ethereal-treasure

[ethereal-treasure]

#SoundCloud

[ethereal-treasure]

GROUP REFLECTION

A writing class, for me, is a dream come true. I always aim to improve my writing, and having a Creative Writing Class really helps me cultivate my own writing style and the composition of my writing. It teaches me what I could improve on. I also learned also of writing terms that are very helpful for me. I genuinely enjoyed having this subject. — Venus Perilune

[ethereal-treasure]

BLOG ENTRY 4

you sleep with both your eyes open. white roses on your left and a sharp knife on your right. a visitor stands outside your house every midnight— they don't forget to knock, but you always choose not to let them in.

they didn't visit you in a week. when they came back, they asked you a question.

"why?" you didn't respond. an hour later, they tried again with a different question.

"is it because you're afraid of me?"

"i'm not," you said, a little too quickly. there was a pause, then you continued, "i'm not afraid of you, i know you so well."

"do you trust me?"

"no."

"would you be happy if i leave?"

"no."

there it is again, that oh-so-familiar feeling. you don't want to see their face, but you would be lonely if they don't visit you anymore.

"then, let me in. just this once."

this time, you woke up with red dead roses on top of your chest.

written by Venus Perilune

#own creation

[ethereal-treasure]

BLOG ENTRY 5: ONE-ACT PLAY

With You

CAST:

??? (Mari), a closed-off person

Reese, a sickly person confined in a hospital

Yana, younger sister of ??? (Mari)

Nurse

Doctor

FADE IN

SCENE 1

ON A GRASSY FIELD - NIGHT

There are two people sitting beside each other. They're stargazing. One is pointing at the night sky, the other looking at their friend.

FRIEND Look at that star!

Still looking at FRIEND, ??? lets out a hum.

FRIEND You're not looking at it at all.

FRIEND pouts. ??? chuckles.

??? I am looking at it.

FRIEND No, you're not.

FRIEND sighs as they continue to watch the stars. There's a moment of silence between them.

FRIEND You know…, (pause) I already have a clear idea what my funeral will be once I die.

??? raises their eyebrow. It goes unnoticed by FRIEND.

FRIEND (cont'd) I want to be a part of the stars.

??? touches FRIEND's hair. They take a quick glance at their watch.

??? Hey. You’re forgetting something.

FRIEND gives a questioning look.

??? looks in their friend's eyes as if they're holding the whole universe beneath them.

??? 3…

??? pulls them by their nape on one hand.

??? 2…

FRIEND feels something cold touch their neck.

??? 1…

??? puts FRIEND’s head on their shoulder.

??? Happy birthday, Reese.

REESE touches the thing dangling on their neck.

??? feels REESE smile even though they can't see it.

END OF SCENE 1

SCENE 2

HOSPITAL - HALLWAY

??? quickly walks, looking left and right. They’re trying to search for something.

??? Am I lost… Where is it…

??? continues to walk until they feel something bump on them. To their mistake, it’s not something, it’s a person.

PERSON ??? JUST BUMPED TO Oh, I’m (cough) sorry…!

??? sees a lady in front of them. The lady has long, straight hair. She’s wearing a gown-like shirt. She continues to cough. This goes on for 12 seconds.

??? Are you… okay?

The lady continues to cough until it comes to a stop. She takes a deep breath then smiles.

LADY Hah. It finally stopped. Hi. Yes. Yes, I’m okay! Please don’t worry about me.

??? gives a strange look.

LADY Oh, sorry! Is it my voice? I know my voice doesn’t suit my face, I’m sorry— 

??? No, no. It's not that. You just… talk very fast.

LADY blinks twice, then laughs.

LADY Is it really that, then? I’m sorry!

??? And you say sorry every time you speak.

LADY Sorry!

??? stands still in complete silence.

LADY I did it again, sorry!

??? opens their mouth. Closes it, opens it, then closes it again.

LADY Sorry… Wait, oh! (eyes widen) I just won’t speak so that I wouldn’t be able to say that word! Nice, me…!

??? And you have a very loud voice.

LADY Sorry… I can’t help it…

The lady’s shoulders slump. ??? is taken aback by the sudden mood change.

??? …I didn’t say it was a bad thing.

The lady quickly stands straight again as if she hasn’t been sad a while ago.

LADY So, what’s your name?

??? I’m sorry, what?

LADY Your name…? What’s your name?

??? shuts their mouth. They won’t give information to a stranger they just met.

??? I’m trying to look for something so I have to go. Sorry for bumping into you again.

The lady jumps like she had a eureka moment.

LADY Oh yeah, that’s why!

??? Huh?

LADY That’s why we bumped into each other.

??? What—

LADY (speaking very fast) You look lost and you look new here so I felt like I should go to you but then you were walking so fast and you didn’t notice me and that’s why we bumped into each other.

LADY (cont’d) So, what are you searching for? A room? A person? A nurse? A doctor? Tell me, I’ll help you find it!

??? Thank you, but I can find it by myself.

LADY Come on! This place is basically my home. Trust me on this one.

The lady puts up a thumbs up sign then winks with both of her eyes.

??? Did you just… wink with both of your eyes?

LADY I’m still practicing, just pretend you didn’t notice that.

??? nods their head slowly then walks away.

LADY Hey, wait! Where are you going?

??? I really have to go.

LADY I’ll help you find it!

??? looks behind her. They sigh.

??? Fine.

??? continues to walk as the lady catches up to her.

LADY You walk (cough) so fast…!

When ??? hears the lady cough, they make their walking pace slower than their usual one.

LADY Thank you. (smiles) So what are you trying to find?

There’s a quiet moment for 10 seconds then ??? answers.

??? My surgeon. I’m here for my top surgery.

END OF SCENE 2

SCENE 3

ROOFTOP - DAY, A BLUE SKY

??? is sitting on the bench while their friend is in front of them sipping on an orange juice while standing, looking at the clouds. She sways side by side. 

Once she realizes something she whips her head fast and looks back to ???. 

FRIEND Woah, I just realized. It’s been a month since we met each other. Woah, woah. Time sure flies fast.

??? Time is not real. It’s all just made up. Past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion. I read that from Einstein.

The friend giggles then looks back at the sky.

FRIEND You and your philosophical words again. I really like that side of you.

??? chokes on nothing. FRIEND whips her head again, this time, her hair sways.

FRIEND You alright?

??? (hums) just choked on nothing.

FRIEND (laughs) You’re so (cough) clumsy!

??? (rolls eyes) Yeah, yeah. Alright.

??? now stands, joining the lady. They stretch their arms and their neck from sitting for too long. They side-eye the juice their friend is sipping.

??? You always drink that.

FRIEND You introduced me to this.

??? I didn’t know you’d like it that much.

FRIEND I didn’t either. You know that I’m not a fan of citrusy drinks. But I really like this one!

??? Yeah?

FRIEND (sipping juice) It’s just so good. It has like those plup… purp… plurp… purple… What do you (cough) call it again?

??? Pulp.

FRIEND Yes! Pulp! It has pulp. I don’t know why I like those. They’re cool. I like it. And it’s not like those orange juice I once had when I was a child, where it’s like, it’s something powdery. This one has a very refreshing taste. Feels good in my throat.

??? Probably because it has no additives in it.

FRIEND Additives…? I don’t know any scientific terms.

They stand in silence, both looking up at the sky. An unfamiliar bird flies. The friend hums.

FRIEND It has been a month since I’ve known you, and I have your number and all, but why haven’t you told me your name yet?

??? Is it really necessary?

FRIEND We’ve been hanging out since that day, like literally almost every day! And now, you’re really asking me that? I’ve been calling you random nicknames each day we meet!

??? I’m okay with it, though?

??? (cont’d) And why would I tell my name if you haven’t even told me yours from the start?

FRIEND What do you mean? Me? I haven’t told you? My name?

??? As far as I remember, no. Not yet.

FRIEND I don’t believe you, you just forgot it!

??? No, really.

The friend lets out an angry noise but she’s not really angry.

FRIEND Don’t forget it this time! I can’t believe (emphasize) I’m introducing myself again.

??? nods.

REESE Nice to meet you, I’m Reese! And you are…?

??? smiles subtly. They put a finger near their mouth, mimicking a “quiet” sign.

??? I’m afraid it’s a secret, Reese.

END OF SCENE 3

SCENE 4

HOSPITAL ROOM - ROOM 291, DAWN

A nurse is talking with ??? on the door.

NURSE Thank you for coming here. Her relatives aren’t available right now so she decided to just call her friend instead. And I am sure you are that friend?

??? Yes, I am.

NURSE We do a check-up on her every day, but her symptoms are becoming more serious as each day passes.

NURSE (cont’d) If you ever see her short of breath, or you can feel a fever and fatigue from her, please call us immediately. You can stay here until you think she’s okay,

??? Okay.

NURSE I’ll go now. Thank you again.

??? nods their head. As soon as the nurse walks away, ??? closes the door.

REESE is laying on her bed. She’s looking at the window. It’s raining.

REESE Sorry for (cough) calling you here without notice.

??? It’s fine. Stop apologizing.

They stay silent. ??? fishes a book from their shoulder bag.

??? I brought something. Thought you might like it.

REESE What (cough) is it…?

??? My favorite book.

REESE sits on her bed. ??? gives the book to her.

REESE This is a science fiction book.

??? Yes.

REESE giggles.

REESE You’re really a nerd.

??? smiles.

REESE (cont’d) Read it for me?

??? Sure.

END OF SCENE 4

SCENE 5

HOSPITAL ROOM - ROOM 291, MIDNIGHT

??? closes the book and puts it on the bedside table as soon as they notice REESE already asleep. They look at her sleeping face. They attempt to touch it but retract their hand right away.

??? continues to look at her. A faint noise of rain could be heard in the background. They stand up from their chair and look outside the window. ??? grips on the curtain, closes the curtains, then slowly lets it go. They go back to their seat.

??? looks at REESE once again. They watch how her body is rising, then goes down, inhaling and exhaling.

??? You really are a sweet one. Aren’t you?

??? taps their fingers on their lap five times, then stops. 

??? You tried to befriend me. Know about me. Even though I’m a closed-off person. Do you know that no one has ever attempted that in my entire life?

??? touches REESE’s blanket.

??? You are…

??? looks at REESE’s face again as if she’s studying it. Their breath hitches.

??? You are a kind person. You don’t deserve any of this.

The clock ticks. Ticks. Ticks. The rain continues to pour, stronger this time.

??? So, I’m sorry. This is all I could do.

??? puts their lips near REESE’S ear and whispers something. It’s inaudible.

END OF SCENE 5

SCENE 6

ROOFTOP - LATE-AFTERNOON

??? and REESE are sitting beside each other. REESE’s head is on ???’s shoulder as she sings a familiar tune.

??? glances at her.

??? Reese.

REESE Hmm?

??? Do you… want to meet my younger sister?

REESE looks up at her, her eyes unreadable.

REESE You have a younger sister?

??? Yeah. I said it to you last time.

REESE hums. She puts her head back on ???’s shoulder once again.

REESE Okay.

??? I’ll message her, then.

REESE Not in person.

??? What?

REESE Video call is okay.

??? Why? You’re happy with that?

REESE How old is she?

??? She’ll turn fifteen this week.

REESE Oh, (cough) happy birthday to her.

??? I’ll tell her that. But why don’t you want to meet her in person? Talk to her face to face?

REESE She might get sick if she goes here. 

??? Your illness isn’t contagious.

REESE Yeah, but still. (cough) We wouldn’t know.

??? notices the sudden drop of REESE’s tone. They don’t push it.

??? Video call it is, then. Let’s move to the garden?

REESE Okay.

END OF SCENE 6

SCENE 7

GARDEN - LATE-AFTERNOON

??? types something on their phone as REESE’s looking at them.

??? Here. Just wait. It’s loading.

REESE sways her feet, waiting. Once she sees an unfamiliar face on the screen, she waves her hand.

REESE Hello!

The person from the phone blinks her eyes and then smiles.

YOUNGER SISTER Hi!

??? (whispers) This is Yana. My younger sister.

REESE (whispers) You can say your younger sister’s name but not your own?

??? remains silent.

REESE Hi, Yana! I’m Reese!

YANA Reese! Got it. (looks at ???, wearing a mischievous smile) Your girlfriend?

??? face flushes. They accidentally end the call.

REESE Why did you (cough) end it?

??? I was just surprised.

REESE By what? Just because she called me your girlfriend?

??? doesn’t respond.

REESE I’m just poking fun. I’m not affected by it, we’re friends after all. By the way, she looks energetic. Nothing like you at all.

??? Is that an insult or a compliment?

??? types on their phone again and tries to call their younger sister again.

REESE Haven’t I told you? I like every side of you.

END OF SCENE 7

SCENE 8

HOSPITAL ROOM - ROOM 291, EVENING

REESE What do you have this time?

??? Well, I have this book.

??? shows her a book. It reads: Constellations: The Story of Space Told Through the 88 Known Star Patterns in the Night Sky.

??? You’re fond of the stars, right?

REESE’s eyes shine, mimicking the image of the book cover. ??? stares.

END OF SCENE 8

SCENE 9

HOSPITAL ROOM - ROOM 291, DAWN

REESE I basically know everything about you. Except your name. And your birthday.

??? My birthday was last week.

REESE WHAT?! (coughs) Why didn’t you tell me that?

??? You just asked it now.

REESE I hate you.

??? You don’t.

REESE I do.

??? You do?

REESE I don’t.

??? That’s what I thought.

??? laughs.

REESE Hey, (eyes widen) you laughed!

??? I did.

REESE Do it again!

??? I can’t do it by force, Reese.

REESE You’re unfair! It just registered in my mind!

??? You have to catch it next time.

REESE looks at ???. 

??? hates that her face says ‘but what if there’s no more next time?’

END OF SCENE 9

SCENE 10

HOSPITAL ROOM - ROOM 291, EVENING

??? When’s your birthday?

REESE I’m not telling you that. I’m still upset.

??? makes a sad face. REESE notices this then grumpily sighs.

REESE It’s next month. The 14th.

??? smiles.

END OF SCENE 10

SCENE 11

HOSPITAL - HALLWAY

A week has passed since REESE’s birthday. Her condition got worse. ??? is standing outside her room, worry painted on their face.

??? keeps pacing back and forth, hands in their pocket.

After a while, ??? sees a doctor coming out from REESE’s room

DOCTOR I would tell you this with no sugar coating. Her condition is getting worse. And you know what that implies.

DOCTOR (cont’d) I would advise you not to be with her for the meantime. Don’t visit her for now. We’re trying our best to make her survive. 

??? clenches their fist, bowing down.

END OF SCENE 11

SCENE 12

???’s ROOM - EVENING

??? browses on their phone. Checking any recent messages from REESE.

The conversation shows their messages from last month.

REESE

When are you going to tell me your name?

Next time.

REESE

You always say that!

I keep on forgetting it when we’re together.

REESE

:( 

OKAY, OKAY…

NEXT TIME!!! ALRIGHT!!!

Next time. :) 

??? keeps on browsing when an unknown number calls them.

END OF SCENE 12

SCENE 13

HOSPITAL ROOM - ROOM 291, EVENING

??? finds REESE laying on her bed. ??? looks at the heart rate monitor beside her. It’s close to being a thin line.

??? feels their mouth going dry, their jaw clench. 

REESE looks at ???’s way. She tries to open her mouth.

??? Don’t. Don’t speak, please.

??? goes near her and sits on the chair beside her bed.

??? I… You’re going to be okay.

REESE smiles faintly.

REESE (tiny, soft voice) I’m helpless. I’m going to die today.

??? clenches their pants.

??? You’re not.

REESE (looks at the ceiling) I miss you. I haven’t seen you in a month.

??? I miss you too.

REESE (cough) Do you remember what I told you that day? How will my funeral be once I die?

??? Reese. Don’t say that, please. You’re going to survive.

REESE I think it’s not possible anymore

REESE closes her eyes. ??? doesn’t like to see her do it. What once they liked watching, REESE’s sleeping face, is their greatest fear now. They want to see anything but Reese’s sleeping face.

REESE I heard my relatives talk about my funeral. You know. Once I really die. It’s going to be a normal, boring one. I would be put inside a casket. People I haven’t (cough, two times) met for ages will come visit me. They would mourn for me for a week, then forget about me after that.

REESE sighs. ???’s body shakes.

REESE Ever since I was a child, my body has been weak. I was home-schooled. Yet my teacher stopped teaching me because I was constantly (cough, three times) admitted to this hospital. I can’t really (cough) do anything besides lay on this bed. Whenever you mention something about the periodic table, I don’t know any of it. Because I haven’t heard anything about it. The only thing I have memorized in my entire life (cough) is the whole floor of this hospital. The nurses, the doctors around here are my only friends. When you quote a famous philosopher or a scientist, I’m (cough, two times) clueless. But I like listening to what you say. Because you’re really interesting.

REESE slowly opens her eyes and looks at ???’s unreadable face.

REESE I like when you tell me something about this universe. About an organism I haven’t seen. I like it when you introduce me to your favorite things. I feel like I’m someone special, even though I’m just a weak person. (cough) I’m happy. It’s not a bad life after all. You know why? Because I met you.

REESE What a shame, though. I guess there would never be a next time, (cough) this time around. 

??? There will be. Reese, please.

REESE Come here. I’ll give something to you.

??? comes closer. REESE takes something off from her neck. It’s the bracelet ??? gave her on her birthday.

REESE Keep this. So that we’d always be together. And(cough) I also put something inside the locket. Guess what it is.

??? stares at her tired eyes. 

REESE I put a portion of my hair in there. 

??? You’re weird.

REESE Is that an insult or a compliment?

??? I like every side of you.

REESE lets out a tiny noise. A laugh, mayhaps, but it’s inaudible.

REESE You’re saying my own words to me now.

??? Mari.

REESE Hmm?

MARI It’s my name. Mari.

REESE Mari…

MARI Yes.

REESE Mari… It’s smooth in my tongue.

MARI I hated hearing it. Now is only the time that I liked it.

REESE I hate that you say things to me (cough, three times) when it’s already late. But I’m not mad. It’s pretty.

REESE holds MARI’s hands and closes her eyes. Her breathing is uneven now, more slow.

REESE Mari, I like…

MARI Reese?

MARI Reese. Open your eyes. Reese.

MARI looks at the heart rate monitor. It’s coming to a thin line now.

MARI (shaky voice) Hey, don’t leave me.

MARI intertwines their hand with her. They held her hands tighter. A prayer.

The heart rate monitor is now on a thin line. 

MARI sobs.

END OF SCENE 13

SCENE 14

ON A GRASSY FIELD, THE PLACE THEY WENT ON REESE’S BIRTHDAY - MIDNIGHT

MARI looks up at the night sky. They watch the stars twinkle, holding a locket necklace.

MARI opens it, and finds a portion of her hair.

They feel the cold breeze touch their skin. MARI lets out a sigh.

MARI takes the hair from the locket and as the wind gets stronger, she opens her hands. They let go of her hair.

MARI sighs as they continue to look at the night sky. Slowly, she walks away from the scene.

REESE’s remaining part is finally one with the stars.

END OF SCENE 14

FADE OUT

#script #screenwriting #one act play

[ethereal-treasure]

BLOG ENTRY 1

Introducing my best friend, Miss Jealousy

JEALOUSY was just a mere acquaintance of mine until it became my best friend. ⠀ ⠀ Why is it that when I feel your presence, I feel like I've accidentally burnt myself yet it also feels like I've been bathing in a tub full of ice for too long? I feel my body getting hot, but I'm getting numb at the same time.

It discomfits me.

Here's a list of things that makes me uncomfortable, by the way:

An odd volume number when I'm watching the television. Wearing a jacket while it's summer. Only Satan does that. Hot side of my pillow. A pair of shoes, but it's not actually a pair when they are both for the left foot. Heptagons. I just don't like them.

But whenever I see you, I forget about the list since you always top it. You are there with your crown, sitting prettily. ⠀ ⠀ I. THE WAY YOU LAUGH

Do you know that when I hear your laugh—may it be hearty, those types of laughter you share with people you hang out with, or quiet like you're sharing a secret with someone you're close with—I feel weird?

It urges me to rip my ears off and be the next Vincent van Gogh. I'm afraid that I'm not a good artist though. I don't know how to paint my ears to bring them back to my natural skin color again. They always show a mixed shade of baby pink and crimson red. I'm not good with identifying colors but I see them. I feel them, too. ⠀ ⠀ II. YOUR SINCERITY, I'M SCARED OF IT

One time, I was running late for my 9 AM class. I had my venti-sized Starbucks coffee but it tasted only like sugar, leaning on the sweet side, mixed with red bull to keep me awake, holding it with my left hand. Meanwhile, my right arm was hugging my books so they not fall.

I saw you walk-run towards my direction, your bag slung just on your right shoulder. You didn't notice me from afar (but I did).

Then, bam! We bumped into each other.

‎‎‎‎‎‎ We recreated the big bang. ⠀⠀

⠀ Spilled coffee was everywhere, scattered books, and two clumsy people were found on the scene.

There's no need for an apology, what happened was neither our fault. And yet I felt a lump in my throat as if someone was punching it and badly wants to get out. My mind was blank and my feet were being pulled by the ground.

I didn't know what to do. Or what to say. Should I even do something? I was a puppet that needs someone to control me just to make me move.

But I suddenly heard the word 'sorry' in front of me. 4 times. The tone was sincere. You picked my books, apologized again, and invited me to have a cup of coffee to pay for the damage.

In the end, I just declined your offer, because there's no need for it, really. You just nodded, apologized again for the nth time, and ran away.

I didn't have the chance to say sorry.

The lump in my throat stayed for a very long time. It's still here with me.

You know how to swallow your pride while I'm having a hard time doing it. ⠀ ⠀ III. I WONDER WHAT'S WITH YOUR HAIR

You have long hair. A very, very long hair.

Your friends often touch it, and compliments about how you treat your hair are being thrown at you every time.

It's irritating. What's so special about it, anyway?

No one ruffles my hair or gives compliments about it. It's unfair. I deserve those.

I'm jealous of your hair. And you. What's with you that I don't possess?

I need to touch your hair so I should know. ⠀

⠀ Oh, Miss Jealousy, why are you doing this to me? ⠀ ⠀

I'm jealous of you. Except it's not you that I'm jealous of.

It's the things you experience without me. My weaknesses. The people you talk with.

The things I can't do with you.

Because when you laugh and I'm not the reason behind it, it leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

Because you're too sincere. Noble. I think I could cry by your kindness alone.

Because the people around you afford to touch a part of you, and I can't. ⠀ I didn't recognize jealousy until you barged in.

a prose by Venus Perilune

#prose

[ethereal-treasure]

BLOG ENTRY 6: CHILDREN'S STORY

Ang Aspin na si Toffee at Ang Batang si Abby

 Ang Aspin na si Toffee ay matagal na palaboy-laboy simula nang abandonahin siya ng kanyang amo. Ilang linggo na rin siya pabalik-balik sa mga lugar na dati nilang pinupuntahan ng kaniyang dating amo. Sa parke kung saan sila mandalas mamasyal, sa palengke kung saan madalas silang pumunta upang bumili ng paborito niyang nilagang buto, at sa kanilang dating bahay kung saan lagi siyang pinapaliguan, pinapakain, nilalaro at dating tinitirahan kasama ng kaniyang amo.

          Lumipas ang mga araw na naging linggo, ang Aspin na si Toffee ay isa nang Asong Kalye. Patuloy sa paghahanap si Toffee ngunit siya ay tuluyan na nawalan ng pag asa sapagkat paulit-ulit na lamang ang kaniyang ginagawa, hanap dito at antay dito. Sa mga nagdaan na araw binalot ng pag iisip niya kung saan siya matutulog, kakain, at saan siya sisilong. Dahil sa patuloy niyang pag lalakad hindi niya na alam kung saan na siya napadpad at sa lugar na iyon sinubukan niya lumapit sa mga tao at nagbabakasakali na may magandang loob na kupkupin siya ngunit siya ay nabigo. Binabato siya ng mga batang nakakakita sa kanya, itinataboy kapag nais niyang humingi ng pagkain at binubuhusan siya ng tubig kapag ayaw niyang umalis. Sa loob ng mga araw, siya ay nawalan na ng tiwala sa mga tao na nakapaligid sa kanya.

         Naging trauma kay Toffee ang mga nangyari dahil dito naging mailap siya sa mga tao na sumubok na lumapit sa kanya. May pagkakataon pa na siya ay tinawag ng isang matandang babae upang pakainin ngunit hindi siya lumapit at mas lalo pa lumayo. Naging agresibo din si Toffee at biglang na nanahol sa mga taong nais siyang hawakan. Ang maamong mukha ng dating Aspin na si Toffee ay naging marumi at gusgusing mukha ng isang Asong Kalye.

          Ang batang si Abby ay naglalakad sa isang kanto nang makita niya ang Asong Kalye na si Toffee, kagaya ng ibang bata siya ay lumapit kay Toffee dahil sa awa nito sa aso ngunit si Toffee ay naging mailap, ayaw lumapit at tinahulan ang batang si Abby. May gulat na ekspresyon sa mukha ni Abby dahil sa hindi niya inaasahan na gawin ng aso. Hindi nawalan ng pag asa si Abby na kuhanin ang loob at tiwala ni Toffe, patuloy na dinalaw ni Abby si Toffee upang kausapin at pakainin ngunit si Toffee ay pinagsasawalang Bahala lahat ng atensyon na ibinibigay ni Abby. Naitatak ni Abby sa kanyang isipan na “May bukas pa naman, maaari ko pa ulit subukan at makuha ang tiwala ng aso na ito.” Dahil sa dedikasyon ni Abby kay Toffee, na pansin ni Toffee na unti-unti na gumagaan ang loob nito sa batang si Abby ngunit iniisip niya kung handa na ba siya upang mapalapit muli sa tao.

          Isang araw, bumisitang muli si Abby sa asong kalyeng si Toffee ngunit may kalungkutan ang mga mata ng batang si Abby na agad na pansin ng asong kalyeng si Toffee kaya’t lumapit siya rito, dinilaan ang kamay ng batang si Abby, kinuskos ang balat sa binti ng bata, at pag kampay ng kanyang buntot upang ipakita sa bata na nandoon lamang siya kasama niya. Ang dating malungkot na mga mata ay napalitan ng pagkatuwa at pagkagulat ng batang si Abby. Simula ng araw na iyon naging matalik silang mag kaibigan, inampon ni Abby si Toffee na agad naman pumayag ang mga magulang nito. Ang dating Asong Kalyeng si Toffee ay muling naging Aspin at maamong aso.

#children's story

[ethereal-treasure]

BLOG ENTRY 2: SHORT STORY

Vacation

It’s the favorite season of every student — summer.

And what refreshing thing can you do this season? A solid answer: take a vacation. There is always an argument about whether the beach or the mountains is the best place to go on a trip. Yet, of course, there would be always a more thrilling one.

Escaping a maze.

A group of friends decided to take a trip to Batangas to see the rumored “haunted maze”. Each of them brought a piece of bread just in case one of them gets hungry. Rae, one of the girls, brought a flashlight while Abi, the other hand, brought a rope.

Once they entered the maze, it felt like they were already trapped not even a second long. Describing the area they were currently in, the walls surrounding them are made of black bricks, making it harder to see since it was already nighttime.

They walked, and walked, and walked until they can feel their feet getting tired. The drowsiness was already kicking in, yet they did their best to fight against it and kept on finding the end route.

After what seemed like an eternity, they finally reached the next passageway. Everyone sighed out of relief.

Except one.

One was missing, Preci.

Is the rumor real, then? Is the maze haunted?

The leader of the group, Harv, decided to group themselves into the two. Group A being Rae, Jess, and herself. The remaining, Abi and Hanz being Group B.

Rae led the way, holding her flashlight tightly as she was shouting their missing friend’s name. They kept on searching until they heard a scream.

It was Abi’s.

Quickly, they ran as fast as they could muster, their breathing already ragged. They found Abi, tied in her rope, tears welling up in her eyes. Harv’s eyes roamed around and noticed that Hanz’s shoes are beside Abi, but the owner of them was nowhere to be found. Without hesitation, they untied Abi. Now. terrified, they all agreed to find the end route sooner by sticking together.

While walking, Jess looked at his watch and was left confused. Why was the time stuck at 2:22 A.M.?

He was about to tell his friends when—

Harv noticed that it was too quiet. She looked behind her. It was only Abi and her walking. Without a care, she and Abi ran as if there were no tomorrow. They wanted to leave this place immediately.

Holding Abi’s hand, they came to a halt once they saw a horrifying image beneath their eyes.

In front of them was Jess’ unconscious body.

Harv’s whole body was shaking. What she just saw would remain a nightmare for her. But when she looked beside her, her body became frozen cold.

Abi was smiling.

The terrifying realization dawned on her face. Abi looked at her and then laughed.

Harv cannot move a single muscle, not even her eyes. She remained still as she saw her friend fish something shiny out of her pocket, until…

Rae pulled Harv’s hand as Abi was near to doing what she was about to do. Together, they ran, not even trying to look back.

#short story #fiction

[ethereal-treasure]

BLOG ENTRY 3: TANAGA

HILOM

Puso'y puno ng galak, Ito'y namumulaklak 'Di nais mapahamak, Pusong minsang nawasak. Sakit na ikinubli, Naghilom rin sa huli Puso'y nabuo muli.

#tanaga