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an-escapism-blog · 7 years

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A WRITER’S CHRONICLE

He didn’t know what to write.

For hours, Winston only stared at a blank page in front of him. Nothing still came to mind.

He was getting drunker by the minute and his cigarette butts started to grow. He thought this is how writers should be, so he took one more sip of his bourbon.

He hated being a writer.

The glass was almost empty and nothing felt more bitter than running out of liquor. He wanted to run the store and buy more drinks but another thing came to his mind.

He recalled the lady he met while buying his drink. She was like a breeze of fresh air. Long locks of black hair, fair skin, luscious lips.

She was a pretty one.

He looked at her groceries, some apples, scented candles, and green tea. ‘Her taste totally suits me,’ he thought. His hand unconsciously reached for his regular bourbon and slowly, really slowly, closed the refrigerator door.

It was then the lady turned to face our guy. The moment their eyes met, he was sure he can hear his own heart beating. But the girl looked at her with pity, almost asking him if everything’s okay.

He was dressed up in his tattered clothes, unshaved beard, and the messiest of all hair. He looked like the best definition of a drunkard homeless guy, right there in his spot.

He started to curse the heavens for letting this encounter be damned. Had he seen this coming, he would have gotten his suit and tie and went his way to the liquor shop.

He thought of writing a love story.

He took another sip and he almost swore it tasted as bitter as his encounter with the lady.

'Romance will never be my thing,’ he thought while laughing at his own misfortune.

He went to the kitchen counter, looking for something to freshen his mouth. He was a lot sober now after all those thoughts. He opened the refrigerator door only to close it again because he heard the phone ring.

He stumbled his way to the telephone while cursing all the way. 'Who the hell would call me this late at night?’ he thought. At the third ring the caller was getting really impatient and even angrier at the rude answer of Winston.

“Hello?!” Winston picked up.

“Are you mad?” the caller asked

It was then Winston recognized the voice. It was his publisher.

“I apologize, sir.”

“When are you going to submit the manuscript, Winston? It’s been months and people want to hear more from you! Aren’t you going to work?”

Winston hated it when his publisher pushed him like this. It’s not like he is slacking off.

“Yes sir, I’ll be doing my best again this time.” Winston promised, half-heartedly.

He noticed how his publisher sounded so different.

When his first novel hit big, he sounded so high pitched and joyful and always praising Winston. Well, how could he not be happy, he was gaining money from another man’s work.

Winston could only follow him, though. But now that his so called favorite author is in the slumps, he was irrational as ever. He was sad his money maker no longer brought him fortune.

He hung up the phone and grew more depressed as ever. “What am I going to write now?”

He thought of writing a horror story.

In his dreams, he saw monsters and devils. Maybe it was stress effecting in his body and he was sure this sleep paralysis is playing in his body. Winston could only curse in his sleep. Horror is too much.

He hated being a writer.

And so he took a walk in the park. Now dressed in regular human clothes, looking not too formal and not too tacky.

He sure was feeling good today. Yesterday’s nightmare felt like years ago. He was almost too thankful to the heavens for not suffering a hangover. He was completely sober but he wasn’t sure of it because he thought he saw someone he would only remember drunk.

It was that girl from the liquor store, dressed in a cute dress that made his heart skip a beat.

He started feeling different. He felt like he recovered from long time colds that made him suffer. Unfamiliar at first, but definitely a relief. He locked eyes with the girl and this time he is sure it won’t stop there.

One step. Thousand words. This time he is sure of it.

He loved being a writer.

~Epilogue~

Cherry only thought of what to write.

Being a rookie writer, she was overwhelmed by all the things she wanted to tell and share. It moved her heart knowing that the world will know her words and love her works.

She loved being a writer.

But fate decides to play one day when he meets a guy, messy as he looked, but made her heart flutter. Her mind was confused and even more confused when she meets him days after, now looking fine as can be, and getting closer and closer after each step.

She was a blur and her mind a mess. She wanted to talk but it just won’t work.

She hated being a writer.

About the author

Jan Katrina Arceo is eighteen, but rarely acts like one. She believes in the world of eternal youth, and dreads adulthood. She fancies magic and romance, but sometimes also serial killers.

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an-escapism-blog · 7 years

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SCARRED

He wished for the same thing every year. So, when Joaquin drifted to slumber that December morning, it was never the same. He woke up in the body of another person. His eyes were the same only greyish and weaker, so was his curly locks which have turned to white. Joaquin took in a few things around him: the ceiling was menacing, the walls were white but dull, there was a tiny monitor by the corner and an oxygen tank on his right. The smell; he scrunched up his nose in disgust. He always hated the smell of hospitals. He got up reluctantly and his insides screamed; sure, he saw the resemblance. Though most of his features have aged, he saw the sixteen-year old boy lost in the cloudy orbs of an old man. But where did 53 years of his life go? He draped a brown, leather cloak on his shoulder and headed to the door. Military men were scattered in the area and Joaquin shuddered. He hated the sight of bulky men in camouflage suits. Upon realizing that he was in a veteran institute, he took off quickly, as far as his feet could take him. He ran into a black mist and the second time he woke up, he was in front of a familiar porch.

It felt like a dream that only yesterday, he slept soundly in his bed upstairs. He knocked on the door, hoping somebody would open a home for him. His father had kept the same look of resentment just as the door swung open. But this time, his father’s eyes were different. Rodrigo was startled, almost broken. When the bulky, military, scar-faced man he’d feared all his life fell to his knees and cried only did Joaquin understand. Whoever stood there was no son of him but a man who had been asleep for more than four decades, a man who disappeared when Rodrigo was young and clueless, a man who had taken the life out of his father. As much as Joaquin despised Rodrigo, his heart ached for him. He finally understood why he was so distant; for his time to leave would come and Joaquin could not carry the same burden. How low of him to judge a man who sacrificed a lot: joining the army to get over his biggest fear, to get over what killed his dreams and took his family away from him. Joaquin swore he would be twice the man Rodrigo ever was but as he stood there, taking in the sight of the strongest and bravest man he knew, shattered and in pain on the marble-tiled floor he felt ashamed. He could never amount to what his father had done. He wished he could do more. He opened his mouth to speak and his hand reached out but there came a breathtaking flash of light. The third time he woke up was on his bed, back in his body. He was covered in cold sweat. It was a dream for sure but the rapid beating of his heart made him nervous. Then, there was a loud and heavy series of knocks coming from downstairs. He got out of bed though every muscle in his body screamed in protest. Joaquin's knees failed him when he reached the bottom of the staircase. With a sharp intake of breath, he stared at the sight of his father standing by the door, staring at an old man who wore a hospital gown with a brown, leather cloak draped over his shoulders.

His wish changed that Christmas Eve.

He wished for the power of time instead; to bring back, freeze and fast forward time. What he wanted most that night was to give back the heart of the horrifying monster Rodrigo had become to the hero he had been all along.

About the author:

Nicole Alissandra Quizon is an eighteen-year-old woman from Bacolor, Pampanga, who is head over heels in love with books and poetry. She adores bad ideas and messy desks. She spends most of her free time scribbling all over her arms lines of poetry. She is in a loving pursuit of achieving her only dream: to explore the universe within herself.

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an-escapism-blog · 7 years

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CHARLIE

He’s here. 1…2... He put down the keys...4…5… He’s looking for mom…6… He’s walking …7…8… He’s climbing the stairs…9… He’s outside…10… I can hear his breathing. I can smell…alcohol. He’s walking towards the bed. He’s touching me. Stop… Please stop… Stop. I’m screaming but he can’t hear me. He’s all over me now. Please stop, stop… I’m screaming but no one can hear me.

...1...I’m Charlie, I’m 15 years old. I have one brother, Hero. I don't have friends. I like the colour Yellow. My life is as normal as it can be. I have the kindest mom, the coolest dad, but he died of cancer and my step dad came in.

...2...He was kind, at first, he's so sweet, so gentle, he always puts us to bed and kisses us good night. I really like him, I did like him, and before those good night kiss became different.

...3... After 3 years he became different, he started smoking, drinking from day to night, spending money he never earned. He started getting irritated with the smallest things. He hates it when Hero cries, when I don't call him dad, when mom talks back.

...4... Mom told us that everything will be alright. That he's only acting that way because he was fired from his job. She says that we should be a good boy and just listen to what he says.

...5... So I did, I behave myself, I went straight to home, I tried to be as invisible as I can. I thought that was enough, but he got worse. He said he knows what I am, that he sees the way I look at guys. He says that he understands and it's ok. Then he started touching me in places most dads wouldn't touch. I was so afraid, I scream but he punched me, then he threatened me that he will hurt my mother and Hero if I told anyone.

...6... I told mom about it, of what he did to me that night. She told me not to tell anyone, that it will upset him more if I did something stupid. I can’t believe it I was betrayed by my own mother.

...7... It happens again and again and again. Every time mom is working late it happens. I don't even remember how many times it has been and as time passes by I stop fighting, I guess I was just too tired of it.

...8... I finally give up on myself; I thought nothing can be any worse than this. Then I realized I'm not the only one hurting in that house. I started to notice scars and bruise on my mother's body, when I ask her about it she always says that she slipped, she says that there is nothing to worry about. That is when I remembered my brother.

...9... For all the time that I was absorbed with pity he became so close to my brother. I know what he wants, it's a message to me that if I tell anyone, he'll hurt my brother and I hate myself for it, for not being able to protect him. ...10... I must do something. I will never do what my mother did. I won't just stand and act as if nothing is wrong. If my mother can't protect us then I will protect them because that is what my father says to protect them.

He's here...1... He put down the keys...2...3... Mom is not here... 4... He's walking... 5...6... He's climbing the stairs...7...8... He's outside my room...9... He can't hurt anymore...10... A gun was fired and a rope tightened as I took my last smile.

About the author:

Ramela Camille Sicat is a 15-year-old girl who’s in love with the smell of old books and appreciates the simplest things. She enjoys being alone and would like to be born in the 1980’s. Her dream is to see the universe and to live among stars.

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an-escapism-blog · 7 years

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LOST FRIEND

I woke up in the morning my eyes filled up with tears as I heard the news that my friend Mark passed away. It never occurred to me, how much I could lose in my life. I find myself wishing that it wasn't real because he was so young and he was going to miss out on a lot of things in life. Every time I think about it, pain is all I can feel. Tears fall from my eyes as l look at him in his coffin, I can barely see. But my heart tells me that he'll always be with me because l love him, I’m glad he feels no pain now-he lives in a perfect land. I can still feel the soft touch on my shoulder of his loving hand and hear his laughter as he makes fun of me. I lie in bed and cry at night hoping he could hear me and talk to me and l don’t feel any better in the morning light. I will love and miss him forever until the day we are together again, together in that perfect place above, and I’ll hopefully see him someday. It’s been a month now since my best friend passed away, and an angel whispered into my ear in my dream to take her hands and come with her and then she said your work here is done. I went away to a place where there are no tears, nor sorrow, only laughter and smiles and there will always be a tomorrow. As l moved amongst the clouds, l could hear voices from my best friend, l look down and smile upon him and went down to give him a hug but he disappeared like a mist of cloud. The angels sing a heavenly song as l come to land on a cloud with a big gold gate that says “Heaven”. I felt like l wasn’t alone, all who went before were here and they awaited my return. Then l heard a voice that reminded me of a love one, it said” l know you’ll grieve and wish l was still here, l am here in the memories you hold dear. I couldn’t regions,” the voice continued. “Remember how much l love you and know l took your love with me”. I started to look around; the voice was giving me headaches that drove me mad. l pushed the big golden gate open and walked inside. I was warmly welcomed by all my loved ones that had passed away. This was a dream I would certainly keep in the midst of my heart.

Author:

Paulo De Chavez

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an-escapism-blog · 7 years

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It’s Fun Isn’t It?

I like this, I like that, buy me this, buy me that, well if you don’t, you’ll never see the world. I like things, I force everyone to buy me things especially toys and stuff. I am addicted with everything fancy; everything I want should be given to me. I should have anything I want, and anything I like, well if I don’t I may shout really loud, bang my head against the wall and even harm you. One day as I play with my playmate, my cousin, I saw something on the table, it’s a piece of steel and it is very thin, shiny and something is written on it, it says, “warning! This is a sharp object get this away with children.” But it looks like it begs me to get it, I get it and I felt something strange, my thumb has a slice! And suddenly the red coloured blood slowly ran down from my thumb to my elbow, it was mesmerizing.

Of course, I should share this beautiful experience with my cousin, I sliced his skin and blood flowed from his hand. He yelled at me, “Ouch! What do you think you are doing?”

I replied “Oops I’m sorry, it’s just fun seeing the blood flowing, isn’t it?”

“You son of a bitch get the hell out of here!” he cried.

He left me with a teary and I said, “Good bye cousin, let’s meet again tomorrow.”

I still enjoyed the scene even if he left me. The next morning, I was on my bed and still thinking of what I did yesterday and I was still in awe of myself. My nanny went to my room to serve me breakfast, I told what I did and she said, “Stephen why did you do that?”

“It was fun” I said in reply, and she said, “never mind that, just don’t do it anymore.” “Okay nanny” I said, with my eyes staring at the fork. She looked and at me and said, “don’t do it, no, not me!”. I said, “okay nanny, just help me kill my mom and dad, they didn’t buy me a new toy yet.” She replied, “You have lots of toys isn’t that enough?” “no, they are not yet enough I want more, and besides it’s fun” I said. She shouted, “I’ll call the police!” before she even left the room I stabbed her near her tummy and I just laughed. My next target my parents, I opened the door and said good morning and voila! Stabbed them and their body fell on the ground. I contact the policemen and said, “would you join me in a party?” they replied, “yeah sure!”, I dropped the telephone and started finding the red liquid my father used to make fire. I got onto his hardware and I immediately found it, I also found a box that’s full of sticks with red something on it. I started to pour the liquid on our house and ignite fire. I got into the bench and waited for the cops to come. Finally they’ve come, as they entered the gate I surprised them, “you are just in time for my party, enjoy!” then they said, “what did you do?” I replied I just made our house a bonfire, I just set our house on fire with my family on it.” It’s fun isn’t it?” and they said “raise your hand and come with us, we are going to send you in the orphanage!” then I cried, “no!” and they grabbed me in their car and left our house, as they said they send me in the orphanage, and had my room with steel bars. They said, “we are hope you’ll be good”, and I replied, “sure, cause I’m already good” they locked me in like a prison, until one day I had an idea, “what if I escaped this orphanage, would they mind?” and there I grabbed the fork which I use for my food and found a hole in the wooden door, widen it, and there I made my own man hole and escaped. I saw newspaper and it says, “A 12 year old boy named Stephen Roberts, a young criminal escaped from an orphanage, be careful and stay on your houses for your safety. Then I said to myself, “It’s fun, isn’t it?”

About the author:

Andirem Roxas is a seventeen year old man from San Fernando Pampanga, along with coloring and reading, he spends most of his time watching movies and listening to music, he is also the naughtiest and clumsiest person in the gang.

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an-escapism-blog · 7 years

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MISFORTUNE

Photography is my world. I always go out and wonder around to take great pictures. Majority of the pictures I take are sceneries. I love the refreshing and effortless beauty of nature. I have a flower shop but my cousin manages it. My mom doesn’t want this and she said to me that photography leads me to nowhere. It is like she’s saying that I don’t have a future in this.

It was fine morning when I decided to take a walk in the park nearby. Of course I’m with my camera. My feet led me to the lake. So, me, being a lover of nature, I took some photos. I’m reviewing my shots when I noticed something in one of the picture I caught. There’s a hand in the bushes. Fear entered my body, sweats are starting to show up and I’m mildly shaking.

I manage to walk my feet were I saw the hand. I’m expecting to see a body but it’s only a hand, bloody hand! “Shhhh.” I shrieked when I heard that. “Guess who’s next?” After he said that, he laughed like a lunatic. I cannot think straight so I ran. “Help! Help!” I saw a big tree and hid in there. I waited for him to look at my direction and took many shots of his face. Then, I turned it to video mode and filmed myself “Mom, you’re right” I placed the memory card into my socks. It’s the end of my chapter.

About the author:

Eissel Anne Gatpolintan, a happy go lucky girl from Parian, Mexico. She do believe that unexpected things or happenings can have the greatest impact into our life. Sleeping is not her thing.

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an-escapism-blog · 7 years

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GOOD NIGHT

Today I had one of the bluest experiences in my life. Every day I went to work at a clinic. From time to time, an elderly couple bought their medications from my clinic. Everybody knew them for sure, as they were regulars. For years, they have been purchasing from us so my coworkers knew them more than I did. But of course, both of them grew close to me. Usually, it was the old woman who initiated to chat with me and with everyone while she bought their medicine. We could say that she’s very jolly and loved conversations, while her husband stood beside her, paying close attention to everything she said. Never had it happened that they weren’t together, that’s why it’s very strange to me when I saw the old man by himself. “Mr. Johnson, how are you today?” I said. He told me that he could be better, which was his usual reply so I didn’t think of anything of it. “I have 8 doses ready for you. 4 for you, and 4 for your wife.” He stood there, quiet. “My wife… she passed last night. I came here to return the capsules because she wasn’t able to take them.” The clinic was usually loud and hectic, but somehow, everyone heard what he said and stopped what they were doing, while Mr. Johnson was in tears. “I hate to think about it, but I hope I went before she did. I had a very hard time waking up today, to an empty side of the bed. She was my best friend.” I was intently trying to hold back my tears. Some of my friends were crying already. “But don’t be too gloomy. I promised her that I would take my medications, and continue to live. I know she’s watching over me, the best angel I could ever ask for.” His last conversation with his wife upset him. “I wish I could’ve said I love you. Anything other than ‘good night, sweetie.’” He was crying, and so were we. Before he left, he stated an advice for us. I have heard it before yet I didn’t know its significance until that moment. “Be sure that your loved ones know that you appreciate them. Tell them how important they are to you. Tell them how much you love them. You’ll never know when is the last time you’ll see them.”

About the author:

Ney Fernandez is filled to the brim with a never-ending love for others. She's a cheering squad in one person, who can make people believe in the world again after losing faith in it, who can call them out on their faults, and who can help them make things right. Passionate and optimistic almost to a fault, she's great at showering people with love and positivity, and giving them daily dose of laughter!

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an-escapism-blog · 7 years

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I’M TAMMY

It all happened one day. I don't know why I did it. Surely, it wasn’t my intention but it felt great.

5:00 am…

I dressed well and brought with me a sharp knife that will end their lives and most especially the life of that person.

7:00 am…

I went to my friend's house. They were having their breakfast, happy and busy chatting with each other when I arrived. I felt angry and immediately got the gasoline and match box from my car. I poured all the remaining gasoline in the container around their house and lit the match stick. I saw how the fire ate their house. I killed the family inside, I killed my friend Samantha.

10:00 am...

I went to his house, I saw them going inside my ex-boyfriend's house. I wait outside for 20 minutes. After that I went to their living room and found them naked, kissing, and hugging each other. No seconds wasted, I grab the knife from the kitchen and stab them many times. It felt so great. The smell of their blood was so good.

12:30 pm…

I ate my lunch and went to the park.

3:00 pm…

I’m at the park, relaxing and remembering all the things I’ve done this day. I decided to continue what I’m doing tomorrow. But I saw Lexie, she’s so beautiful, her skin is so flawless and her eyes are so mesmerizing, she’s also mestiza. I followed her, she’s going to the comfort room. I wait until the people were gone and do my intention. I grabbed her hands and covered her mouth and then she lost consciousness. After that, I took the cutter in my bag, ripped off her skin and removed her eyes with my bare hands.

It was dark already when I left the place where the body of Lexie can be found.

7:00 pm…

I'm done, I'm done with everything. Here I am lying in my room. Happy and no more suffering. I'm all alone again and I'm happy. I am Tammy, just Tammy.

About the author:

Sophia Bucu is a seventeen years old girl who lives in San Luis, Pampanga. She’s a person who likes to watch dramas especially Korean dramas also a creepy one. She likes to read creepy, thriller and mystery stories. You will typically see her facing her phone watching dramas or reading stories. Now, she’s wondering who is the guy she will be doing this with.

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an-escapism-blog · 7 years

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PRISON BREAK

She truly looked like a tourist, with a camera around her neck and a bottle of sunscreen sticking out her tote bag. The woman sat on the terrace sipping lemonade and pretending to look at a hand-out. Her shades covered her eyes yet I knew she wasn’t looking the hand-out, she hadn’t turned a page throughout the previous 15 minutes. As I brought her blue berry cheese cake, she hacked me up “Thank you” and looked at me quickly. I did whatever it takes not to gaze at the little scar over her left shoulder. I walked back inside with my empty tray shaking my head. She looked familiar, yet I couldn’t exactly remember her. At that point it hit me. The car accident. The mysterious lady who bailed me out of my crushed auto. Just before it exploded. I curved back to her table. Yet she was no more. I moved her saucer and found her tip, alongside a card. I am deeply profoundly obligated to you. The evening of your auto crash, i was on my way to put somebody into hell, saving your life brought things back in context. I now carry on with my existence with brimming with forgiveness, because of you. God bless you Mr E. I shuddered the evening of my accident, I was setting out toward a meeting in a theatre club. Seeing human generosity through his chivalrous motion transformed my life around and brought confidence over into my life.

About the author:

Eugene Love Teodoro is an eighteen year old man from San Fernando Pampanga, along with colouring stuffs, he spends most of his time going out with his friends, listening to music, watching movies and serving at the altar, he is also a bully with a soft-heart.

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an-escapism-blog · 7 years

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TWO IS EQUAL TO ONE

Two years after getting kicked out of the place she once called home, Arian Adams still struggles to get back on track. Being the sole person that she can rely on, Ari finds it difficult to survive in a city like New York. At the age of 26, maybe a little too old to be still attending university, all she wants is to finish a degree, get some high-paying job and prove herself one thing, that she can stand on her own feet without the helping hands of her twin brother.

Ari dragged herself to West 82 to grab her usual cup noodles and a can of cola. Wednesday nights meant night duties at the small coffee shop near her confined apartment. Being a cashier is not as difficult as being the delivery girl of a famous pizza place in the city, so during wednesdays, at the end of her shift, she treats herself at the convenience store. Excluding the half-awake and grumpy cashiers at the store, Ari loves everything about the place. People at that store are mostly in a hurry and usually keep to themselves and so they would not really give her weird looks for always eating alone. Not that she doesn’t have friends, but the realization that she has no family to eat with is what hurts her the most. Gulping the rest of her drink, she heads to Quad Cinema, a 24-hour movie theatre where she got her third part-time job as the operator of its snacks and popcorn booth. She works at the most ungodly hours of night until dawn but she doesn’t mind as long as it doesn’t clash with school hours. Imagine working three jobs and being a Psychology student at the same time. Ari barely has time for herself, but at least this is better than her old life, when everything she did with her twin was unlawful and illegal.

As she returned to her crummy apartment that she shared with a fellow struggling schoolmate, she took her shoes off and immediately succumbed to deep sleep for it was a Thursday which means it’s her day-off from all three jobs. She was awakened by a voice belonging to her roommate, Janise.

“Ari!” Janise screamed on top of her lungs as she called for her friend.

“You’re not seriously going to let yourself rot in this stupid apartment on Thanksgiving day, are you?” Janise nudged her in the shoulder and pulled her upwards.

Ari blinked in disbelief. How could she forget that it’s Thanksgiving already? School and work has taken too much attention from her that she did not notice all the turkeys and pumpkins that were being sold at the market. She came out of her room and saw Janise preparing a little feast for the both of them with wheat and sunflowers to match the occassion. Ari wanted to tear up. Thanksgiving day’s sole purpose is to give gratitude, but now, she can’t seem to figure out what exactly she should be thankful for. It’s been so long since she last shared a bountiful meal with someone. She missed her dad, her brothers, her whole family.

_ _

Two years ago

“Ari there’s a man behind you! Be careful! This is the most important job Dad has ever given us. Don’t mess it up, sis.” Kyeran shouted through the earpiece. Ari dodged as if expecting the man to have a knife in his hands. “Alright, there are two more incoming. One a man of my own size, the other is buff as hell. Knock them down and go straight to the alley, fight a few more guys, escort Dad personally to where the package is then our job is done.” Ari nodded at that. She loved her teamwork with her brother. They worked in complement. Maybe because of the fact that they were twins. Kyeran worked on the boring tech and genius side while she worked on the exciting stuff like throwing punches and knocking down men bigger than her size. Snapping out of her good thoughts, she slid down the alley and threw punches here and there. She signalled her Dad to come out of the car. She was ready to grab the package until she heard a deafening gunshot. She stopped for a moment, hearing incoherent shouts of her brother from the earpiece. She turned, and saw her Dad lying on the floor, chest covered in blood. Ari fell on her knees. She could not feel anything. She didn’t know how long she sat there until she was ushered away by her cousin, Bronwyn as the police sirens grew closer and forced her to leave the crime scene. They could not be possibly seen where the murder took place since everything that happened there was illegal. No matter how badly she wanted to pay respects to her father, she couldn’t.

_ _

Feeling lost, Ari just wanted a big hug from her twin. Maybe that way, it would hurt less. However, she came back to their hideout with Kyeran tossing bags full of clothes to her direction. Not understanding the situation, Ari shouted, “What is wrong with you?"

“What is wrong with me?” Kyeran yelled back. “Shouldn’t you ask yourself that? You’re the reason why Dad is gone! Arian, I gave you solid instructions! Didn’t I tell you to personally escort Dad to receive the package? All you had to do was follow it!” He screamed as he jabbed an accusing finger to Ari’s shoulders. Ari was in tears now realizing that her brother was blaming her for their father’s death. Kyeran sighed and told her calmly, “I don’t want to see you. You’re a reminder of Dad’s death. Just.. just get out of this house.” At that, Ari lost it. “Are you out of your mind? It was a mistake! It’s not as if I wanted something bad to happen!” She told in a furious tone.

“If I’m gone, who’s gonna take care of our brother?” She asked in a mad tone. She was their 17-year old brother, Archie’s mother figure. If she left, she would have to leave Archie in Kyeran’s hands. Kyeran finally answered, “Don’t you get it? We’re not a family anymore, so you don’t have to worry about Archie. He’s staying with me, not with a killer like you.“ At that, Ari lost it, “Fine! If leaving this house would give you peace then I’m leaving. Rot in your own guilt, dumba*s.” Pain and anger were all she felt at that time, so she just left the place she once called home and left the people she once called her family.

It’s a Monday morning, holidays are over and Ari is on a bus ride on her way to school seated across a lanky man in a black hoodie. She was still feeling a little down. She misses her brothers a lot, specially Archie. Archie always looked up to her sister as a hero but now, she wonders how he thinks of her.

At lunch time, she sat with Janise in the cafeteria. Ari was feeling uneasy. She knows when she’s being watched, thanks to her sharp senses that she developed from breaking in and stealing in the past. The tall man in black hoodie was standing by the door who seemed to be watching her. However she couldn’t recognize him for his face was mostly covered.

On her way back home from her shift at the pizza place, she still felt eyes watching her so she slipped in to a narrow alley in hopes of cornering the man until her wrist was grabbed followed by a big hand covering her mouth. She let out a gasp. She turned and almost thought she was looking at a mirror. It was Kyeran. He was the guy with the black hoodie. Suddenly feeling the pain of seeing her brother, the embodiment of all the awful things on earth, Ari tried to turn the other way. Kyeran stopped her with his long arms.

“What do you need from me, stranger?” Ari asked in an irritated voice.

Kyeran sighed, and responded. “Ari, you need to come with me.”

She scoffed. “In case you need to be reminded my dear brother, you disowned me. And I can’t be with you, whatever it is that you need. I stopped doing illegal stuff years ago.”

He didn’t look surprised by what she said. “I know,” He confessed. “I- I’ve been keeping up with you all these years.”

It was Ari who was surprised by his statement. “You what?”

“You heard me.”

“Ari, Archie is missing.”

“Archie is what?” She questioned for the second time.

“Archie is missing.. Well, not technically missing. I know where he is, but-” He was cut from his explanation.

“After banishing me from our home, this is what happens? Dad’s only command was to never have Archie get involved with these things, he’s just a teenager. You did the exact opposite!”

Kyeran tried to defend himself, “It was a mistake! It’s not as if I wanted something bad to happen!” She found it ironic. Those were her exact words when he was trying to throw her out of their house.

“Do you hear yourself? Those were the same words that I told you two years ago..”

“It’s not really the right time for us to argue. Just listen to me first, Ari. It’s dangerous.” She waited for him to continue. “I got into a sticky situation with a CEO.. and he discovered my connections. Archie, our cousins, Bronwyn and Matt, even you who I stopped contacting years ago. That’s why I’ve been following you, to reach you.”

Ari almost laughed at that. “Couldn’t you have just called me?”

“Would you have answered if you knew it was me?” Kyeran asked back. He was right. She wouldn’t have answered.

Kyeran suddenly softened. “Look, Ari.. I- I need your help. We can get Archie back if we work together.”

Setting aside her anger and indifferences with her twin, she got into the car and agreed to work with him to get their brother back. She did not feel so comfortable wearing her black suit, the outfit that she used to wear during their missions. It was the suit that she wore the day her father died. An awkward silence surrounded the car ride until Ari decided to break it. “Do you even know where we’re going?” She asked. “Of course. Archie’s been taken to Albany. I tracked him a while back.” Ari just nodded at that. As expected, Kyeran was fast with information.

Arriving at the location, the twins surveyed the surroundings and looked for spots where they can break in. The building was surrounded by a dozen or so security guards. A number that Ari can easily knock down. After an hour of studying the building, they came up with a solid plan to get their brother out of there.

Kye handed Ari an earpiece. She gets to action while he gets to the tech stuff, just like how they did in the past. Ari entered the building through the rooftop, easily hitting one guard to make him fall unconscious. Kyeran had successfully gotten the softcopy of the building’s blueprint. Entering a few codes to his laptop, he instructed Ari where to go. “Ari, there’s an armed man at the other side of the wall. Throw him a knife. Don’t use your gun in that area, it’s full of metals and the sound will resonate.” Ari nodded to her brother’s instructions. She was feeling a lot of pressure at that moment. If she messed this up, she might as well just kill herself. If she makes one mistake, it was just like proving Kyeran that he was right about her being a reminder of death. Ari shook her head. She was not going to let that happen. She still wants to finish her degree and possibly, get back to her family.

Kyeran spoke from the earpiece, “Ari, stop right there. See the metal door on your right? I think that’s where Archie is.” She tried to open the door and obviously it was locked. “Can I shoot the door knob? It has passcode.” She stated. “No! You can’t just shoot things, sis.” Kyeran went silent for a while, probably figuring out what the code is. As to how Kyeran figured out these things, it was still a mystery for Arian. Perhaps it’s the result of Kyeran spending hours with their Dad down the basement to learn some nerd stuff. After a few seconds, he was already reciting a series of code from the earpiece.

The doors opened, three muscular guys were ready to fight her. From Kyeran’s earpiece, he could hear sounds of metal clicking, gasps and shrieks of pain. As to how Arian fights off guys larger than her, it was still a mystery for Kyeran. After knocking the guards down, Ari told Kyeran to come over where she is now. At the corner, there sat Archie with eyes closed, mouth covered in tape, his face full of bruises and cuts. Ari rushed to his side and hugged him tight.

The twins spent a few weeks at Archie’s hospital ward to guard him from any harm. In the midst of the room’s silence, Kyeran decided to speak. “Arian.. I-uh I’m sorry.” His eyes were darted to the floor, not wanting to meet his sister’s eye. Ari reached out to her twin’s hand. The gesture surprised Kyeran, he was not expecting such warmth from her sister, the sister that he kicked out with no pity. “You know, it wasn’t really your fault,” He admitted. “Dad’s death, I mean.” There was a long pause.

“Th-there was a sniper. I just discovered a week after the incident. It’s partly my fault, Ari. I missed that detail and failed to inform you.”

“I know, Kye.”

“You knew?” Ari just nodded.

“Then why didn’t you tell me? Why did you just leave like that?”

“Maybe partly because I wanted a normal life. After Dad died, I didn’t want to touch weapons anymore.”

Tears were threatening to run down Kye’s face. “I’m sorry,” He repeated.

Ari smiled at him and said, “I was always ready to forgive you, Kye. So long as you said the right words.”

“I was going to get you back, you know. It’s just that.. I figured you started going to school again. Getting a degree was your dream and I didn’t want to get in the way.”

“How’d you even know I got into the university?”

“I’m not a tech savvy for nothing, Ari.” They both laughed at that.

Months went by as Archie’s wounds were healing faster. The complementary twins, now as free as birds from their felonious acts and dark past, are starting anew. Kyeran, with the help of their cousin, Bronwyn, is now starting a business focused on high-tech gadgets. While Arian, as ecstatic as she could be, still could not believe that she’s just a few months away from getting her diploma. Her initial goal, to stand on her own feet without her brother’s help was put aside. She realized that they were twins for a reason. The two of them were a package after all, and hopefully, their Dad is watching them from above with a smile on his face.

About the author:

Lanceleine Dizon, 17, a Humanities and Social Sciences student. She’s a lover of humor, cartoons and amusement parks. With her free time spent on movies, dramas and novels, she has developed a liking to stories with female characters as the lead. She looks forward to a lot of possibilities like getting herself a Pembroke Welsh Corgi as a companion.

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an-escapism-blog · 7 years

Text

HIDDEN TRUTH

I hear voices inside my head and I can’t figure out what’s happening I felt so confused but it’s like I’m running away from something, I’m driving while crying then suddenly I opened my eyes and here I am in a hospital bed.

“Rian, are you okay now?”

“Mom? How did I get here?”

“Oh my God, don’t tell me you don’t remember anything? You have been here for almost a week now.”

Then suddenly my Dad comes in together with a police officer. I suddenly felt nervous and I don’t know why.

“Let’s take it slow first hon, I bet she’s still suffering from trauma.”

“Uhm Rian this is Police Officer Brandon.”

“Just let me know if you’re ready to tell me what really happened that night, I know you’re still suffering from trauma because of what happened so take your time.” the police officer said.

I don’t understand I’m certainly confused what they are talking about? What happened last night? My head suddenly hurts and I’m hearing the voices inside my head again.

“Rian? Are you okay? Hon call the doctor real quick!”

Flashback:

“Come on Rian! Let’s have some fun tonight, let’s forget all about our problems!”

“Okay Chloe but we have to go home before 12 am, as you know I still have a curfew.”

“Okay, okay whatever kiddo! Come on let’s dance!!”

End of Flashback

When I open my eyes I realize that I’m still in the hospital and I hear my mom talking to a man who I believe is my doctor.

“Thank God Rian you’re awake oh gosh you don’t know how worried you’re dad and I was, considering what happened to you that night.”

“What happened that night?! I don’t understand mom! Ever since I woke up in this hospital I don’t understand a single thing in what you’re saying!!” Due to my frustrations I can’t help myself but to cry I just don’t know why, it felt I lost something important in my life.

“Shhh honey please don’t cry, I know it might be confusing for now but it will be alright when your memories will come back.”

“What do you mean? I have amnesia?! Are you kidding me? I certainly remember who I am mom!”

“It’s a selective amnesia Ms. Rian I think it’s due to trauma so I think it’s the best for you to rest for now, but you can now go home and rest also don’t stress yourself too much.”

As we head back home I began asking myself what really happened to me that night, I think it is really important to know the truth about it.

I see Josh with worried and anxious face waiting in front of our house; I wonder why he didn’t visit in the hospital. Josh and I been together for 2years now.

I excitedly run to him and hug him; gosh I miss him so much it’s like I badly need a hug right now.

As I loosen the hug shock was evident on his face.

“Why do you look so shock? Is something wrong?”

“Uh-h no-thi-ng”

I think I need to ask Josh if he knows or I told him something what really happened to me that night.

“Come on let’s go inside”

“No it’s okay you need to rest I just want to check you out, I will just come back here tomorrow”

“Okay see you then bye I love you”

His face become anxious again, Josh is not on his self today, I think I will just ask him tomorrow.

“Bye I love you too”

Josh is really weird today, I wonder if he has a problem

Then I saw Dad watching us

“Hey dad!”

“Are you okay? You seem worried of something”

“I was just only thinking the memories I had remembered in the hospital

“What was that?”

“I’ seem running away from something I’m driving while crying”

“Maybe you and Chloe fought that night”

“I don’t know Dad; I really wanna know the truth on what happened that night”

Dad suddenly become serious

“You know sometimes it is better to kept the truth hidden and buried, it will make things less complicated”

“What do you mean by that Dad?”

Dad just smiled and step outside.

As I head back to my room I sit in front of the mirror then suddenly I saw the necklace I’m wearing it has letters engrave on it ‘R&C’ as I touch it, I suddenly remember Chloe we both had this necklace to symbolize our friendship, I’ve known Chloe since I was a kid we are neighbors, she is only living with her mom because her dad left them since she was a baby.

I wonder why she didn’t also visit me in the hospital; well it might be that she didn’t know I was hospitalized. I’m just going to contact her maybe she can answer my question, maybe I told her something what happened to me that night before I was hospitalized.

Oh crap! My phone! Where the hell is my phone? Okay I better ask mom about it.

As I head down stairs I hear voices shouting, then I saw my mom talking to a man.

“No please just come back tomorrow she needed to rest.”

“Just a few question Mrs. Clarkson cause she is the last person who is seen with the victim and also her body before she was hospitalized and the victim’s body were found in the same place.”

“She is not just a merely witness Mam, she is also a prime suspect.”

“How dare you to accuse my daughter.”

I can’t afford to just listen anymore; I can’t understand what they are talking about.

“Mom what’s happening here?”

“Honey, just please go back to your room please you need to rest.”

“Ms. Rian Clarkson I’m Detective Morgan and may I ask you some question for the case of Ms. Chloe Anderson.”

“Ms. Chloe Anderson?! What happened to Chloe?!”

“She was found dead at the Maybay Sea with a stab wound on his stomach and at the same time she was also drowned to the sea with you Ms. Rian Clarkson.”

“How? What? Why? Did that happened.”

“That’s why you’re statement is really important Ms. Clarkson you were the last person she was seen with.”

“I don’t know, I can’t understand!! Why I can’t remember anything” I frustratingly said.

“Hush calm down honey!”

“I don’t understand mom! How did this happen?! I must remember what happened that night, I need to do something!”

“Rian! Come back here! Where are you going?!”

I need to find out the truth I need to know what really happened that night between Chloe and me. I’m gonna ask Josh about this.

As I go to Josh house I immediately enter his room.

“Josh! Help me oh gosh I didn’t know what to do Chloe is dead! and I’m with her that time! I can’t understand why is this happening.”

“Calm down babe!”

“How can I calm down oh gosh Josh what will I do?”

I am sobbing real hard when I suddenly remembered something.

“I remembered something Josh!”

“Re-all-y? Wh-a- is—it?”

“The last memories I have with Chloe is during the party but that’s all, I’m so stupid Josh why I can’t remember anything.”

As I look at Josh I see him holding a bracelet in his hand, when he sees me looking at it he immediately hid it behind his back.

“What is that Josh? That bracelet looks familiar.”

“It’s nothing Rian, let’s just focus on your problem right now.”

That bracelet certainly looks familiar.

Oh wait! It is the same bracelet that Chloe wore during the last memories I had with her.

“Josh do you know something? Do you know what happened to me and Chloe that night?”

Then my head suddenly hurts and memories came across my mind.

Flashback

I felt so dizzy I better go out and get some fresh air.

As I go outside I hear familiar voices talking.

“Chloe we need to talk.”

Josh hold wrist and Chloe struggle to free her hand.

“We don’t have something to talk about Josh.”

“What happened last time please don’t tell Rian, let’s just forget about it, you and I were both drunk that time.”

“No need to say that Josh cause I regret what happened that time so let’s just act like nothing happened.”

I just can’t believe what I heard Josh and Chloe? How and why?! I know Chloe likes to play with boys in our school but I can’t believe even Josh I can’t help but to cry how they can do this to me!

“Ri—a—n?!”

“I can’t believe both of you! How can you do this to me?!”

“No Rian let me explain!”

I slapped Chloe on the face.

“Explain what Chloe?! You’re my best friend I treated you like a sister! And now this what I get?”

Chloe just silently cry and never said a word.

“It’s just a mistake Rian! I love you I truly do!!”

“Shut up! Josh! Please stop with all you’re lies.”

“Rian! Where are you going?!!”

End of Flashback

“Are you okay babe? Why are you crying? Did you remember something?!” I slapped him real hard.

“You are there that night Josh!! You are there in the party!, You and Chloe how can you do that to me.” I began sobbing.

“Babe please let me explain”

“Don’t touch me Josh, don’t freakin touch me!!”

I quickly leave their house and go home but Josh followed me and I ran straight to my room and locked the door.

He just kept on knocking and knocking.

“Rian please listen to me! I know what you’re thinking! It’s not what you think!! I didn’t kill Chloe! I really don’t know what happened to you and Chloe that night after you leaved the party and Chloe followed after you, I was so shocked myself when I found that Chloe is dead and I can’t afford to see you in the hospital cause I’m feeling guilty about what happened to you and Chloe, if I only followed both of you that night hopefully this will not happen, I’m sorry Rian hope you believe me I love you I truly do.”

I just kept on sobbing, I don’t know what to do, I don’t know anymore Josh I don’t think I can believe you cause you broke my trust and also even me I can’t believe myself anymore I don’t know it might possible that if not Josh there’s a huge possibility that it’s me who killed Chloe. I really need to gain my memories back and know the truth.

When I think Josh already left I head outside to go to Chloe’s apartment there might be some things in there that will help me know the truth.

I get the spare key in my pocket well she is almost like my sister that’s why I have this, as I go inside her apartment. I see our pictures hanging on the wall, I suddenly miss her but the thought of what her and Josh did to me makes me smiled bitterly, as I began searching for things that might possibly help me when I see a jewelry box that really looks familiar to me. As I look into it a little closer I see the initial PC. I suddenly remembered the time when I enter my dad’s room, that’s it! That’s why this jewelry box looks familiar cause I it is very similar with my dad’s jewelry box and PC stands for Peter Clarkson my dad’s name.

But why?! Why the hell Chloe have this jewelry box?! My head suddenly hurts and some memories flashed into my mind.

Flashback

“Rian! Where are you going?!!”

I hurriedly ride my car and drive fast and I can see the car of Chloe following me, I can’t stop my tears from falling, I need someone to lean on I need to call dad.

“Hello dad?!”

“Hey Rian? Are you crying?”

“Dad I need your help, please pick me up in our rest house in Maybay Sea.”

“Wait! What is happening Rian? Are you okay?”

“I will explain what happened when you get there just please come.”

“Okay okay don’t worry I am now on my way now.”

“I will call you later dad bye.”

As I arrive in the Mayabay Sea Chloe still followed me from behind.

“Rian! Please let’s talk! Let me explain some things to you.”

I ignore her and hurriedly enter our rest house and locked the door, she began banging the door and asking me to just give her a minute to talk. As I remember what her and Josh did to me my tears began to fall. I didn’t notice that I fell asleep while crying.

I suddenly hear noise outside so I look into the window to checked what it is. In my surprise it’s dad and Chloe shouting at each other.

“I can’t afford to lie to Rian anymore I always just keep hurting her I want to be honest and tell her the truth this time.”

“Then what if you tell her the truth do you think something will change, it will still hurt her!”

“But she’s my best friend I’ve been with her throughout my life so no one can stop me now even she will resent me to death I will accept it, I will do the right thing.”

“NO!! I will not allow you to do that.”

END OF FLASHBACK

Dad was there that night! but why he didn’t tell me about it and what is that jewelry box all about?! I have so many questions in my mind right now and only dad can answer this.

I hurriedly go back home to confront Dad about this, I suddenly barged into his room and to my surprise I see dad who really looks horrible right now it’s like he is getting not enough sleep. My suspicion was right as I see the jewelry box that I found on Chloe’s apartment is similar to my dad’s jewelry box in his room.

“What is the meaning of this dad?! Why did Chloe have this jewelry box that is similar with yours?! And you are also there dad! You are there in the Maybay sea!! You know the truth on what happened that night but why didn’t you tell me?!”

“I guess there’s no point of denying it.”

“What do you mean dad?! I don’t understand!!”

“I really hate Chloe you know that?” Dad smiled bitterly. “But I still can’t fully hate her.”

“Why can’t you hate her Dad! Cause you cheated and you’re cheating on mom and she is you’re mistress.” I said angrily.

“No and yes, Yes I cheated on your mom and No not with Chloe. I hate her cause she is the constant reminder of my biggest mistake in my life but I can’t also fully hate her cause she is still my daughter.” said Dad while sobbing.

My mind went blank I didn’t expect this I’m not ready for this, this is not what I’m expecting I can’t believe it.

“I cheated with your mom with Chloe’s mom and that was one of my biggest mistake in my life but you’re mom still accept me cause she cannot afford you to not have a father figure while growing up, not also knowing that I have a daughter who is the same age as you.”

“That was my first biggest mistake in my life, you know what is the second?! I killed my freakin daughter!!! I killed Chloe!! I’m a monster!”

Suddenly memories that I want to be buried forever suddenly come back and came across my mind.

Flashback

“NO!! I will not allow you to do that.”

Dad suddenly drag Chloe near the cliff and Chloe started to struggle to free herself from my dad’s grip and I just can’t watch it anymore that’s why I step outside and go near them.

“What are you doing Dad?!”

“Rian!! I have to tell you something! I’m not just your best friend, I’m your sister, you and I are sisters by blood.” Chloe frustratingly said.

“Shut up Chloe! What nonsense are you saying! Don’t listen to her Rian! I only love you and your mom!”

“No Rian! Believe me I don’t want to keep hurting you, I know I’m a horrible person that’s why I’m doing the right thing now, I’m sorry Rian I truly do hope you can forgive me someday.”

“Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!!! Let’s stop this non sense!!!”

Dad get the knife on his pants and he stab it on Chloe.

“Dad!!! No!!!”

“What did you do Dad?! Are you crazy? Why are you doing this? Dad please stop!”

Then he suddenly pushes Chloe to the cliff.

“Dad!!! Chloe doesn’t know how to freakin swim!!”

“RIAN HELP HE—L—P!” I see Chloe struggling for help.

“Wait Chloe hang in there.” suddenly a pair of strong hands stops me.

“Rian! What are you doing?!! Let’s just leave her that bitch is saying non sense!! She deserves that and she will not last any longer with that stab wound on her just let her drown!”

I just can’t believe what my Dad is saying as I look into his eyes my sweet, caring and loving Dad is gone I cannot recognize him anymore, he is not my dad or I just didn’t really know who really my Dad is at the first place.

“I can’t believe you Dad!! I didn’t expect that you can do this horrible thing!! You are not my dad cause my dad is not a murderer!”

When he loosen the grip on my hand I didn’t hesitate to jump of the cliff to save Chloe we both struggle together after that my vision become blurry and everything becomes black.

flashback ends

As I look at my Dad I can see how horrible he looks he just kept on crying and crying.

“I left you and Chloe in that sea I’m a worthless person, I’m a monster Rian! I deserve to die!!”

I can’t say anything there so many things running on my mind but only one thing for sure the truth is killing me, the pain is unbearable I just silently cry while looking at my Dad. When he suddenly gets something in the cabinet.

“Oh gosh!! Dad no please!! I desperately beg him while crying.”

“Dad please put that down!”

He is holding a revolver gun, then suddenly he point the gun on his head

“Dad please no! Don’t do this.”

“I’m sorry Rian for everything and please also tell your mom that I’m sorry and even it’s impossible I hope your sister will forgive me too. Always remember that I love both of you.”

“Dad don’t do this please! NOOOO!”

gun sound

I felt numb as I see my Dad covering with blood lying lifeless on the floor, I felt nothing but pain, my dad just took his own life in front of me and I didn’t do anything!!, I felt my world falling apart. As I hear the police siren, I just let myself pour my heart out and cry out loud.

1 year later

Here I am watching the sky as I feel the wind hugging my skin I look at the grave in front of me, I suddenly miss them my sister and my dad. There’s still some instances like this that I just thought what if I didn’t find out about the truth and I just bury or hide it will everything change? What if I just listen to my dad that time that it is better not knowing the truth and just hide and burn, what if I didn’t find out about the truth between Josh and Chloe will Josh and I will be happy up until now?, will Chloe would still be probably alive right now? If I didn’t find out about that Chloe is my dad’s daughter from another woman, will dad wouldn’t do such a horrible thing? But as I look back the past I guess these experiences made who I am right now a much better and strong person. I learned many things most especially I learned to forgive others and myself. Yeah maybe the truth can hurt people but as they say the truth is the only thing that can set you free.

About the author:

Krista David is a seventeen year old girl from San Fernando Pampanga who just enjoy and appreciate everything about life, she loves adventures so much to the point that she want to explore all different countries cause she believes in the saying that “Live your life to the fullest” she really loves reading books especially mystery thriller ones, she is also a dog lover and a certified KPOP fangirl.

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