
“My name is Jeff.”
“I’m Ella,” she answered while looking at the flowers, “I know that you have a problem about your mother, I heard you and a woman talking about it while I’m walking towards here, do you mind sharing your thoughts?”
I can’t believe what I’m hearing, a little girl talking like a grown up and asking me about my problem. How could that possibly be?
“Come on, don’t be shy,” she laughed, “I know that you’re wondering why is my attitude like this, right? My parents raised me this way.”
I sat beside her on the grass before sharing my story. “I can’t believe myself, sharing my problem to a little girl; but there’s nothing wrong with it, right?”
She just nodded at me as an answer.
“Okay, here it goes,” I took a deep breath before continuing.
FRIEND
ReplyDeleteBy Sophia Anne Lorraine and Trisha Rullan
PART 1
I’m walking silently in the hallway of the hospital when someone suddenly called my name. “Jeff!” my best friend Ara called while running towards me.
“Where have you been? Everyone’s looking for you-,” I looked at her coldly that made her stop talking. “Look, I know you’re hurt by what happened to your mother but it doesn’t mean that-“.
“Stop it Ara! Please just leave me alone, I need some time to think,” I shouted without looking at her. Yes, I know it’s rude to shout to a lady like that but it’s just that I’m hurt and shocked because of what happened to my mother. I saw her nod without looking at me and decided that she will just tell my friends and family that I need some time to think alone, then she walked away.
I sighed and went to the garden. When I got there, I saw a little girl looking intently at the flowers. I don’t know why, but there is something in me that want to approach her and talk to her.
“Hey there,” I was shocked when she called me and smiled.
“Oh! Hi?”
“Is there something wrong? I can see it, there is something bothering you,” the little girl asked while smiling. I was amazed that at her young age she can already read people’s feelings.
I walked towards her and bent down so that I can see her face clearly. “What are you doing in this place young lady?” I asked in an attempt to change our topic.
“I’m here to take a look at these flowers in the garden, they are just so pretty and I can’t help myself but to admire them. You know what? This world is just full of things you can’t explain.” I looked at her with eyes full of questions.
She laughed, “Here, I have a riddle for you, ‘Caxtons are mechanical birds with many wings and some are treasured for their markings – they cause the eyes to melt or the body to shriek without pain. I have never seen one fly, but sometimes they perch on the hand. Mist is when the sky is tired of flight and rests its soft machine on ground: then the world is dim and bookish like engravings under tissue paper’”
“Hmmm, is it an airplane?”
“Silly, it’s a book, look . . .,” then she started bending the pages of the book that she was carrying. We both started laughing.
“The mist?” I asked her.
“The mist part of the riddle shows personification. Then after that line the book is described again.”
“I have a riddle too: Blank is when the earth is television. It has the property of making colors darker,” I stated.
“That is so simple, it’s rain,” the girl answered. She didn’t even think twice about it.
“How did you guess that so easily?”
“I’ve been observing flowers ever since I was a child. Part of a flower’s life is the rain from above. Whenever it rains my Mom doesn’t allow me to go outside that’s why every color is darker. I’m not allowed to admire the colors of nature. So, I just look at the garden from above my room.”
“That’s pretty deep.”
She just smiled and asked for my name.
“My name is Jeff.”
“I’m Ella,” she answered while looking at the flowers, “I know that you have a problem about your mother, I heard you and a woman talking about it while I’m walking towards here, do you mind sharing your thoughts?”
I can’t believe what I’m hearing, a little girl talking like a grown up and asking me about my problem. How could that possibly be?
“Come on, don’t be shy,” she laughed, “I know that you’re wondering why is my attitude like this, right? My parents raised me this way.”
I sat beside her on the grass before sharing my story. “I can’t believe myself, sharing my problem to a little girl; but there’s nothing wrong with it, right?”
She just nodded at me as an answer.
“Okay, here it goes,” I took a deep breath before continuing.
PART 2
ReplyDelete“My mother and I are in our house celebrating her 30th birthday with our friends and family when suddenly I saw my mother lying down on the floor. I was so shocked at that time that I didn’t know what to do that’s why I rushed her to the nearest hospital. We used a Model T, it is a room with the lock inside – a key is turned to free the world for movement, so quick there is a film to watch for anything missed. After that the doctor spoke to me and told me that my mother has a heart disease and it’s already in stage 3.
“I don’t know what to feel. The doctor also told me that my mother knew about it and chose to hide it from me because I might get hurt. He told me that he already tried to convince my mother to undergo an operation, but my mother refused because she’s scared that while she’s in the middle of the operation, she might die.
“I don’t know how to react, but I know that I’m mad right now because she didn’t tell me about her situation that’s why I ran away – to think.”
After telling my story I looked at the child beside me, I think she’s about 15 years old. She’s just staring at the flowers seriously. I don’t know what came into my mind to tell my problem to a child.
“What is a Model T?” asked the girl.
“You don’t know what it is? It’s the thing you use to travel from place to place.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she murmured.
“It’s a car. Those things with wheels,” I explained to her. She ignored my riddle.
“Only the young are allowed to suffer openly. Adults go to a punishment room with water but nothing to eat. They lock the door and suffer the noises alone. No one is exempt and everyone’s pain has a different smell.
“It’s like the relationship between parents and their children; children can freely show their feelings to their parents because they’re always beside us, they’re always ready to help us whenever we have problems. The only difference is when our parents have problems they can’t share it to us. You want to know why?” she asked me.
“Why?” I asked. I don’t get what she’s saying.
“Who can they lean on when they’re weak? Their children, right? But they choose not to share their problems because they want to see us happy and not worried. See, they get their strength from us – their children,” she explained looking at me.
“Oh, they can tell their problems to their children,” I objected. “On the part of the child, it’s worse to know that your parent has a problem without telling you,” I said almost angrily. I think my mother’s situation is impairing my judgment. My feelings are affecting my thinking.
“It’s because it’s harder for them to see that their child is involved in their problems that’s why they just keep their problems to themselves. They wouldn’t want to complicate things for their loved ones,” she replied.
It’s like someone poured a bucket of cold water on me. Why didn’t I think of this before I got angry at my mother? I’m such a bad child; I didn’t even try to understand my mother.
“It’s not too late to correct all wrongs and to add happier memories with your mother. Treasure every moment you have with your parents because we don’t know when they will be taken away from us.”
I just nodded.
I noticed something from what Ella said. “Hey, is that a riddle you stated a while ago?”
“So, you noticed. Yes, it’s a riddle. Do you know the answer?”
“I have no idea.”
“It’s a comfort room,” she said while giggling. I can’t control myself so I giggled too. Then, giggles turned into laughter.
“Ella?” an old lady called. “You’re just here. You made me worry.” We sat properly and I wiped my tears that weren’t there before.
“Mom, I just wanted to look at the flowers here,” Ella said smiling. So the old lady is Ella’s Mom.
“Next time, ask for my permission first before disappearing so that I don’t have to worry. Who’s with you?” her Mom asked and looked at me.
“I’m Jeff, Jeff Anderson,” I introduced myself.
PART 3
ReplyDelete“I’m Mrs. Greff,” she said smiling. “We’ll go. Ella and I need to go.”
Their almost out of the garden when I called Ella.
“Ella,” she looked at me, “Thank you so much for everything.”
She replied with a sweet smile and a nod.
Ella is right. I should be more understanding.
After they left, I went to my mother’s room. Outside of the room everyone stood up when they saw me.
“J-Jeff,” Ara stuttered.
“Is she awake?” I asked. She nodded. “Sorry for my behavior a while ago, I didn’t mean it.”
“It’s alright, I understand,” she assured me. I hugged her tight then went to Mom’s room.
When I entered the room, I saw Mom watching television.
“Mom . . .,” I called. She was shocked when she saw me. I noticed she’s about to cry.
“Son, forgive Mom, I didn’t mean to hide my condition to you, Mom loves you so much,” Mom explained as tears fell from her eyes.
I immediately hugged Mom that made her cry more.
“Mom, you don’t need to ask for forgiveness or say sorry, I understand Mom, sorry if I didn’t even try to understand your situation and what you’re going through, I’m sorry for letting my anger eat me, I love you very much Mom. From now on I will treasure every moment we’re together.”
“I love you too son.”
After one month, I and my Mom got along nicely. I was able to convince her to undergo an operation. After one week, I was shocked when the doctor called and said someone donated a heart for my Mom. We grabbed the opportunity. I’m very thankful to the person who donated Mom’s heart. I don’t know who donated the heart but whoever he or she is I’m very thankful for their donation.
Today is the operation. I sat nervously while waiting for the doctor to come out of the operating room. My friends and relatives are here. Ara is here too. She’s always been a very helpful friend.
“Cheer up Jeff, everything is going to be alright,” Ara said.
“I hope so.”
“Let’s play a game. You will guess what I’m describing. Is that alright?”
“Hm.”
“What is tied to the wrist or kept in a box, ticking with impatience?” Ara asked.
“I don’t know,” I said.
“You’re not even trying. Come on, you’ve been staring at it for hours now ever since the door of the operating room closed.”
I thought for a moment and realized what the answer is.
“It’s a watch, right?” I answered.
“Yup. See you’re good at this,” Ara remarked. “Here’s another one: At night, when all the colors die, they hide in pairs and read about themselves – in color, with their eyelids shut.”
“That’s easy. Eyes,” I answered proudly.
“Nope,” she grinned.
“Then what is it?”
“People, couples”
“Oh,” I said dumbfounded.
In life there are lots of questions that can be answered in lots of ways. How can we choose which is the right one?
After a long time waiting outside the operating room, the doctor finally came out.
Now, Mom is okay after her operation.
I was about to approach the nurse’s station to see our hospital bill when I saw Ella’s Mom, I approached her to ask about Ella.
“Hello Mrs. Greff,” I greeted. She looked at me using her questioning look.
“It’s you Jeff, sorry if I’m forgetful,” she apologized when she finally recognized me.
“It’s okay. How is Ella doing?”
I noticed her face suddenly looked sad and it seems that she’s about to cry. Wait, what happened?
“Ella is g-gone, Jeff,” she said almost about to cry. It’s like heaven and earth fell on me. For the short span of time that we spent together I managed to know her and get attached to her. She is the reason why my Mom and I got along.
“Wait, what happened?” I asked.
PART 4
ReplyDelete“She was sick; she was given a time limit. Those times you two talked – she was already dying. It may not be obvious but she was sick,” she said tearfully.
The tears that I’ve been holding back suddenly fell from my eyes. I didn’t expect that Ella was sick. She was dying and I didn’t even notice it.
“Why did she left early? I still haven’t told her that I and my Mom are alright now. Mom had already finished her heart operation,” I said crying.
Mrs. Greff looked at me. “Did the operation go well?”
“Y-yes,” I replied, confusion leaking from my voice because of her sudden concern at my mother’s operation.
“Good,” she said smiling. “Did you know before she passed away, she asked me to look for your mother? When I saw your mother, Ella told me she wanted to donate her heart to your mother.”
I was shocked at what she said that’s why I looked at her eyes.
“She told me she wants to donate her heart to her friend’s mother. Did you know you’re her first friend? Whenever she talks about you she looks very happy. She said she’s already your friend even if you don’t know about it. Ever since she was a child she’s been confined here in the hospital. Her condition didn’t allow her to leave the hospital.
“For the first time, I saw her happy because of you – her first friend. I didn’t complain when she said she wanted to help you by giving her heart to your mother so you’d be happy.”
“So please take good care of my daughter’s heart. Ella said don’t be sad – it’s her decision to give her heart to your mother for you to be happy.”
I can’t process what’s happening. I can’t believe Ella did that for me.
“Son, I will leave now. I only went here to visit my relatives,” she bade goodbye and walked away.
I stared ahead while walking towards my mother’s room. As I entered the room, I went to mother and I sat beside her.
“Oh son, why are you crying?” Mom inquired. I shook my head and I hugged her tightly.
“Thank you Ella for everything that you’ve done. Thank you because even if we only got to spend a little time together you helped me a lot. Thank you very much, don’t worry we will take good care of your heart and I will not be sad because you want me to be happy. I won’t forget you and you will always be a friend of mine no matter what. Thank you Ella,” I whispered while hugging my mother. She’s been given another life by Ella’s deed.
After a few months, I looked for Ella’s mom and asked her where is Ella’s resting place. She gave me directions and I went there.
Ella’s grave is clean. Near the grave is a very beautiful tree. I went under the tree’s shade.
“Ella why didn’t you tell me you were dying?” I asked as tears started to pool down to my cheeks. “It’s unfair, I told you my problem but you didn’t tell yours. I was hoping I would get to see you one day as a beautiful and kind lady, but then you left early. Wherever you are, I hope you’re happy,” I said tearfully.
“Hahaha, do you want a riddle?” I asked. There is nobody here in the cemetery. It’s only me and the tree. I’m hoping Ella can hear what I’m saying. “In homes, a haunted apparatus sleeps, that snores when you pick it up. If the ghost cries, they carry it to their lips and soothe it to sleep with sounds. And yet, they wake it up deliberately, by tickling with a finger. Do you know it is?”
“It’s a phone. A phone you could’ve used to tell me that you’re sick. A phone you could’ve used to call me,” I sarcastically said. I’m acting crazy maybe I should go. “Ella I think it’s time for me to go. I wish you’re at peace now. Don’t worry I’ll visit again someday.”
I wiped my face and stood up. I looked at Ella’s grave and whispered my goodbyes and left.
Title: The Gift
ReplyDeleteAuthors: Pierre Pioquid and Rodine Saballo
PART I
Mar: “Have you seen Caxtons?”
Grace: “What are those?”
Mar: “Strange creatures those are. Perching on hands and flapping their many wings about.”
Grace: “Is that so, Mar? *smirks*”
Mar: “Yes. They’re very unique. Distinguished by their very engravings in every wing they acquire.”
Grace: “That’s very beautiful, Mar. I wish that I could someday see one and hold it by my own two hands.”
Mar: “You would be. Very soon, Grace. We just need to wait a little longer…”
Grace: “When can I be better, Mar?”
Mar: “Don’t worry about that, B. I’ll find ways. You know how important you are to me.“
Grace: “Oh, come on Mar. Don’t make me blush. But, I sure do hope so, Mar. I’m praying to God for that day to come.”
Mar: “ Me too. OH! The sky! They’re down here again. I think they’re tired, Grace. “
Grace: “Oh, please catch them and put them in my hands, Mar!”
Mar: “Uhmm… I guess I couldn’t, Grace. I’m sorry. They’re too fast for me.”
Grace: “Is that so, Mar? When I get better, I’ll catch each and every one of them. For you, of course.”
Mar: “Hahaha. I would like to see you try, Grace.”
Grace: “Don’t mock me, Mar!”
Mar: “Okaaaayyyy. I’m sorry, Grace. Hahahaha.”
*dark clouds emerge*
The Gift
ReplyDeletePART II
Mar: “Come, Grace. It’s getting dark. I think it’s about to rain.”
Grace: “ Oh, man! I like the outdoors. Still, none could compare to the dar-“
Mar: “Shut up, Grace. Just shut up. We’re going home, okay?”
Grace: “I’m tired, Mar. I just want to go.”
Mar: “Don’t lose hope, Grace. Just have Faith, Grace.”
Grace: “I’m trying! For years, Mar. For years, we’ve been like this. I just want it to stop.”
Mar: *hugs Grace* “You know how important you are to me, Grace. Don’t say things like that.”
Grace: “I’m really sorry, Mar.”
Mar: “Let’s get in, shall we?”
Grace: “In the Model T, again. Why do you even have this piece of junk?”
Mar: “It’s a classic! Don’t you dare talk to my baby like that.”
Grace: “B-But I thought I was your baby. *frowns*”
Mar: “Well, you are. Organically, speaking. Inanimately, you’re not. Hahahaha. Come on, let’s roam the free world.”
Grace: “ I love the wind rushing to my face.”
Mar: “ Are you nuts? Put your head back in you, shuckhead! Don’t lose another thing.”
Grace: “ OH WOW, Mar. THANKS A LOT!”
Mar: “Sorry. You just made me worry. Never again, I promise.”
Grace: “Hey your time-thingymabob on your wrist is beeping. Shut it off. It’s irritating.”
Mar: “Oh man. We need to go back, at once. They’re coming.”
Grace: “Am I going to get better, Mar? Is this for real now?”
Mar: “You are, Grace. I told you. Just have Faith.”
The Gift
ReplyDeletePART III
*the two rushes back home*
Mar: “Just wait there, Grace. I’m just going to talk to someone.”
Grace: ‘Here he is again. Talking to some ghost somewhere. I wonder if my brother has telepathic powers? THAT WOULD BE SO COOL!’
Grace: “HEY BRO! What’s taking you so long?”
Mar:“Hey, could you wait a second…. Hey, Grace. Just for another minute, okay?”
Grace: “I need to go to the ‘Punishment room’, as you would suggest it be called.”
Mar: “Thank you, we’ll get ready at once…. Oh, hey, Bzc. We need to pack-up. They’re already on their way.”
Grace: “ What?! Mar, don’t toy with me. You know I don’t take this too good.”
Mar: “I’m not. Come one, let’s get ready. They’ll be here any minute.”
Grace: “Really?! I’ll be ‘better’ now?”
Mar: “Yes. Yes, you will be.”
Grace: “What are we waiting for then? Let’s get packing!”
Mar: “I’ll help you with your things.”
Grace: “NO! I can handle myself, really. I memorized this whole place, I can manage. Go get yours.”
Mar: “ I’m not coming, Grace.”
Grace: “Hahahaha…. Wh-What are you saying?”
Mar: “I won’t go.”
Grace: “Don’t make me cry. Come on, let’s get our things.”
Mar: “ I SAID I’M NOT COMING.”
Grace: *stunned*
Mar: “ I can’t go. Go, be happy. Explore the world on your own. It’s better that way.”
Grace: “I hate you, Mar. I hate you. For years, we’ve been together in this world. You’ve helped me all through these years, and you’re just going to leave me? Just like that, huh?”
Mar: “You’re important to me, Grace. I just can’t. Different cir-“
Grace: “STOP! Just stop it. I don’t want to hear any more from you.”
The Gift
ReplyDeletePART IV
*a car horn sounds*
Mar: “Come on, Grace. They’re already here.”
Grace: “Why must it end like this, Azc?”
Mar: “After your operation, we’ll see each other again. I promise you that.”
*A few weeks later*
Doctor: “Hello, B. If you can hear me, try opening your eyes now.”
Grace: *squints* “I-is this… what I think it is? Light?”
Doctor: “I’m glad to say the operation was successful.”
Grace: *cries* “So.. This is it, huh? This is what it likes to ‘see’… Sight. I can now see the beauty around me.”
Doctor: “ If it was not for a donor, you wouldn’t be able to see.”
Grace: “Who might it be, doctor? I must see this man at once! I must thank him.”
Doctor: “I’m afraid you can’t. He… unfortunately, did not survive the operation. His eye got infected. Luckily, we were able to get the cornea.”
Grace: “But, I must know his name atleast. Please, let me know.”
Doctor: “His name is ‘Mar’. He really wanted you to have those eyes. He went for years searching for a donor, only a few weeks back when he said he wants himself to be a donor. He wanted his sister to see the beauty of the world. He gave me this letter. Let me read it to you.”
“Dear Grace,
I know you would get mad at me for what I’ve done. But, you… you are the most important person that I have. After Mom died and Dad left us, we only had each other. All these years, I did not think of you as a burden. You had never been. You are the reason that I am what I had become now. All these years, you’re my saving grace. I might not be able to be there, but I know whenever you see yourself in the mirror, you’ll remember me. Experience the beauty of the world, as I had during the past years. It’s your time now. Make the world a better place.
Your bro,
Mar”
*Author's note: Good evening, ma'am Ramos. Some editing faults were seen as I was posting this. "A" or "Azc" is a variable that stands for Mar, whilst "B" or "Bzc" is a variable that stands for Grace. Also, the excuse letter will be personally given by the authors when circumstances are favorable. Thank you, ma'am. Pierre and Rodine, out.
ReplyDeleteA MAN'S ADVENTURE
ReplyDeleteBy: Clarisse Bangga and Noreen Malapo
There was an Ethnic group who lives near the Dagit Forest at Benguet. Esther, wife of Ruben, bore their only son named, Luke. This family is part of this Ethnic group. Esther and Ruben loves this child too much. They gave their whole life to make Luke happy. As years went by, Luke grew up so fast. He was an amazing man who loves to take adventures.
One day, while walking in the middle of the Forest, Luke saw an old man, who was wearing a jeans, blue shirt, rubber shoes, and black jacket, which he thought is different compared to him, which was wearing nothing but a piece of cloth to cover his penis and butt. He became curious that lead him to follow this man.
He said that this man is a modern kind of animal for which this acts and thinks like an animal.
Without noticing, since his mind is full of thoughts about this man he was following, they reached the city of Benguet. There he saw a jeepney.
He described the jeeney as car that can occupy more than 10 people.
After riding the jeepney, they reached the city. Luke saw a high wall who is full of clear glass. Has long and high stairways. Then at the top you can see the whole city and you can merely touch the clouds.
Luke still follows the man. The man goes to a place where it is full of stores and there you can find all what you need.
The man goes to a stall where lots of machines can be seen which are small and can be hold by his bare hands. It has light in front and you can probably put and/or remove a person inside it. You can hear voices but you cannot see them.
The man leaves at the place and rides at the long snake . It is so fast and can occupy many people. And he decided to go back at the forest and tell his short adventure.
Underneath by Caitlyn Marie B. Cabello and Hannah Rose Nanquilada
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I noticed is that the only thing that's keeping me company is gone. The last of my nightly rituals is to pull it all the way to my chin so it will never fall away no matter what nightmares I wrestle before I wake.
But something else is wrong; I try to move, and though I don’t seem to be paralyzed, my arms are pinned tightly to my sides. My brain is slow; the horror saturates me gradually. I struggle, twist to the left, and free one arm.
Reaching up, my trembling hand gets only a few inches before my fingers touch cool stone. I blink. My lashes spider-touch my cheeks, and then that touch is gone, so my eyes must be open. The dull, compressed darkness is so absolute that I cannot see my shaking hand, even as I bend my elbow and press my fingers against my right eye, and then my left—gently, very gently—to make certain both still rest in their sockets.
My eyes are intact. But the relief dissipates as I recognize the shape of my prison, the feel of the thin padding beneath me, the slope of the cool stone. The plush lining . . .
Tremors shake my entire body, but the prison I’m in does not shift at all. Panic claws at me. But I cannot succumb to it; I cannot fall into one of my fits. Not now.
I slow my breath and relax my arms. The lace at my sleeve is rough against my wrist, and suddenly I realize what I’m wearing. A piece of clothing that I hid deep in the recesses of my wardrobe, praying never to see it again. The lace at the neck is stiff and scratchy. Tight. When I move my hand, the pearl buttons at the sleeves press into the sensitive skin of my inner arm, likely to make a mark. I should have burned this thing. I would have, had I known that I would be imprisoned.
One of my arms is still pinned tightly down. The freed one rests, trembling, on the silk of the dress, which I know is white, though I can’t see it. No part of me is not touching the accursed fabric. Tears wet my cheeks. I cannot breathe. I cannot breathe.
I claw at the collar. The space is so tight that my elbow hits the side each time I move.
The lace catches my fingernails and one of them breaks, the pain bitter and sharp.
Blood, trickles down from my fingertips and I am choking on bits of the desiccated fabric and the coarse dry velvet of this prisons lining with every inhale. This small space is so very hot. I cough as velvet particles line my throat.
I throw back my head and scream. Somewhere above, there is one who hears me. The one who puts me into this prison.
Rebirth
ReplyDeleteBy: Jan Clyde C. Bustamante and Lourde Phillip Z Rebellon
As I walk through an unfamiliar terrain, I pass into a sudden glare. Fascinated by the landscape before me.
I can feel something just below me. I found a small white creature looking at me. It reminds me of something.
I tried to touch it but it ran towards its homeland.
"Hm," I mutter to myself, Maybe it will bring me food to eat.
I tried to follow it but it was no where within my sight. I hope that it has impeccable hearing to hear my groan or it has nocturnal sight to see me in the dark.
Then something fell unto my head. Thousand of ice melting so fast to create more. I feel like I can't breathe and see. The ice is covering my body. I ran.
Eventually I stopped when there were no more ice. I can breathe again. I now see a destroyed city, saved for one house. It appears to be inhabited but I can see no one. I decided to go in but I'm so large of a being that I can't fit.
I looked up the window and saw cryptic instruments.
Fascinating... a tool to alter their concept of time, under it is a thing. Moving like it was alive, sometimes it gets bigger and smaller but it emits light like no other.
Furthermore, there are thousands of artifacts. Some are more complex than the others.
From the state of the tower, it seems the owner departed only recently. I come to think of that the owner has gained knowledge that I never yet encounter in any of my travels.
Suddenly I feel a pain in my back. I looked back and saw the small white creature with hundreds of larger ones pointing a laser at me.
In an instant. I feel nothing. But I can at least say I gained knowledge of such fascinating creatures.
I always get this feeling. But it will be born a new species in the other world.
"Tick Tock "
ReplyDeleteBy: Christel Castro & Loren Ogerio
It was freezing. All I could do is to shiver from the coldness I 'm feeling. It was all too quiet. My eyelids are so heavy but I could feel the gentle breeze asking me to open my eyes. And so I did, then a light welcomed me.
I woke up and saw vines tangled in my arms. Half of my body is wrapped with an unfamiliar leaf. I screamed in pain as I removed the thorns that are stabbing my body. Hugging every inch of me as if my life depends on it. I tried to move my feet but I couldn't feel anything. The markings that I saw made me realize what I should do. I need to escape.
I gathered all my strength and stood up. Slowly, I walked and walked until I found myself in front of a house. A deafening silence enveloped me but somehow it screams words that no one can hear. I pushed through its wooden doors and saw a vineyard full of fruits that are separated by a stick. Each of them are crawling into their own sticks, minding nobody, only their selves. Nobody paid attention towards me but I didn't mind.
I found myself holding a piece of information. As I sat down and read it, I saw a beautiful rose sitting between two vines. Its ferocious red petals are burning something inside me. It felt strange and so I went closer and settled beside it. It didn't move nor cringe upon my presence. It just continued to travel on its own world. Everything was still but somehow I felt the warmth that even I couldn't imagine feeling.
I decided to open my mouth but then I couldn't even utter a single word. I looked at it once again and it's now looking at me. A curve line formed on its core. It made my insides melt. At that moment, I knew I found it. I knew I found the last piece on my puzzle.
I spoke to it. The rose looked at my way. I started a conversation hoping to lighten up the mood. There's this unfamiliar feeling that's conquering my whole being. It started talking and all I could do was stare. It needed to go back. I didn't want it to leave but I have to. I looked at it as it was carried by a gentle wind. I left that house, but the next day, I found myself in front of it. I entered the place hoping to see the rose again. I was thrilled and joyful at the same time. As the time pass by, I only looked at it but something felt strange. I was contented with just that.
But one day, the wooden door slammed and there I saw the shadows that are hunting me. I immediately picked up the rose and we run together. We hide in a box. A dark box where the screaming and pain are heard by each corner of it. The box nearly suffocates us. I looked at my rose. I felt it trembling. I gently brushed its stem. Its ferocious red petals are now with a hint of fear, and right there I knew that I need to part with it. It's inevitable. All of a sudden it rained. Once again I'm feeling cold and empty. I let go of my rose and left it there.
The shadows found me. They pushed me down the cold ground. I looked at the box where I left my rose. I looked at it with sincerity. I remembered the feeling of being beside it, it was quiet but it made me feel warm. My insides hurt upon thinking about it. I can't breathe. It was the last thing I saw before everything went black.
It's freezing. I was shivering again. What is this? Where am I? It was silent and empty. I remembered my rose and so I wanted to open my eyes but I couldn't for my eyelids were heavy. I felt something collapsed inside me and there I heard, the clock's last tick tock;
Keane Escobar and Darlynne Naguit
ReplyDeletePART 1
She couldn’t believe her eyes.
She couldn’t believe that this day would come. That one day, she’d be standing over her husband’s grave. She knew that nothing lasts forever, but she can’t believe that after only 5 years of marriage, she’d be in this position.
She wouldn’t call their marriage unhappy. They had moments together, but being the CEO of a company took toll on her husband, so the flame died. But every once in a while, it was sparked. Whether by simple gifts or vacations overseas, her husband made sure that their marriage was intact. She’s living a good life with the man she loved. So, yes, she could say that she was contented.
She started looking back at the past few days, started looking for signs that could have led to this event. Anything, just anything…
She was interrupted from her epiphany by a hand on her shoulder. “Mia,” her older brother said, “Aunt Parker is at home. She brought some beef casserole. It’s time to eat.”
Mia took one last look at the grave then said, “Okay. Let’s go.”
They made their way back to the house, with her brother driving. “Mia, I understand that this has been hard on you, but you don’t need to compromise your health by not eating,” her brother said. She didn’t respond, and a few minutes later, she said, “so are the police still at home?” “No, they left earlier,” her brother answered briefly. A moment of silence ensued, and
Mia asked, “Would you care to explain why? Is the case closed already?”
Mia’s brother huffed in annoyance, and said, “No, the case isn’t closed already, but they’re currently investigating Carl’s co-workers, trying to get some clues for this.” He looked at her from the rearview mirror, looking for any signs of a changing mood, but, no, she kept on looking outside. “Look, Mia, of course they’re looking for any signs of foul play on this one. Don’t get too discouraged.” Mia looked at the mirror, disgusted by her brother’s seemingly lack of empathy. “Don’t get discouraged? Carter, are you serious? My husband just died for some unknown reason that even I, his wife, don’t know! Damn it, Carter, we were happy! How do you think does that make me feel?” Carter stayed quiet and kept on driving. Then Mia asked, “But did they talk about a tiny stone?” Carter looked at his sister weirdly and said, “A stone? No, I don’t recall. Why?” Mia just looked at him at the rearview mirror and said, “No, it’s nothing.”
When they reached home, Mia went out of the car as fast as she could and slammed the door. Carter followed, not knowing what to do. When they entered the house, Aunt Parker was helping their mom in the kitchen. "Mia! Oh, your Aunt Parker is here!" Her mother claimed. Aunt Parker went near her niece and hugged her. "Oh, you've grown up so fast! How are you? Have you been eating well?" Mia's aunt fussed, "Here have some of your favorite casserole." Mia just waved her away, "I'm okay, Aunt Parker. I'll just be taking out some of our stuff. Be right back." Mia went up to their room.
PART 2
ReplyDeleteWhen she reached their room, she collapsed on the bed and sighed. "Oh, Carl," looking at the picture on their bed stand, "Were you afraid? Why did you leave me?" She took the black notebook on their bed stand and went back to the page she was reading."
“Today I was driving home from work when I passed by the endless greens and greys. Greens and greys which scared me, because when will the day come when ill become one of the greys? All my life, my accomplishments, reduced to a dab of grey in an endless expanse of green. Oh, I’m afraid. I want to talk to my wife about it but I don’t think she would understand this feeling, this constant fear engulfing me everywhere I go.
Mia is smart, that’s why I married her, but sometimes I fear that she is too smart for her own good, too smart to understand simple and unnamable things…”
Mia’s eyes filled up with tears. “Oh, Carl, I wish you would’ve told me, I would’ve understood…” but she kept on reading.
“Sometimes the feeling of fear is too much that I get my little stones. Stones that make the bad feelings go away. Stones that make me feel like Superman, because I can overcome anything when I take those stones. I never told Mia about those stones, because I’m afraid that she won’t –“
“Mia!”
Mia was startled by the call, she opened the door and Carter with the Chief is there.
“Mia, here’s Chief Jones, he wants to ask some questions about Carl,” Carter introduced. The chief shook Mia’s hand and said, “Good afternoon Ma’am, as your brother said, may we talk?”
“Why are you questioning me about this?” Mia demanded, “What are you imposing?”
“I’m not imposing anything here, ma’am,” the chief answered, “It’s just my job to ask the questions. Now, do you know anybody who may have any motive in this situation?” “No, of course,” Mia clapped back, “I don’t know anyone. We are the ones here who asked for your help and now you’re asking us? It’s obvious, he overdosed on drugs. What kind of drugs were they?” Mia demanded, standing up from her chair. The chief answered, “According to the analysis back at the lab, they were anti-depressants, but it also treated his symptoms of paranoia.” Mia’s world crashed. “So he was depressed? I thought they were his maintenance or something…” “No, ma’am, we found the pills inside a Ziploc bag, so we had to analyze it for its composition. They were anti depressants.” The police answered. Mia sat back down and put her head in her hands. “God, so that was what he was talking about… the stones…” she thought.
Mia’s mom stepped in, “Look, Officer, I know that you really want to help and all, but you see, our poor Mia is mourning and she clearly isn’t in the mood to answer any questions right now, so if you could please…” the officer just looked at her and said, “Okay. We’ll be back at the office, so if you have any information that could help, I’m sure that could be nice.” And exited the door.
PART 3
ReplyDeleteThe atmosphere was tense from Mia’s outburst. Then Carter said, “So, uhm, Aunt Parker, do you have any of those casserole left?” Aunt Parker, the ever-doting relative, got to her feet and led Carter to the kitchen, “Sure, honey, come here, come here…”
Mia continued reading her husband’s journal…..
Waking up is monstrous. It’s always loud and stressful. This creature has hands but he doesn’t use them to wake me up. Every morning, he shouts the same words over and over again. Why did Mia even put him beside my bed?
Mia started to turn to another page of the journal. This time, she’s more curious about what her husband had wrote.
I ran downstairs to fetch my breakfast. Mia’s not in the kitchen but there are foods served on the table. I started looking for her. I saw her sitting on the couch and eyes were fixed on a “plastic box.” There were lots of talking heads inside it. I wonder how all of them can fit inside that plastic box. How they even manage to talk without their bodies. When she left, I took a rapid peek inside. I saw no heads but loops of different-colored wires.
After reading that entry, chills started to run down her spine. She kept telling herself that her husband was okay.
I decided to go to the porch in our backyard. I looked up the sky. “That small flying insect again!” I just said to myself. It’s weird how that thing can fly but it doesn’t flap its wings. It travels not in swarm but alone. Alone, until it disappears into the white mist in the sky.
She didn’t realize that it’s the last page from her husband’s journal. She read it carefully while the tears starts to build up in her lower eyelid.
It’s dark outside the house and it scares me. I thought of the only solution that’ll help me fight my fear. I hurriedly ran to the bathroom and drank those stones again. I felt relieved as I slip through the sheets on my bed. I know that after half an hour, the room will become black. That I’ll lose my eyesight again. I hope that I’ll have them back tomorrow. When that circular creature beside my bed shouts those words at my ear. When everything has color.
She just read the last words her husband had wrote. The entry was dated before his death. Her husband thought that night that he will wake up tomorrow. That he will see those weird things again…… and his wife’s face. Mia can’t do anything but feel numb. She started to burst into tears.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThe Forgotten One
ReplyDeleteBy: Sheril Joy P. Manimtim and Rochelle Marie D. Parallag
Part I
I have been long stuck up into this room, I wasn’t alone, I was sure of that. But since then I was always wondering what I am. What could I be useful of? Each day I can hear cries and pleads from everything around me. Each day someone is always being taken away and since then I have been wondering when will I be taken away? I wanted to be taken away, I was sick of the non-ending pleading that I hear every now and then.
I wasn’t wrong on hoping that someone would take me away, when finally that day came, I was extremely thrilled and nervous at the same time. I felt someone held me and it was really strange at first. It was completely an odd feeling.
The first time that I met her, she seemed to be really cheerful. She speaks up to me about the adventures and mysteries that she encountered throughout her day. When something goes wrong or when she sees something bizarre, it will always be me whom she’ll first speak up to, it was strange at first but it made me so happy because for the first time I’ve felt useful. Those times made me feel so special. Every night, she tells me how wonderful her day went on. She tells me secrets that only the two of us will know. There was even a time when she told me that I was her favorite secret keeper.
Wherever she goes, she takes me with her. There were always strange scents and feelings from the different dimensions she goes to. As days passed on, I was slowly being familiar to the dimensions she goes. Then I realized that it was always the same dimension that she goes, every day. She doesn’t often talk to me whenever we are in a different dimension but this time she did, she told me about her dream that night but even before she finished telling me about her dream an unfamiliar being grabbed me away, my friend tried to pull be back from the unfamiliar person. I tried screaming but the unfamiliar being won’t let go of me, not until suddenly a part of my body was hurt. My bones were almost broken yet fortunately she got me back. I heard her yelling and screaming something to the unfamiliar being before running away with me while holding my hand tightly.
One night, while she was taking a bath, her mom went to her room to check something out and ask her about school. I was lying in her bed with some crumpled papers and some food wrappers which she planned to throw later. Her mom picked up all of the trash and she almost got me up when my friend went out of the shower room and told her mom that she would take care of the things in her bed later. I could barely breathe that time; I thought that I will be thrown out with all those trash. I was happy because my friend was always on time before things got worse for me.
It was Tuesday when I suddenly heard strange noises from the dimension where we are. The smell around us lingers on me; it was a mixture of mint and something so odd that I couldn’t stand. Suddenly I couldn’t feel my friend’s presence around this strange dimension we went. Loud and exasperating noises surrounded the whole dimension. Hours went by I was scared that she wouldn’t come back to me anymore. Then I felt that familiar touch, it was as if in a split second every worry enveloping me were gone. It was her. I know because I am completely familiar with her touch. We went home and her mother scolded my friend for not telling her where she went. I even heard her mother asked her if they finished the said project before we went to her room.
The Forgotten One
ReplyDeletePart II
I could feel the bed moving as I hear unfamiliar high pitched voices in the room these past few weeks. Last Friday I heard a baritone voice in her room, I think it was the same day when her mother was out for their groceries. I wonder what they were doing but it seems like she was enjoying that being’s company so I didn’t mind being ignored by her all day. The following day I thought that everything would still be the same, I was ready to go with her but I was surprised when she left me home. It was strange and I couldn’t help but to feel so alone. I waited for her to come home and tell me what happened throughout her day but when she came home, I noticed that she wasn’t alone. Once more, I heard that baritone voice from whomever it was from. It was the same being she brought last week. I was hoping that after that being leaves she would talk to me but for the second time, she ignored me all over again.
Days became weeks and weeks became months. For a very long time she kept on ignoring me and honestly it was hell for me for every day and night that she ignores me. It was very hard not talking to her but slowly I am accepting the fact that I’m no use for her anymore. Again, I felt useless. I was back at the beginning when every bit of me didn’t matter to anyone. It was almost the same as before where all I could hear was cries and pleads, only this time it was my own pleads, it was my own cry. Then suddenly one night, when everything is in its own place, she suddenly wakes me up and even though I can only feel her, not see her, I could feel every ounce of pain that she is facing. I didn’t know if I should be happy that finally after a long time she spoke up to me once again or if I should be sad because of what she is going through right now.
After that night, things were slowly going back to their own places. But even if things started to go back to what it was back then, I knew that there was something wrong, that something has changed. It was weird that every time she speaks up to me, it was always raining. There was even a time when I almost got sick because we stayed in the rain for too long. It didn’t matter to me though, as long as she doesn’t ignore me. I have only one thing that I’m sure of, even if things weren’t totally the same as the first time, even if she wasn’t as cheerful as the first time. I’m happy and contented that she still talks to me every night.
Just as things were going back to normal, that being with a baritone voice came back and started going in her room again. What actually is with this being that every time he comes to her house, I was always the one being forgotten and ignored?
I wish I did not waste the time when she was still happy with me. I wanted to hug her at her darkest times but I can’t. I wanted to tell her how happy I was to be her friend but I can’t. I wanted to tell her how thankful I am to be hers but unfortunately I could never do that. But what I will always be thankful for is that she made it all clear to me what my use is. That even if I was often forgotten, I will still be the one whom she’ll speak up to and that I will always be her crying shoulder and her handkerchief. I hope she knows that I will always be in an old box, in a locked up cabinet inside her room waiting for her to tell me about her new experiences and accomplishments. I hope she knows that I will never forget about her and all our little adventures, because all those are embedded in my soul and tattooed in my mind.
It has been so long since the last time I felt your presence, I know that you’ve already left me and forgot about me but all these memories with you are hard to forget, especially if everything about our adventures are written into my body.
RAINDROPS
ReplyDeleteBy: Theresa Marie Belmonte and Via Shereen Daracan
Part 1
“Mom, please don’t panic. I’m at the hospital right now,” Chanyeol told his mother over the phone. “What?” his mom exclaimed, on the verge of tears at the thought of her little boy being hurt. “Yeah. I have a job now,” Chanyeol said as he stifles the chuckle coming out from his lips at the thought of his mother’s terrified face a while ago. “You brat! You could’ve killed me!” his mother exclaimed.
After calming down, his mom asked, “So where are you working now?”
“At the hospital,” he replied.
“I know that, you told me a while ago, remember?” his mom said.
“If you know already, why are you still asking mom?”
“What I meant was what the name of the hospital is?”
“Oh.”
Looking around, Chanyeol smiles to himself.
“Chanyeolie? Hello? Are you still there?” his mom asked.
“Yes mom. I’m actually working at Greenville Hospital.”
“Greenville? You mean THAT hospital?”
“Yes mom.”
“So you decided to work at the hospital that helped you back then. That’s good Chanyeol,” his mom said
Chanyeol can sense the smile on his mom’s face over the phone. He talked to his mom until his break time’s over. “Bye mom. Break time’s over. I’ll call you soon,” Chanyeol said
“Okay. Take care, my dear. Do your best!” his mom said.
“Okay. I wi--” Chanyeol laughed, as he heard the dial tone, thinking about his mom’s weird habit.
Chanyeol walks back to the nurse’s station. On his way there, he can’t help but feel uncomfortable with all the attention and stares the people are giving him. It’s probably because he’s tall, or because of his big ears that makes him look like an elf, or maybe, simple because he’s handsome. Who knows?
Part 2
DeleteIt’s already 4 in the afternoon; Chanyeol’s shift just ended. But instead of going home, he decided to stay for a while. He went to the hospital’s rooftop, remembering that this place is special for him. For the both of them. It’s where the first met. It is where he met his friend, his soul mate.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*Flashback*
14 years ago…
Chanyeol feels like he’s dying. He’s alone, while crying on his hospital bed. He’s been confined for days now. The doctor said that he have dengue, which could be fatal, if not treated properly. Well, he wasn’t really worried about his illness, more like he’s dying because of boredom. A nurse entered his room, with a medicine at hand. The nurse gave him his medicine and a glass of water, and she made sure he was comfortable. “Nurse Byun,” he said as he calls out the nurse.
“What is it Chanyeol? You need something else?” the nurse asked as she get the glass from the little boy’s hand and put it on the table.
“I’m bored,” Chanyeol complained.
“Do you want to play with your toy then?”
“No, I want to go outside.”
“But you know you can’t go outside.”
“I want to feel the heat of the sun on my skin again!” Chanyeol complained.
“Okay, okay. How about I bring you to the rooftop instead?”
Chanyeol’s face lit up at the suggestion.
“The rooftop? Really? Yey!” Chanyeol exclaimed.
Part 3
DeleteThe rooftop was big and wide. It was adorned with different kinds of colorful plants like chrysanthemums, daisies, roses, and other plants that bloom flowers with vibrant colors. In the middle of it all, stood a beautiful gazebo. The place looked suitable for tea parties, Chanyeol thought.
Nurse Byun escorted Chanyeol to the gazebo, saying, “Chanyeol, stay here for a while okay? I have other things to do so behave. Understood?”
“Yes, Nurse Byun,” Chanyeol replied while looking at the view from the rooftop. The nurse left him to attend to her other duties. Chanyeol just sat there, feeling the cool wind on his warm skin with eyes closed. Then suddenly, it started raining. Good thing there was a gazebo that is sheltering him from the rain. He watched the droplets of water as it causes dark spots on things they land on.
“It’s like watching a television, right?”
Chanyeol was startled by the voice. He looked to his right and saw a boy, around his age, standing while holding an umbrella to prevent himself from getting drenched. The boy went into the gazebo and closed his umbrella. He walked towards Chanyeol and sit beside him, few inches away.
“What do you mean?” Chanyeol asked. He noticed that the boy was wearing the same clothes he’s wearing. Chanyeol conclude that the boy’s also a patient in that hospital.
“Well, just like the television, it makes the colors of the things darker,” the boy stated, smiling at the view in front of them.
Chanyeol thought of the need to introduce himself, so he extended his hand. “I’m Park Chanyeol. What’s yours?” he asked.
The boy faced him then looked at Chanyeol’s hand. The boy accepted Chanyeol’s hand and said, “Byun Baekhyun,” as he smiles at Chanyeol. Chanyeol smiled back, and then they resumed watching the rain. When the rain stopped, they began to ask questions about each other and laugh at random jokes that came out from their mouths.
And that is how their friendship began.
*end of flashback*
Part 4
DeleteChanyeol got out of the rooftop after 2 long hours of just looking at the skies and the view below him. When he was back inside, he turned to a corner and accidentally bumped into someone, causing the papers to scatter on the floor.
“Oh no! I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to,” Chanyeol said frantically and helped in picking up the scattered papers. Chanyeol handed the papers to the person he bumped into.
“It’s fine. Thank you,” the person said looking at Chanyeol.
“Are you Park Chanyeol?”
Chanyeol look at the person he bumped into and a sense of familiarity kicks in.
“Nurse Byun?”
“Yes, it’s me. I’m glad you still remember me. Oh my. You’ve grown so tall now,” Nurse Byun said, eyeing Chanyeol. Then, she noticed his clothes.
“You’re working here?” Nurse Byun asked.
“Ah,” Chanyeol said as he looks at his uniform. “Yes, Nurse Byun. I started about a week ago,” Chanyeol replied.
“So you really did become a nurse. Well, I hope you wouldn’t have a hard time then.”
“Well, it’s actually fun,” Chanyeol said. Then, he remembered his friend that he was thinking a while ago.
“How’s Baekhyun by the way?” Chanyeol asked Nurse Byun. He noticed how the female nurse had a sad expression on her face at the mention of her son’s name.
“Baekhyun still visits the hospital frequently because of his condition. But, nonetheless, he’s enjoying life to the fullest,” the nurse chuckles, but still had a sad expression on her face.
Chan was saddened by the news, of course. Baekhyun is his bestfriend. He still considers Baekhyun as his bestfriend even though they haven’t seen eeach other for years.
“Baekhyun would be happy to see you, you know. Would you like to see him?” Nurse Byun asked, smiling at Chanyeol.
Chanyeols face lits up at the thought of seeing his bestfriend again, after 14 long years. “Okay, sure,” he said, smiling from ear to ear.
~~~~~~~
Chanyeol felt nervous. He felt guilty for leaving Baekhyun years ago; leaving without a word. He’s now walking alongside Nurse Byun to see his bestfriend. He learned that Hyun has been confined weeks ago due to a heart attack. It seems that his condition worsened when he reached his 20s. The doctors said it might’ve been caused by stress. Finally, they stop in front of a door
“Rm. 129.”
“Well, there you go. He’s probably staring at nothingness. I have to run now; my shift will start soon,” Nurse Byun said and then walked away, patting Chanyeol’s shoulder before leaving.
Chanyeol turned the doorknob with shaky hands and opened the door slightly. He peeked inside and saw a figure sitting on the bed. The only source of light in the room is coming from the moonlight entering the windows.
His hair is messy, like he just woke up . His hands were folded on his lap. Brown eyes were glistening under the moonlight, staring at the town’s light that can be seen from the window. He looks just like how he last saw him, 14 years ago.
“Baekhyun”
Part 5
Delete“Baekhyun.”
Baekhyun turned his head to the voice. His eyes went wide, glistening with tears as he saw who was standing beside his bed; the person’s face illuminated by the moonlight.
“Chanyeol,” he said, “You came back.”
Chanyeol’s heart clenched when he heard Baekhyun’s voice; he sounded so broken, and yet he was smiling at him. Hyun extended his right hand to touch Chanyeol’s left cheek. He wiped the tears streaming down the man’s face.
“It really is you,” Baekhyun said, still smiling. “You really came back.”
“Yes, it’s me,” Chanyeol said, raising his left hand to touch the hand restiong on his cheek. He removed it from his face but still held it. He wiped the tears off his face and smiled at the person infront of him.
“How are you?” he asked Baekhyun.
“I’m fine. Barely breathing, but fine,” Baekhyun smiled at him.
That night, they spent the time talking, catching up on each other’s lives. When it was time for Baekhyun to sleep, Chanyeol sang a lullaby for him, holding his dear friend’s hand
Ever since Chanyeol found out about Baekhyun’s condition, he visited his dear friend as much as he can. They talk and talk about those times they spent at the hospital when they were kids, as well as what happened to them in those fourteen years that they were apart. Just like now.
“Hey, Baekhyun, remember that time, when I really needed to go?” Chanyeol asked Baekhyun, who was sitting on his hospital bed and has just finished laughing at Chanyeol’s jokes. Baekhyun stared at Chanyeol for a while. When realization hit him, his mouth formed into an ‘O’.
“Yeah,” Baekhyun replied, “what about that?”
Part 6
Delete*Flashback*
14 years ago…
Chanyeol turned the doorknob for the comfort room, when a hand covered his and stopped him immediately.
“Stop,” said Baekhyun.
“Why?” asked Chanyeol. “I need to go. I can’t handle it anymore,” he complained, his voice laced with uneasiness.
“It’s a punishment room,” Baekhyun stated, “you can’t go in there, not unless you did something wrong.”
“A punishment room?” Chanyeol asked. “It’s not a punishment room, it’s a comfort room. It is where people relieve themselves,” explains Chanyeol.
“It is a punishment room. Adults lock the door and they suffer the pain alone. Everyone’s pain has a different smell.”
Chanyeol stared at Baekhyun like he just said something crazy.
*end of flashback*
~~~~~~~
“Who told you that anyway?” Chanyeol asked, staring at Baekhyun, eager to know the answer.
“My mom,” said Baekhyun.
“Nurse Byun?”
“Yeah. My mom.”
“Hahahaha. I didn’t know that Nurse Byun have a vivid imagination.”
And after that talk, they continued talking about random things, until Baekhyun had to sleep. As usual, Chanyeol tucked Baekhyun in and lulled him to sleep by singing him a lullaby. When he was sure that Baekhyun was asleep, he kissed his forehead goodnight and slipped out of the room, making sure to not be loud so the sleeping boy will not be woken up.
After closing the door, Chanyeol was startled by a hand tapping his shoulder. He turned around and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that it was nurse Byun, Baekhyun’s mother.
“I’m sorry if I startled you,” Nurse Byun said.
“Oh, it’s fine Nurse Byun,” Chanyeol replied.
“Can I talk to you?” Nurse Byun asked.
“Oh, sure Nurse Byun.”
“Well, how about let’s go to the cafeteria. And please, stop calling me ‘Nurse Byun’. You can call me aunty, you know? You are, after all, my Baekhyun’s friend.”
“Oh. Okay, a-aunty,” Chanyeol replied with a smile on his face.
Part 7
DeleteChanyeol and Nurse Byun sat at an empty table, at the balcony of the hospital. They were just staring at the lights of the town, when suddenly, Nurse Byun decided to break the silence.
“Baekhyun...my son, h-he’s dying,” the nurse said solemnly.
At this, Chanyeol’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
“H-his heart,” nurse Byun has started crying, “the holes got bigger, a-and the doctor s-said that he d-doesn’t have enough time on e-earth.” Nurse Byun’s cries have turned into sobs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chanyeol was lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling. How can he sleep when he just learned that his friend is dying? He wanted to cry. He wanted to cry so bad, but, for some reasons, no tears are coming out, just deep sighs. Looking out the window, he started to think of things that will make Baekhyun’s last days memorable for the both of them.
“When can I remove this blindfold?” Baekhyun asked Chanyeol for the nth time.
“When I tell you to. Just be patient, we’re almost there,” Chanyeol replied to Baekhyun.
“Okay, if you say so,” Baekhyun said, smiling at the thought that his best friend prepared something for him.
After some time, Chanyeol removed the blindfold covering Baekhyun’s eyes. He looked at Baekhyun and smiled. Baekhyun smiled back at him. Chanyeol lead Baekhyun to the gazebo in the middle of the rooftop. They sat there, side by side, silently watching the sun set into the horizon. Just before the last sliver of light faded into darkness, Baekhyun took hold of Chanyeol’s hand.
“Thank you,” he whispered, just enough for the two of them to hear.
~~~~~~~
It was 6 in the morning; Baekhyun had just gotten out of bed, when suddenly, he felt pain in his chest. He clutched his chest tightly, hoping to reduce the pain, but it wasn’t working. He was having a hard time breathing and fell back on his bed. Just as he was about to lose consciousness, his mother walked in.
“Baekhyun, what do you want to--- BAEKHYUN! What’s happening?” Nurse Byun said as she rushed to her son just as he fell onto the floor, eyes closed.
“HELP!”
~~~~~~~
Chanyeol was on his way to the hospital, when suddenly, his phone rang.
“Hel-“
“Chanyeol,” Nurse Byun sobbed into the phone. At this, Chanyeol started to panic.
“What is it aunty?”
“Baekhyun…he was rushed to the emergency room this morning,” Nurse Byun sobbed.
Chanyeol dropped his phone when he heard this. He started running towards the hospital. He was running as fast as he can. He doesn’t even bat an eyelash at the people he bumped into; he could worry about them later. What’s important now is Baekhyun. Baekhyun, his friend, is dying. His vision was blurry;Tears were streaming down his face. All he was thinking now is that he needed to reach the hospital really fast, that he didn’t notice the speeding car towards his direction.
Part 8
DeleteBaekhyun woke up to the sound ofwhirring machines. He tried to raise his hand but he was too weak to move them. He looked around the room he’s staying at. It was really white. He also found many wires attached to his body.
“Baekhyun,” his mom called out.
Baekhyun turned to his side, where his mom is. She looked really tired; her eyes looked swollen and her hair was a mess.
“You’re….you’re awake,” his mom stated. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Her son is alive. Her eyes started to well up with tears. She clicked the button that would call for the doctor.
Baekhyun remained silent. He wanted to wipe the tears off his mother’s face but he’s really tired. The doctors and nurses entered the room and checked his condition. After making sure he was well, the doctors talked to him and his mother for a while, telling them things that they should be aware of. Then, the doctors and nurses exited the room. Even though he’s just woke up, he still felt sleepy, so he obeyed his mom and didn’t try to get off the bed, feeling his mother caressing his hair, lulling him to sleep.
~~~~~~~
It’s been a week and Baekhyun was doing well. He’s still under observation, but, nonetheless, he was doing fine. His mom said that he had a heart transplant because the family of a patient who was dead-on-arrival decided to donate the heart to Baekhyun. As to why, he’s got no idea. He’s thankful though.
His health doesn’t bother him anymore. But, one thing’s bothering him. Park Chanyeol. He’s still wondering where his friend has gone to. He doesn’t see him at the hospital anymore, and the guy didn’t even bother to visit him. He’s wondering if Chanyeol even knew about what happened to him. He’s thinking that his friend probably left him again without any goodbyes.
~~~~~~~
Baekhyun woke up to the sound of whirring machines. He tried to raise his hand but he was too weak to move them. He looked around the room he’s staying at. It was really white. He also found many wires attached to his body.
“Baekhyun,” his mom called out.
Baekhyun turned to his side, where his mom is. She looked really tired; her eyes looked swollen and her hair was a mess.
“You’re….you’re awake,” his mom stated. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Her son is alive. Her eyes started to well up with tears. She clicked the button that would call for the doctor.
Baekhyun remained silent. He wanted to wipe the tears off his mother’s face but he’s really tired. The doctors and nurses entered the room and checked his condition. After making sure he was well, the doctors talked to him and his mother for a while, telling them things that they should be aware of. Then, the doctors and nurses exited the room. Even though he’s just woke up, he still felt sleepy, so he obeyed his mom and didn’t try to get off the bed, feeling his mother caressing his hair, lulling him to sleep.
~~~~~~~
It’s been a week and Baekhyun was doing well. He’s still under observation, but, nonetheless, he was doing fine. His mom said that he had a heart transplant because the family of a patient who was dead-on-arrival decided to donate the heart to Baekhyun. As to why, he’s got no idea. He’s thankful though.
His health doesn’t bother him anymore. But, one thing’s bothering him. Park Chanyeol. He’s still wondering where his friend has gone to. He doesn’t see him at the hospital anymore, and the guy didn’t even bother to visit him. He’s wondering if Chanyeol even knew about what happened to him. He’s thinking that his friend probably left him again without any goodbyes
Part 9
DeleteThe door to his room opened and his mother entered. On her hand was a cute little stuffed toy. It was an elf. Because of this, he was reminded of his friend. He remembered calling Chanyeol an elf because of his big ears. He decided to ask his mom about the said friend.
“Mom, has Chanyeol visited already?”
“Uhm…no,” Nurse Byun stated while looking at the floor. Baekhyun sensed something wrong. “But, he gave you this.”
Baekhyun was handed the stuffed toy and a white envelope. He put the elf to his side and hurriedly opened the envelope.
Dearest Baekhyun,
I wanted to give you something special, so I thought, why not give you a little me instead? The elf’s name is Chanhyun. He will keep you company when I’m not around. He will also keep you safe and protect you from harm. He’s your lucky charm.You can also tell him your secrets; he wouldn’t tell anyone about it. I hope you’ll get well soon.
Your friend,
Chanyeol
Baekhyun can’t help but frown. He’s wondering why Chanyeol wouldn’t hand him the gift instead. His thoughts were interrupted when his mother held his hand. He looked up to her and saw tears welling at the corner of her eyes. He’s wondering why.
“Mom, why are you crying?” Baekhyun asked.
“Baekhyun…there’s something you need to know.” She paused for a while, gathering her courage. “Your heart donor…Its Chanyeol.” By this time, the tears have flowed abundantly on her cheeks. She was just staring at Baekhyun.
“What?” Baekhyun couldn’t believe his ears. What in the world was his mother saying?
“When he was on his way to work, he was run over by a car. He was already dying when he got to the hospital. His parents decided to end their son’s suffering instead of putting him through lots of pain; they decided to donate his heart to you.” Nurse Byun was crying as she said all this. She was trying hard not to break down in front of Baekhyun because she knows that her son needs her to be strong now. “I’m sorry that I just told you now. I’m sorry Baekhyun.”
When Baekhyun finished hearing all this, he hugged his mom and started crying. He couldn’t believe it. All this time, he thought that Chanyeol just went somewhere again. He went back to all the time they spent together and cried harder.
Chanyeol left him again, but, this time around, he’s not coming back.
Part 10
DeleteHe put the flowers on the ground and lit the candles. He sat on the patch of grass in front of the tombstone.
Park Chanyeol
Beloved son and friend.
November 27, 1992 ~ January 30, 2016
It’s been a year since Chanyeol died. Baekhyun is still sad about it. Chanyeol, his best friend, died and gave his heart to him. The day he learned about it, he asked his mom to take him to the cemetery. He stood before Chanyeol’s grave and promised that he would take care of the heart beating inside him, for it was also the heart of his dearest friend.
“Hey, Chanyeol, how is it up there?” Baekhyun said, like he is talking to Chanyeol. “I have other friends now, you know. I’m also studying college already. I decided that I want to be a nurse, too. Do you think I’ll do fine?”
Baekhyun just sat there, talking and talking until he had to go home. He stood up and patted his pants.
“Goodbye, Chanyeol. ‘Till next time.” And Baekhyun turned around smiling, knowing that his friend is watching over him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10 year-old Chanyeol ran up to his friend who is reading a book.
“Hey, Baekhyun, what’s that?” Chanyeol asked, curious about the title of the book.
“It’s a mechanical bird with many wings,” Baekhyun said to the little Chanyeol.
“Huh?” Chanyeol said, “No, that’s not a bird. It’s a book.”
“No,” Baekhyun argued, “It’s a bird. See, it’s got many wings. And besides, it takes me to wherever I want.”
Chanyeol put on a face. “Yeah, whatever. So, where are you going now?”
END
I WONDER WHY
ReplyDeleteBy: Patricia Mae Diesta & Ma. Carla Fabrique (RUBY)
Part 1
"Lets play Thomas!"
"Come here!"
She is Mary. She's my friend since I was born in this planet. She has a younger brother named Tobie. She also has a very nice mommy and daddy. And in case you still don't realize, Thomas is my name.
The place is very bright because of the light that works even without any electricity. The ground is very soft because of the green sheet that was laid. And the room is very beautiful because of these colorful creatures which grow from the round that were scattered.
I walked towards Mary who was waiting for me. She is currently flying because of the square metal under her butt, it doesn't have any wings nor uses any magic. I wonder how it can make Mary fly. I was watching Mary as she happily flies back and forth when Tobie came. He was carrying a ball.
Then suddenly, I felt the anger of Mr. Sky. 'Who made him angry this time?', I told myself.
"Mary! Tobie! Thomas! Come inside. Quick!", Mrs. Rowley shouted. We hurriedly ran to get inside but even before entering, I felt the rushing tears of Mr. Sky.
"I told you to stay inside the house but you didn't listen." Mrs. Rowley said as she wiped us with soft, comfy towels.
After a couple of minutes, she decided to continue what she was doing before. I followed her until we came to a room. This room is my favorite place. It gives you different kind of smells, though sometimes it becomes very hot in here. I heard the clanking of the metals Mrs. Rowley was using. I also saw how she put it above the fire. I wonder why it didn't get burned.
I got tired watching Mrs. Rowley so I left the room and went outside. I saw Mary, Tobie and Mr. Rowley sitting while looking intensely to the box-shaped thing on the table. I wonder what that thing is. It has a lot of animals and cars and people inside. I wonder why do the people in there keep talking and talking even though nobody is talking to them. I really wonder why. So, I just sit on the sofa beside them and watch what the box-shaped thing would say.
M-I-C-K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E!! The thing sings.
"Give me the remote!" Tobie would shout at Mary.
"No! Don't change the channel!" Mary whines.
"You're such a kiddo. You're older than me!"
"D-dont! No!" They hold the controller on both ends and pull it to each other.
"Mary, Tobie! Stop fighting!!" Mr. Rowley would shout and they would stop.
They're finally civil again.
Probably, out of boredom, Tobie went inside the room where he sleeps. He got two mini monsters in his little hands. One on the right. One on the left. And before I even realize, he made them crash against other. When monsters crash,the police always comes to fix the trouble.I wanted to warn him about getting caught by the police, but I remembered he already did this before and yet, he still wasn't caught. What he did is a crime, and I wonder why the police never punish him. I really wonder why. .
After that, I went to the food room. This is where food comes out, but sometimes they make it. I don't know how. Mrs. Rowley is doing something and I can smell something delicious. My tummy is already growling in hunger.
Doing nothing, I went back to my favorite room and lied on my bed. The heat of the fire was very calming and I didn't realize that I fell asleep.
Part 2:
ReplyDeleteI woke up with the light shining brightly. It is coming through the clear glass on the wall and to my face.
"Good morning, Thomas!" Mr. Rowley greeted.
"Thomas, let's go outside and play!" Tobie yelled.
I got up quickly and went to my breakfast prepared by Mrs. Rowley. We do this everyday. While I'm eating, they are busy fixing themselves up.
"Mom! Where are the socks?" yelled Mary.
"Inside the blue drawer honey!"
"Sweetheart, the keys?" Mr. Rowley asked.
"On the counter, sweetheart."
I, too, just went to do my daily routine.
I went outside. I approached the red-headed creature that grows from the soil and picked it. But actually these creatures have different colors of head and some are tall, others are small. I went back inside and gave it to Mrs. Rowley. She likes it when I give these creatures to her. It seems to lighten up her mood.
"Aaw. Thank you so much, Thomas. I loved them." she would always say.
I went to the machine near the door. It produces feet covers of different styles and varying colors. I got the black ones that Mary always uses. I went to Mary and put it down upon her feet.
"Thanks a lot, Thomas."
And then I went outside to catch a bundle of thin thoroughly-marked sheets which the boy riding in a bicycle gives everyday. I think it's free. As Mr. Rowley walks outside, I give it to him. He always messes up with my hair and smiles widely.
They go outside and then to another room where these colorful and fast monsters are. They are monsters, yes, but they are controlled by Mr. Rowley using the keys. He doesn't allow anyone else to control the monsters. Only him. And I still don't get why, yet nobody else in the family dares to control these monsters on their own. Maybe, we might get hurt by the monsters so we obey what he said.
Together with Mrs. Rowley, we stand upon the door and wave them goodbye as they ride the monster. I greet them goodbye.
I was always left alone with Mrs. Rowley at home. She once explained this to me.
"Thomas, dear. Mary and Tobie must go to school. School is the place where they learn many things. So, just help me in doing the house chores so you won't get bored waiting for them."
And I do. I do help Mrs. Rowley in her activities as much as I can and before the day ends, the three of us always play outside and have fun.
"Oh, Thomas! What would we do without you?" Mary would hold me in her arms tightly.
"Take care, big boy!" Tobie is still playful.
"We love you so much, Thomas." They would all tuck me in bed at times.
Part 3
ReplyDeleteThis is strange. This place, I don't know where I am.
No Mary. No Tobie. No Mr. or Mrs. Rowley! Where are they?
There are lots of people. They are walking and running and riding monsters. It's noisy! The monsters are growling. Nobody seems to care so I just walked slowly to my unfamiliar world. Where could have they gone to?
As I pass a thick stand with hanging black ropes, I saw a thin sheet in black and white. I saw myself! But it's not moving. I get it and wandered but I still can't find Tobie or Mary.
Oh, I remembered! I tried following the monster that Mary and Tobie is riding yesterday to school. I wanted to play with them at school because I'm getting tired just staying at home. I also wanted to learn just like Mary and Tobie. My plan worked. I don't think they noticed that I'm following them, anyway. But later on, I lost the monster that they were riding! What's more, I discovered that there are many more monsters out there!
This place is dangerous.
I pass by a home with clear wall. Inside, I saw two children with their mom and dad. They look really happy.
"Mom, Dad, we want more ice cream!" they both said.
I almost felt water from my eye run down my cheek but I struggled to cease it. I miss Mary and Tobie and Mr. and Mrs. Rowley. I wish we could all go here and buy food and be happy too, like them. And as I walk, I hear them talking in my head.
"Don't be sad, Thomas. We're here for you." Mary would say.
"What's up, Tommy boy! Want to play with me?" Tobie happily asked.
"We trust you, Thomas. Remember that." Mr. Rowley's voice is assuring.
"We're so lucky to have you, dear Thomas." Mrs. Rowley would probably say this.
I went on with my journey. I see dead giants with many eyes I smell black smoke. It's very visible everywhere. They can be from the monsters or the stick that people put in their mouth from time to time.
I coughed.
I see from afar a place with many children, so I went to it. I recognize the familiar back of Mary. I went to make sure if it was her.
"Thomas! Oh my god! Where have you been all the time?" Mary asked. "Mommy! Daddy! I found Thomas!" She shouted.
Then in just a blink of an eye, I was surrounded by Mary, Tobie, Mr. Rowley, and Mrs. Rowley.
"Thomas I miss you!" Tobie said while hugging me.
"Thank God you're safe," Mr. and Mrs. Rowley said while tapping my head.
"Let's go home Thomas," Mary said while putting chain around my neck.
"Arf! Arf!" I happily said as we went to our home.
She is Mary. She's my friend since I was born in this planet. She has a younger brother named Tobie. She also has a very nice mommy and daddy. And in case you still don't realize, Thomas is my name, and I am their lovely pet Siberian Husky.
I can still feel the ground, but I feel it less than I did before!
ReplyDeleteOh, how incomplete it feels using only two, because I do not have any more.
I used to look up and see a gray mist, but now I see blue skies
But when I look down, I still see a white patch as I used to before, my oh my!
My best friend, Bea, doesn’t seem to recognize me
I joked and laughed but she didn’t find it funny
I tried to talk to her, the way I did before
But she cringed and walked away like she doesn’t know me anymore
Our neighbor, Felipa, she used to give me snacks all the time!
But now when I walk to her door, she screams “I’ve got the police on speed dial!”
My first thought is there must be a bad man trying to take her away!
So I’ve decided on her front porch I shall stay
I lay down all afternoon on her front door
And as the sun goes down, I hear the sirens of police cars!
I stand up quickly and on guard
But then the police walk up to me and take me by the arm
Oh no, what did I do? I was just being my old self,
Guarding doors, barking loud, running around, and doing what I do best
But it seems they have forgotten, who and what I am
Ever since the scientists took me and turned me into a man!
One dog's adventure is one man's crime
A poem by Felipa Cheng and Bea Jane Lazona
A Lucid Dream
ReplyDeleteby John David Golenia, Reimart Rodriguez and Christian Luna
Chapter 1
It was a cold, starry night. As I tried to reach the window, the wind gently breezed from the outside. I felt a tingling run down my spine. Then I shivered like a child and my hair stood up. I finally shut the window so tight that it wouldn't budge.
I collapsed myself right into my bed. Before I went to sleep, my mind started wandering. It made me realize one of my embarrassing moment. Indeed, it was absolutely stunning but also life-changing.
A few hours ago, I once fell into a bush and then a bunch of people started to laugh at me which was totally unpleasant. I was ashamed of myself. It was absurd for everyone to watch.
I stopped thinking about it. Suddenly, my consciousness faded away in just a matter of seconds. I began to dream shortly afterward.
My family and I went to our province. The place was very old and traditional. Normally if we looked to our right, we would see rice fields. On the contrary, if we looked to our left, we would see corn fields. Basically, the place would illustrate us a farm.
I figured as much. Our old house was a barn – a big barn that's painted with bright red and neutral white colors which kind of looked like the same old barn from “Old MacDonald”.
When we arrived to our house, two strange men rushed to my parents and they both greeted them. The first guy was a boy who is around 30 years old. He wore a western straw cowboy hat, a bright yellow shirt with jeans, and 2 matching green boots. On the other hand, the second guy was a man who is roughly 50 years old. He also wore the same hat, clothes and boots as the other guy. I myself deduced that their relation with each other would most likely be a father-to-son relationship.
“Howdy y'all!” My father said cheerfully, “'Tis nice to see ya again. I see that this place has changed a lot, buddy!”
”Oh yes siree!” The young guy replied, “This place has changed a lot ever since ya left.”
“Shall we get inside, Thomas and Rick?” My mother suddenly interrupted their conversation.
The two guys both answered quickly, “Sure!”
Chapter 2
ReplyDeleteAs we were heading to our barn, I noticed some strange stuff around our old place. First, I looked at a machine. It was old school. It was painted both red and white just like our big barn plus it had little door on top of it. I also looked at a small, white clock underneath the little door. I guessed that it's probably an old school clock.
I adjusted the time when all of a sudden, a strange object banged right in front of my nose. A little yellow bird popped out of the door – shouting like a man who has been trapped in a cage for a long time. Then the little yellow bird went back to its cage.
After a moment of silence, I noted to myself that I shouldn't touch any of my dad’s property.
We then entered to our old house. All I could see were the things that are old and dusty. Although I did not know most of these items, I could recognize half of these things.
Next, I encountered a rectangle-shaped object with a built-in telescope in front. It had two big ears that roll on opposite sides. It also had a handle that makes the ears spin.
I also encountered another machine that's really delightful. It had a player-like device along with some discs inside the machine – like a revolver gun with bullets inside. It also had buttons that let me choose my own disc. These discs were then put inside the machine and, once the beat had finally started, my parents would jazz as they had already been flowed from its sweet, sound of music.
From there, I spotted an instrument. It amused me. It had little buttons which also had a mini-like piano. It unfolded like a fan which would then produce a harmonious sound.
On the table beside the lamp, I saw other things which were used by my father few years ago.
I discovered a soft, lovely yet astonishing feather. Its dusty, white color had given me a tip that it was very old. It had been placed right next to a small, blue bottle which had some black, watery substance. My father once used this to write on a piece of paper.
Chapter 3
ReplyDeleteThen my mother gave me something – a small clock that had its own chain.
“Clip the chain to your pants. Insert the little clock on your pocket. And then you are good to go,” my mother instructed, “I always use this back when I was young.”
Eventually, I saw a familiar object. I had studied this device when I was first grade. I couldn't recall its name though; it's a rectangle-shaped that's full of beads. The beads were joined by a bunch of sticks. This device would solve simple arithmetic problems by moving the beads up and down.
Afterward, I picked out a long, small horn. This horn seemed unusual. After I blew it, a puff of smoke came out from the tube. I sniffed an awful smell coming from it.
Subsequently, I found another machine. Technically, this had buttons with specific letters, numbers and symbols – a type-and-print machine that most journalists would often type and write about their own article.
This item, on the other hand, was my favorite toy. It had some sand inside a spherical glass. If the item was turned to 180 degrees, the sand would rise up and it would drop to another container that's connected to it. It took 5 minutes before the sand had finally dropped into place.
After that, Rick shouted immediately, “All right; Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, please follow my lead.”
Then we all proceeded to the basement. From there, we saw an old chest. Rick said that this chest contained some old goods that my father had previously owned.
Unexpectedly, My father quickly rushed to grab the chest and began to open it. He found a very important item that's memorable to him.
“I never thought I would be able to see this item again,” my father said, “this monocle was first owned by my grandfather. He gave it to my father and then my father gave it to me. I have always taken good care of this.”
Based from what my father had said, it’s quite similar to my mother’s pocket watch. It only had one glass which is attached to a long chain. My father said that he put it on his right eye.
Chapter 4
ReplyDeleteI continued to search through the chest to see other incredible things. I discovered some old photos. I found a type of scale that has two plates on both sides. I also found a long prism. It had bright colors when I peeked through it. If I turned it, the colors would sway around.
I spotted a big replica of an omega sign. Thomas said that this thing was used to throw in the ground which illustrates a shoe for a horse. I also spotted weird goggles. It's really big. It would actually cover your whole eyes. It’s a little bit dusty though. It somehow reminded me of a dog that often wears this – snooping around due to its curiosity to find someone's private affairs.
Below the goods was a small box. There was a handle in it. I turned the handle and then a song was played. The song was one of the masterpiece of Mozart.
A ballet dancer suddenly popped up and danced to the music. I totally loved this box until the moment – I saw the color of the box. It's bright violet.
“Look dad,” I said, “I can see some little machines that have antennas!”
“Ah,” my father said, “I remember the days when my father and I used to play this! We always act like the police officer because these gadgets were used to communicate partners-in-crime back in the old days.”
And thus ends our amazing trip to our barn. We finally ate a few corns and sweet potatoes with fresh milk and coffee. Before we headed off, my father went to the trunk of the car to pick up something. It was a time capsule. He had planned this all along.
He put all of his remarkable things inside the capsule – his old photos as a remembrance, his memorable stuff and some old letters from his parents. My father cried once he had seen everything. I, too, felt his sadness – his deepest and most sincere emotion – because burying something that's important to ourself would be a great sacrifice for others.
After a few minutes, we buried the capsule behind the barn. I wouldn't forget where we had put the capsule – even the fields and our own house. It was such a great experience.
Chapter 5
ReplyDeleteI woke up all of a sudden. It was a dream. I somehow wished I could go to that place because it seemed very familiar to me. So I went to search the whole world to find that spectacular place once more.
At last, I had found it. It was in Texas. I saw the corn fields and the rice fields.
I searched the whole city trying to find that barn that looks exactly like in my dream.
Yet I couldn't find the barn. So I gave up and lost hope. I said to myself that I should forget this wildest dream. I began to walk with a normal pace. “It was only just a drea-” I tripped all of a sudden.
I suddenly noticed a metal object that's beneath my toes. I swept the dust away and from there, I saw a capsule. It looked exactly like the capsule in my dream. I was shocked. I couldn’t believe it in my eyes. It was not a dream ― it was my past.
I opened the capsule and, with my wide eyes open, saw everything — both filled with misery and contentment. There were some old photos, letters and other memorable stuff. What surprised me most was the monocle. I knew exactly that this was, in fact, my family's time capsule.
“Sometimes I will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. For my time capsule is a film; if I have a lack of dedication or focus, it will serve as a negative reminder.
A time capsule is not only a link to the past, but it also serves as the bridge to our future.
Yet I never know that time is free...though it's priceless.
Once you've lost it, you can never get it back.”