wann-der-lusst

[wann-der-lusst]

Dream

by Marinel Agcaoli

There are two people who love each other purely it is Christian and Marga. Because of their love it also caused a lot of pain in their lives especially Christian.

Christian and Marga live next door in a place called Emerald Street. Christian has an admiration for his neighbor Marga she is smart, hardworking, beautiful, kind especially to her family, so that many man wants to court him. Christian always goes to Marga's house to ask for fruit and for Marga to notice him. Christian doesn't know that Marga also likes him for being a very kind person, hardworking, also loving to his family that they both share. Many months have passed many have also changed in their place as well as their feelings towards each other.

"Maybe this is the right time for me to take a step Christian said."

One day Christian saw Marga shopping at a store near them and Christian approached her to ask her a question and to ask for Marga's cellphone number so that they could talk wherever they were. Christian soon admitted that they were looking at the girl, Marga was so shocked that she suddenly cried and run away to go home. Christian did not understand why Marga suddenly left. Christian didn't know that the girl was also looking at him. A few days later the two decided to meet so that they could talk properly, so that it would be clear to them how they felt about each other. Christian didn't stop to say in front of marga that he loves it and at the same time Marga said "I love you too Christian!” From that moment they confessed and they became really overjoyed that the two felt because of their love. This lasted for two years and their tenderness never faded especially for Christian.

Until one day, Marga suddenly became ill for almost two weeks and Christian missed Marga so much that he could hardly see her. She can't go to Marga's house because Marga's parents don't know that she already has a boyfriend and especially because they don't have the same religion and Marga's father will be very angry when they find out. For almost two weeks of Marga's illness, you can see the collapse of her body. Until Marga's parents decided to take her to the doctor. They went to a private hospital near their place. A doctor immediately saw Marga and the doctor requested that Marga be given a laboratory test to diagnose her illness. After that, the doctor was seriously surprised by the results of Marga's check -up. "I'm sorry to announce that your daughter Marga has stage 3 cancer says the doctor". Marga's parents were shocked and Marga herself collapsed when she heard what the doctor said to them. "It's not true! I can't have this disease! No! Papa, mama ask us for a second test to be sure ..." Marga said.

The day came when Marga's parents were waiting to know the finals as a result of their second opinion in their second check-up for her illness. The Doctor came in and holding the result."I'm sorry to let you know that the final result was correct when you first visited the previous hospital." The doctor said.

"No! Why?! I don't want to die yet! I still have many dreams in life, they can't take them from me right away, no.!!! "Marga said. Marga's parents are crying a lot because Marga is their only child like Marga, her parents also have many dreams with her. On the day that Marga found out the final result of her illness, Marga decided to see Christian, after all, she had somewhat recovered from her illness and she was also quite strong. Marga called Christian, Christian immediately contacted him because he was so excited to see Marga. The next day they met in a park and when Christian saw Marga he immediately run towards him and he hugged her tightly because he missed Marga so much.

"How are you? Your body is too thin, what happened to you my love?" said Christian.

"It's nothing, my love, I got sick, so this is the result of my body collapsing suddenly. But now I'm regaining my strength because is healed for you, my love." Marga said. Marga decided to have a vacation in a cold place like Baguio and also to celebrate their upcoming anniversary. It was here that Marga decided to give Marga's beautiful gift to Christian, the most careful of the women, her virginity. The day came for the two of them on their anniversary, they toured and toured various tourist spots in Baguio, in the evening they went to a hotel where they stayed to rest. Marga prepared special candles and roses around and when Christian entered he was surprised to see Marga lying on the bed and naked. After that happy event especially for Christian because Christian knows how important a woman's virginity is so he was happy that his beloved Marga gave it to him even though he didn't ask for it.

Then that happy event happened especially to Christian because Christian knew how important a woman's virginity was so he was happy that his beloved Marga gave it to him even though he didn't ask for it. The sun came up when Christian woke up and Marga was not beside him and he saw a letter on the side of the bed and he read it.

"My dear Christian. Forgive me but I can't last this relationship. Forgive me. I don't want to hurt you but I have to do it so that you won't be hurt more when the time comes." After praying and reading Marga's letter to Christian, Christian's world suddenly collapsed with what was happening.

A month later, Marga noticed that she didn’t had yet a period after Christian had something with them, so Marga was scared and immediately bought a pregnancy test to make sure. It was immediately used to know the result and here it is a positive test. Marga was surprised when she saw the result and immediately went to her doctor. When she consulted her doctor she became angry and told Marga how she would be treated for her illness if she was carrying a child in her womb. Marga informed her parents and her own parents were shocked and angry as well. First of all Marga's parents did not know that she had a boyfriend. But Marga's parents did nothing because Marga was already pregnant with her child and would be their Grandson. Marga decided not to treat and take care of and make the child in her womb healthy even if it would cost her life. Because she wants to grow up and give birth to Christian's child even though her boyfriend doesn't know what's going on with Marga. Because Marga doesn't want to hurt Christian so much! Because it will break his heart to see the person you love so much than your life.

The month has passed since Marga will soon give birth to her son Christian. Marga is very weak because of her illness and it is also difficult for her to carry the child in her womb. The day came when the child was born and this is a very strong child he named it heaven because his face was an angel who descended from heaven. A few days later Christian was walking in a mall and he saw a friend of his and Marga, it was Dave. "How are you Christian? Dave said." I'm okay Christian said. "When Dave saw Christian he greeted him about Marga and him and here Christian found out that Marga had given birth which Christian was immediately surprised. Christian was surprised and thought that maybe when they separated, she immediately had a new boyfriend because he had a baby right away. Christain was angry when she heard about Marga she was very hurt. He went to Marga's house furious because of what he found out. But he didn't see Marga because it was still in the hospital the only one he caught there was his sister Rose. Here he learned the truth so much that he almost burst into tears at what he had learned. Here he finds out why Marga left him because he has cancer and he also finds out that Marga’s born child is their child. "Why didn't he say I shouldn't be with him and I take good care of him" Christian said while he was crying. '' The next day Christian immediately went to Marga to talk properly because they didn't meet after their anniversary in Baguio. In a room where Marga was confined, he entered and saw his beloved Marga. Christian was very saddened by what he saw because Marga had changed so much in his body and in his appearance.He approached her and greeted Marga. christain said "Love .. ?? How are you? why did you let fight alone ?. Marga cried and was very excited to see Christian." Love ... Forgive me if I didn't tell you everything. I don't want to hurt you because it will break my heart more my dear Christian "said Marga. After Marga and Christian were able to talk. Marga showed their beautiful baby Heaven. Christian was very happy to see their daughter and Christian promised that he would take care of them both so that he would wake up and he would make up for the months and hours he had not been with Marga. a few days later Christian kat Marga's recovery was so overwhelming that she really cared and took care of it as well as baby heaven who was a super sane child. The day came when Marga requested to buy her favorite stitch qwek qwek and she immediately bought it outside. When Christian went up to Marga's room, there were doctors running to Marga's room, Christian immediately ran to see what had happened. Marga's parents immediately heard screams and cries. Christian who seemed to be crying inside the room. he saw Marga covered with a white blanket and Christian cried and hugged Marga. "Love !!!! this is what you bought huhuhuhu !!! I just bought it for a while why did you leave me right away my love ..... !!!!!! said christian. After Christian cried it promised Heaven will be taken care of as well as he loves Marga and he will fill her with love.After they woke up Christian woke up to the fact that it was just a dream and he seemed stunned because it seemed to be true but on the other hand It was just a dream. A few days later, Christian decided to wander outside and get some fresh air. While Christian was driving, a woman suddenly appeared on the road and hit him. He immediately get out of the car to find out the condition of a woman and it is surprised because on the other hand the woman he dreamed of is facing him now and that is where my story about Christian and Marga ends.

#short stories

[wann-der-lusst]

Pardon Me

By Dino Bartolome

As I sat there in the jeep, I couldn’t help but think of him, My only love. We took the jeep which was going to my house.

Riding in a jeep to the place that only the two of us know, while on the road you will hear noisy vehicles, someone shouting water, nuts, quail eggs. while the two of us were having fun while traveling in a jeep, we didn't realize that we were about to go down to where my house was.

I shouted "PARA" as we were about to get off and take another ride to get to our destination. Riding a tricycle to our place, I didn't expect her to lean on my shoulder, because she was tired and drowsy. when I noticed that we were close to my house, I immediately tapped her to wake her up and said that we would go down and wake up.

Our time together was sweet and festive. We have coffee, watch a movie, and we spend all our free time together. She suddenly kissed me, and there I remember our first kiss as if it just happened yesterday, it happened after our third date in a restaurant. She pulled me down the path where the mountain was headed, then I went further down and dived into what were probably the weakest and least dangerous paths I had ever seen. I stopped and she said, "Don't worry." I was pulled harder than ever. I willingly complied, and she took me to our place. She kissed me right away and there. "I love you," I told her. "I love you too," she said back. Then we sat there until the sunlight caught up with us as we hugged.

We met when we were in college, I’m not a famous man like the one you ‘ve been in a relationship. But I know in myself that I love you and you are the one I want to be with for life. I am always watching you whenever you pass in front of me. You seem to be the one who takes away my tiredness and sadness. Until I introduced myself to you and we became friends. As the days passed we became closer to each other. You are always included in all my dreams in life because you are my inspiration. You always remind me that I can do it at the time that I was weak. You always complete my day, you are my strength and my weakness. I said before that you are the one, but I just thought that was it.

One day you happily greeted me, I can see in your eyes that this is your happiest day. So I asked you why? You smiled and said;

“Adrian and I are already in love, I said yes to him”

It was as if I were deaf to what I heard, I can’t believe that you’re in a relationship now with my best friend. I just smiled and said I’m happy for you. I immediately turned my back on you so that you would not see the sadness in my eyes. I keep walking away from you until my tears flowed. You wanted to chase me but you didn’t because I was far away. I want you to follow me and tell me that you love me but it’s unlikely to happen.

Days passed I accepted that you were not for me, you are just one of my dreams that is hard to achieve. I am with you all the time I have been a supporter of your love. I am a witness of your love and your problems. I always by your side if you cry even though I was hurt too. I don’t want you to get hurt because I love you so much. I accept that we are really just a friends it hurts but I have to accept the truth. I can’t do anything even if I insist and attempt to take you from him. Your life has been happy and you have been blessed with a child. I, on the other hand, have moved away to pursue my own life. I also had many girlfriends but my heart still won’t forget you. You are still my love and you will not be erased from my heart and mind.

When I found out where you lived I immediately went to that place, I bought a house where I can stay but I didn’t let you know I was just nearby. Every morning I pass in front of you house riding in my car just to see your gentle face. Even if I’m doing the wrong thing hiding from you this is better than ruining your peaceful life. I really want to hug you and approach you, but how if there is a gap between my love for you.

In the morning, I just heard that you were dead, the week passed I visited your grave and I caught up with your husband. My dearest friend and I talk about your life. How happy you are to be with him with your child but why is it still a pain to me that you are not been mine. Adrian was happy as he recounted your last moment before you passed away, he said:

“As I sat there in the jeep, I couldn’t help but think of him, My only love. We took the jeep which was going to my house. Riding in a jeep to the place that only the two of us know, while on the road you will hear noisy vehicles, someone shouting water, nuts, quail eggs. while the two of us were having fun while traveling in a jeep, we didn't realize that we were about to go down to where my house was.

I shouted "PARA" as we were about to get off and take another ride to get to our destination. Riding a tricycle to our place, I didn't expect her to lean on my shoulder, because she was tired and drowsy. when I noticed that we were close to my house, I immediately tapped her to wake her up and said that we would go down and wake up. Our time together was sweet and festive. We have coffee, watch a movie, and we spend all our free time together. She suddenly kissed me, and there I remember our first kiss as if it just happened yesterday, it happened after our third date in a restaurant. She pulled me down the path where the mountain was headed, then I went further down and dived into what were probably the weakest and least dangerous paths I had ever seen. I stopped and she said, "Don't worry." I was pulled harder than ever. I willingly complied, and she took me to our place. She kissed me right away and there. "I love you," I told her. "I love you too," she said back. Then we sat there until the sunlight caught up with us as we hugged.”

At this moment, I thought I would have been your companion. Yes, I’m crazy but I want to be the reason of your happiness. I must be with you in achieving our dreams and I must be the father of your children’s. Until your death you are still my dream, even in a dream I’m hoping that you would be mine. But all this is a lie, because I can’t change the fact that you’re gone and you will never be seen again. I wish I had shown up to you before and done the things I wanted to do with you. I just wasted so many days and time that I didn’t show you early. Why now? When you’re dead.

When I wake up I’m always looking for you, you’re the one I want to see in my beautiful morning. It just keeps happening every time I wake up.

The morning caught up with us together, but I was immediately turned around because you weren't beside me, I looked for you all over the house but I didn't find any traces of you. I immediately leaned against the wall and just bowed to what I remembered about you, I hope I didn't wake up to be with you because it was all just a dream that I was with you. drinking coffee, watching a movie and what else we did. I hope I've been with you for a long time.

Is this your punishment for me I always blame myself for your death, forgive me if I have been selfish and careless? Forgive me for what I have done how I can tell to my friend the truth. I am a coward in my own sin.

Why are you the one who was beaten up by useless drunks on the road? I'm sorry because it's also my fault why you died, because I didn't pick you up that night.

#short stories

[wann-der-lusst]

Suburbia

by Gener Amparado

Sun has climbed up from the gradient hue of the horizon. The droplets stumble through the bushes touched by the mist of the dawn. The grayscale canvas of trees started to fill with calm green. Truly it was a mesmerizing morning for Seiji to wake up in the morning, living in the middle of the meadow beside the crowded and polluted cities.

It was the first day of school for that year in his 6th grade. As Seiji gets his notebooks that he prepared last night with his name on its cover pages and carefully puts his pens on his bag, his friends are already outside their house waiting for him.

“Seiji, hurry up! We don’t want to be late” Reggie said while picking gumamela flowers in their yard to give to their adviser. “I know, our teacher will love these flowers,” he added.

“I got baked potato and calamansi juice for you in your bag” as her mother laced his shoes.

“Thank you, mother, I really love your baked potato,” Seiji said.

They walk on to the path beside the green grass along with the tall trees waving as if it was saying goodbye with the birds singing so stunningly in the branches to express some Goodluck. Despite the cold embrace of the morning, Seiji felt the warmth of the day. At the end of the path, there was a bridge, with fishes swimming around the clean stream under it. The water came from the dam that was built alongside the city.

“Do you think this stream will lose its water soon?” Seiji asked while smiling at Reggie.

“No, the dam supplies a lot of water to flow down here” Reggie replied while trying to bind the gumamela with his rubber band “It would be enough” he added.

They have crossed the bridge and will now enter the vicinity of the city. It has huge houses and concrete roads all over the way.

“I miss the green grasses already,” Seiji sighs while walking to take the ride to the school.

Huge trucks that emit black smoke pass through them. Seiji really hates it because he couldn’t breathe comfortably while walking around and he kept thinking about the trees and grass on their home so he could get over it.

Afterschool, Seiji and Reggie always go down the stream to catch some fish. They will put them in a glass bottle and watch them swim. After that they will go to the woods and climb onto the mango tree. They also make their shirts as a basket to fill with sweet and sour guavas around and some ripe tamarin from the side trees.

“I will never get tired of going with these every day!” Reggie said while munching down the whole sweet fruits.

“don’t eat too fast, we have enough to eat” Seiji reacted while laughing on Reggie

“Don’t worry we have it forever” as he threw the overripe guava to the field “I don’t like it that much, it’s too mushy” Reggie while grunting.

“Soon, that fruit will become a tree and bear a lot more fruit!” Seiji responded with a worry on his face “Do you think these trees will last?” Seiji stops and looks far away. He can see their home while sitting in the branch of the acacia tree standing in the middle of the meadow. It is the oldest and tallest among the other trees.

“Their roots are crawling beneath the earth, no one could dig deeper to tow down these trees” Reggie answered with a mouth full of sour fruit.

“They say these trees wake up and walk to find someplace to sit in peace, maybe these cities are their home before and trying to escape from them” Seiji explained before deciding to climb down to the tree. “This place is my treasure, it is more than living a life in a city” Seiji added as he lay down to the grasses “I wish I could be here for as long as I live” Seiji just focused and sleep on the grass while the wind blows his hair with a cold touch in golden hour. The sun is falling from the other side of the horizon, it leaves a trail of calm and soft touch of sunlight through the leaves of the tree. It was calm and quiet, and Seiji decided to go home after taking a nap from the field of grass. He didn’t see Reggie as he went home “Maybe he went picking some java plum” Seiji murmurs while looking around.

“Seiji, we need to pack up” his mother is starting to clean up and remove their picture frames from the wall. “Why? Where are we going?” Seiji gave his mother a confused face.

“Your father has bought a house in the city; we could live there conveniently” he looks into his mother’s face, she’s so happy to live in the city

Seiji realized that today is so fruitful because tomorrow, he will lose his treasure. Seiji doesn’t want to oppose his parent’s decision so he just packed their things while putting a blank face. That night feels so empty, “It doesn’t feel right, I think I will lose what is mine” he said to himself while looking outside the window with darkness and nothing to see around.

The sun didn’t climb up in the morning, it was so sad it hid itself from the dark clouds. That morning was utterly cold and feels so lifeless. The wind started to blow but they didn’t keep their calm.

“Seiji! I think it’s time” Reggie greeted him with a sad face “I heard they bought this place a long time ago, we also need to leave” Reggie said.

“What? But why?!” Seiji feels nothing but sorrow and hatred “they don’t own anything from these lands, they don’t own those trees and their roots to take them down, they just claimed them as their own because they feel their life is more than just a tree” Seiji can’t keep his emotions and they just leave.

It was a cold noon, they arrived from their new home in the middle of suburbs, Seiji couldn't step inside so he ran so far back to the meadow, back to the trees. The wind kept blowing harshly and the rain started to pour so heavily, indeed it was a cold day for Seiji. He sat next to the acacia tree. He doesn’t want to leave. He stays there cold and emotionless. He wants some answers.

“Seiji, you need to leave” someone said beside him, it was the acacia tree. Seiji’s heart beats faster, he hasn't seen anything like that before.

“Thank you, young boy, for appreciating me, I’ll always remember you, but for now in order for you to live, I must go” The tree looks like dancing in the middle of the storm. “You don’t have to leave in order for others to live, you must be here standing, it is your home” Seiji put his palm on the trunk of the acacia tree before giving his last words.

Seiji already hears his mother’s voice “Seiji! Where are you?!” The storm calms down as Seiji realizes the trees are not speaking anymore nor moving with the wind. “Good bye!” Seiji whispered to the tree. Her mother was worried about him, so he ran towards his mother. “I’m sorry I couldn't keep myself from playing under the rain” , Seiji explained so that he won’t make any unbelieving thoughts for his mother, however, deep down, he believes.

The sun shows up and vibrantly crystallizes the leaves of the acacia tree. Indeed, it was astonishing as before, the green grass along the path wiggled the dew left by the rain and the stream kept flowing the raging water away. Seiji realizes the tree cannot wake up and walk anymore, the meadows are already surrounded by the suburbia, the tree cannot escape anymore. It will last no more.

As will they cross through the bridge, the tree calls him “My roots already spread beneath the earth, step with a bare foot and feel, they can tow me down but I will always exist for as long as we live”

#short stories

[wann-der-lusst]

Mother’s Love

by Jhon Jhon Alimurong

Luisita is a hardworking and lovable mom that supports her son alone named toby. She is beautiful and very loving mother to her husband and only son. She is willing to do everything just to sacrifice herself even if she is having a hard time. She doesn’t give up easily just for her only child named toby.

She's supporting her son alone because her husband Mariano died early from the incident that the bus is driving too fast that caused a n accident that is why Luisita needs to work hard alone for his son. Marino is also lovable to his son and wife. He works day and night just to have enough money for their daily needs and food. Now that Mariano is gone, Luisita works hard for her son even she is already weak and prone to sickness just to send her son to school and give him a good life. While toby's mother is selling goods, toby is living with his auntie Analyn for the whole day despite of living of his auntie's house, toby is always receiving bad words, mistreatment and hurting him inside the house. " Hey toby! You are such a burden in this house! If it is not just because of your mother! We will not let you to live in this house! Work hard for us! Clean our home until you get tired!" It is always like that every day and night that's the only thing he will hear. Poor and unlucky toby to be with his auntie. And that is why toby patiently endure. at the age of five years old, he already experienced this kind of situation. Because of his life, he thought of studying hard in return of sacrifices and love of his mother. He dreamed of being a doctor to be able to cure his sick mother. "Someday, I will be a doctor. I will cure my sick mom. So that she will not suffer from selling goods and I will experience to her a good life" while he's wiping the dirty window. Despite of all his hardship, he is imagining his dreams while looking at the sky. the innocent child begins to daydream about his dream and goals in life. One night when toby is arriving home, he met his mother selling goods but having a hard time to breath and walking weak at the street. " Mom! What happened to you? Let me carry that!" And then mother Luisita gave her goods to toby going home. Later on, they already arrived home. Toby get a glass of water and gave it to his mother and asking "mom what happened to you? Are you feeling dizzy?" And then his mother answered " this is nothing son, just don't think about it i will be okay toby." And the she hugged her son. " Don't worry mom, someday i will be a good doctor and i will cure your sickness and you will be fine. And you said to me that Lord is helping us right mom?" Her loving mom begin to cry and she became stronger despite of all her pain that she is experiencing. She made his son as her strength to face her problems every day. After 6 months, her mother became weaker and weaker. She is always experiencing heavy breathing and always lack of sleep because of selling foods. Starting from morning until afternoon. Her illness shows symptoms day by day because of sacrificing herself to sell foods on the street. " Order now, I have available foods like sticky rice and rice cake here!" She's saying it over and over again " order now! It is cheap for your afternoon snack!" Her business is sometimes slow but there is also time that her foods are totally sold out. If no one buys her foods, she feels discouraged. Later, Luisita stopped and sat at the corner and talking to herself. " Until when our life will be just like this? my God, help us especially my son. I don’t want him to experience difficulty. It is okay to sacrifice myself just don’t let his life hard." After that their life became harder and harder each day. It is like a test for them that is impossible to survive. It is hot in the afternoon and it is like the sun is getting mad, the mother and son are patiently roaming around the city to sell their afternoon snacks but then suddenly her mother became weak and her eye vision is unclear and felt dizziness and she fell on the ground. A group of people witnessed it right away. " Oh no,

what happened to her!?" "I'm worried, she might have sick" "Let's transfer her at the corner and call an ambulance!" " Don't block her, she needs ventilation!" That time, Luisita lost her consciousness. And she sent her the hospital and toby knew it with his auntie. The doctor said that her condition is severe. Toby became worried for her mother because he really loves her. Her auntie doesn't even care in her sister Luisita. And she added that " this is a waste of money! You are already poor and this hospital expenses will add and this just can cause a headache!" Toby cannot express his emotions after hearing those painful words coming from his auntie. The sick of his mother added to his stressful life. He decided to sell goods to save money for his mother's birthday. He will buy gifts and favorite foods for his mom for her upcoming birthday. Serve as a gift of love for her mom just to encourage her mom to fight for the disease and to recover fast. " You know what mom, I will be the one to sell now even though I’m still a minor I can do it. Don’t worry I will ask help to auntie to cook. So that you can rest well here. If I have profit, i will buy you a floral rose dress in the market. " He is saying this to his unconscious mother. After 5days, toby is working hard to sell foods. "Order now! I have here sticky rice and rice cakes!" His foods are always sold out every day. While he is walking at the street, he saw a black cat passing by the street. He just ignored it and just continue to sell his food. Toby is very busy choosing his gift for her mother's birthday at the market. He chose the red dress and he bought her mom's favorite tamales. " Is it enough auntie? I know she will have liked it." And his auntie respond " I don’t know to your poor child! If you just give the money to me, I was able to buy foods!" While toby and is auntie is going back to the hospital to give his gift for her mom' birthday, there is something happened! It is the voice of his auntie crying out loud. His auntie said that his mother can't fight anymore and no breath at all. He dropped his gift at the ground and shouted while crying "MY MOTHER!! MY MOTHEERR!! " He continue to cry beside her mother and said "Mom why you left us? We are still beside you. We are here for you. I bought gifts for you." Just a loud cry of an innocent child in the four corners of the room. The cry of a child that is really hard to move on. A child that is orphaned. Toby all know is to love her mother unconditionally that is the only one in his life. He said that someday he will become a professional doctor so that he can help people who are sick and able to recover faster. At the age of five, he lost his mother and father. " Someday mom, I will be a doctor" he is saying it over and over again to his unconscious mother in bed. In continuing his study, toby became a scholar in a university school in college. He studied hard while he is selling foods for breakfast. Every morning he is selling breakfast food even inside the school. He worked every day and night for his financial problems. After eight years of studying. He successfully became a doctor that helping with other people. Toby finally had his foundation, he always helps people. He is giving his love to all the people. He knows that love is helping people. It is the great gift from God that we can share to everyone. He already has his own happy family and two children named Mcleen and Jay that is super active and sweet. He said to his children " My children, when you grow up always remember that your daddy is always here for your dreams always think that being hardworking and good character will make you a good person and this serve as a love for all." He visits her mom's grave regularly to say thank you to her. " Thank you for the love mom and sacrifices that you did to me. I will not become a doctor now if it is not because of you."

#short stories

[wann-der-lusst]

Basketball

by Krenjo Averilla

One day there was boy name Kevin. He is a good kid and always obey his parents. He loves to go to school, play basketball and video games and many more. When he is not going to school he helps his mother and father to their store. Teaching him on how to run their business, “Mini Convenience Store” even he is just 9 years old only and even though he doesn’t like business he don’t have a choice but to obey his parents.

Kevin really likes to play basketball. Sometimes when he finishes his homework and does all the house chores he goes to the basketball court and plays basketball with his friends. Kevin is so famous on their street. Because he’s just 9 years old but he plays with 12 and a year older than him, and most of that he is so good at playing basketball.

When he was already 10 years old he got a scholarship from a known school in their city because some of the known professional basketball players in their other city are from that school. The school is named Ohio State. He started as a freshman junior player. He is so hardworking when it comes to practice. He always goes to the gym and practices all day to make he’s shots, moves better.

So here it comes, his first game with the Ohio juniors team. He is just a 6th man player and plays only 3 to 4 minutes at the end of the quarter. But with all those short minutes he plays, he gives all his best and plays like a pro. In his junior year he averaged 19.8% ppg, 13.9% rpg and 15.4% apg. His stats are so unbelievable at his age, it’s like he is already a senior player playing with the junior players.

Non verbatim with his coaches and teammates.

Kevin: Hey coach, thank you for guiding me and making me a good player also my good teammates, thank you for believing and trusting me on every shot I make.

Coach: Just don’t forget to humble yourself and always be kind to everyone , that is the best skill of a player to reach their dreams.

Teammates: Good luck on your next journey Kevin, We hope that we'll meet in the professional league. Thank you so much.

Kevin became a college player at the same school, Ohio State.

Kevin finished his college career with a good stats and good percentage every game he played. He is the number one draft pick in the professional basketball league and is achieving his goals.

#short stories

[wann-der-lusst]

Survived in the darkness of the tunnel

by Chabelita Alvarado

I woke up in the morning with the alarm clock. I quickly made a way in the hall to the bathroom. I did my usual routine in the morning and got ready to go to school.

I walked downstairs to eat a quick breakfast with mom and dad. Smiling to myself and munching on the last piece of bacon. I made a way down the sidewalk, the cold air stinging my cheeks, and towards the subway.

I was halfway through my walk to the subway station when my phone started vibrating in my pocket. I pulled out my phone, I saw a chat on messenger that came from my annoying best friend.

My best friend, Jane, just told me through chat that Wade Rivas was single. I couldn't help but roll my eyes. That's what she had to tell me?! As if I care.

Well, if there was one thing Jane would wake up this early for, it would be Wade Rivas. Tunasan High School's very own stereotypical badass who just happened to have every female in the school drooling at his feet, and unfortunately that included my best friend. I pity for Jane, poor thing.

I just chatted that "let's see each other at school and spill me the tea".

I slipped my phone back into my pocket smiling at my idiotic excuse for a best friend and looked up to see that I was at the subway station.

Sighing I found myself a seat towards the back as far away from everyone else as possible. I hated when I went out in public and the public was actually there.

It was only after I had sat down and was about to pull out my pair of headphones ready to expertly ignore everyone, that I realized who was sitting right across from me looking like someone had definitely had a bad day.

Sitting there, arms crossed, and dressed in a black hoodie and jeans, was none other than Wade Rivas.

I didn't realize I was staring at him that long until a pair of green eyes met mine, followed by the harshest glare I've received.

Embarrassed, I quickly averted my eyes and turned back to my phone and headphones. My embarrassment turned into curiosity though. Why was he riding the subway? The last time I checked he had a car.

I put my headphones in and played a song of All About You by Taeyeon. I tried to feed my wandering thoughts, and prepare for the thirty-minute ride.

I once glanced over at Wade. He was still staring at me. Although this time that confused expression was no longer on his face. Instead, it was replaced by an amused one.

I didn't buy to talk to him. We've been going to the same school for just about four years, and in all that Wade and I had never crossed paths.

To kill and waste some time, I approached him. "Why are you staring at me?"

"Weren't you just staring at me?" he said. Hmm. His voice, it made sense that many girls admire him.

"I'm not staring, I'm… just… not blinking." I protested.

He shook his head and fixed those eyes on me again.

"Then why were you 'not blinking' at me?

"Why do you care? You used to be girls staring at you." I said. Okay, I admitted that I am quite attractive to him.

"Of course I'm used to girls staring at me. I'm asking why you're staring at me. You don't even throw me a glance at school." Wade said.

That caught me off guard. I was an average girl in the school. So, he knew who I was? I had to remind myself that I didn't care whether he noticed me or not.

"I was just curious." I said bringing myself from my thoughts.

"About?" he prompted.

"Why are you here? Riding the subway I mean. Don't you have a car?"

"That's none of your business." He snapped as he turned to look in the other direction. Woah, a sudden change of his mood. I can't bear him, god.

Aha! He wasn't in a good mood because of his ex. Now I know. I decided to take pity on him. "I'm sorry, I just heard about your, uhm, break up?" I said with sympathy.

"What are you doing Chayo? Why are you trying to be nice?" he said.

Now that really shocked me. I wasn't pretending! It wasn't like I was a mean person. I was nice all the time. Or at least I thought I was. Second thing, I'm shocked he knew my name. We were not uttering a single word to each other through high school and this our first time to casually talk.

"What do you mean, why am I trying to be nice?" I asked, a little offended.

"I mean we haven't said so much as one word to each other throughout high school. Why are you talking to me now? Let alone trying to be nice to me? If I'm not wrong, I was under the impression that you couldn't stand me. If it's just cause you feel for me, don't." he said while completely facing me.

My mouth actually dropped open. What kind of reputation was going around about me?

"It's not that I can't stand you. It's just that I wasn't about to drool at your feet just so I could get a chance to talk to you". I said.

Wade was silent for a moment as he seemed to think this over.

"I don't know why I'm even telling you this, but as crazy as it sounds Amber was the first girl I was really serious about. I mean there was a girl before that but that had about a snowball's chance in hell of happening."

"What? There was a girl that The Wade Rivas didn't have a chance with? I need to meet her and shake her hand." I said, teasing him about that.

First time, we talked like a friend. We'd finally talked and on a subway of all places, kinda strange. However, we were comfortable with each other.

Our conversation interrupted when the subway train suddenly came to stop. The awkward and embarrassing filling caused my body sway to the left and body bumped into Wade's and seeing as my hands were currently shoved into my pockets, I couldn't brace myself for it. So, instead Wade ended up with his hands placed on my arms to keep me from toppling over face first into his lap.

My face heated up. It looked like a tomato.

My moment of embarrassment was changed in fear. Our light mood ended abruptly when the subway doors suddenly slid open and instead of passengers boarding, five masked and hooded figures made their way inside.

They were all wearing dark jeans and hoodies that concealed their faces. Each one carried a black duffle bag. Flirt out of the five figures silently made their way into the other cars leaving just one behind. The lone figure stood in the middle of the subway car and dropped the duffle bag with a loud thud, gaining the attention of all the other passengers.

Silently, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a black handgun.

Screams erupted all around me as everyone laid their eyes on the weapon. I sighed in fear, I couldn't believe that this was happening.

I felt the train begin to move again and I let my eyes wander to the left, trying to see through the window into the next car.

I observed all the passengers, they were all afraid. Screams were still ringing out around me and I had to suppress the urge to yell for everybody to shut up.

A gunshot rang throughout the small space causing me to almost jump out of my seat. My ears were ringing and when I looked up to the figure holding the gun in the air with their index finger wrapped around the trigger.

Everyone was silent now.

"Now that I have your attention I'd like to properly introduce myself." The figure pulled off the hood that had been covering their head and face, revealing a creepy flesh colored mask with holes cut out for the eyes and mouth and a shaggy mess of short greasy black hair on top of his head. When he spoke his voice was muffled by the mask but nonetheless I could still hear that it was deep and rough, like a smoker's voice.

"You can call me Rad." He continued.

I frowned at that. What kind of a criminal introduces themselves to their victims? I mean I doubted that if I made it out of this alive and went to the police that they'd have someone named Rad in the system, but still.

"Now first thing first, we need to get a few things straight. Any of you scream again, you die. Simple as that, understand?" He warned.

When no one answered, he shot the gun into the air again causing everyone to jump but no one screamed.

"I guess you all understand. This ride will go by a lot more smoothly if you all just cooperate." He added.

No one dared move suspicious. Wade and I kept our mouth to not say anything for our safety. Rad walked back and forth in the small confined space of the train car, switching the gun from his right hand, to his left, and then back again.

I wondered what he was doing exactly. If he was here to blow people's heads off then why wasn't he? I hated the fact that we were waiting here not knowing what would happen next. As if he could sense my impatience with him, Rad spun around and glared at me through his mask. Or at least I thought he was glaring at me, but I couldn't really tell with the mask on.

"You." Rad said pointing the gun at me.

I froze and clenched my hands into tight fists as I stared wide eyed, not at Rad, but at the barrel of the gun.

"What's your name?" Rad asked.

"Chayo." I said quietly.

"Chayo...Why don't you go ahead and stand up Chayo." Rad said kindly. I hated it when he say my name. I gave an involuntary shudder.

I was about to force myself to stand, even if it was against my better judgement, when I felt Wade grip my left hand, keeping me in my seat.

I glanced at Wade and gave him a questioning look.

"Why do you want her to stand?" Wade asked while narrowing his eyes.

I wanted to slap my hand over Wade's big mouth.

"I thought we already went through this. You don't speak… Unless. You're. Spoken. To." Rad ground out the last words slowly, and I doubted he would remind Wade.

"Wade please…" I begged quietly. I stood up even though I highly doubted it. "Obviously your girlfriend has more sense than you." Rad said while tilting his head to the side.

I almost opened my mouth to tell him that Wade was not my boyfriend, but I kept it shut. I wanted to live.

I slowly walked up to Rad and stood there, waiting.

Then I waited for more than two minutes. He said nothing, did nothing, just stood there staring at me. I couldn't keep my mouth shut anymore. He was making me anxious and when I became anxious I also got a really bad case of word vomit.

"Are we just going to stand here and stare at each other?"

After I regretted what I just said, my eyes instantly darted down to Rad's clenched fits and before I could look back at his masked face, I felt his hand connect with my jaw, hard.

The force of his punch made me bite down on my tongue as I stumbled back from the impact, my hand covering my jaw. The train car seemed like it was suddenly bathed in bright white lights, and I reached my free hand out to try and find something to steady myself. I could taste something metallic and salty which I knew had to be my own hold.

Wade approached me and gave an angered face to Rad.

"Well, aren't you two sweet? Trying to protect each other like that." Rad gave a dark chuckle before he jerked his head to the door leading into the next car.

"Move it, both of you, Now!" He ordered.

Still clutching the left side of my face I stumbled my way toward the door with Wade right behind me, one hand on my lower back and other on my arm, whether it was to keep me from falling flat on my face or just there to comfort me, I didn't know. All I was focused on was the pain which seemed to be everywhere in my face.

As Rad pushed us forward I wondered exactly what we'd gotten ourselves into. We'd continue to walk through the next two train cars.

Wade and I got shocked from what we witnessed in the next train car. The image of the knife swiping across the old man's neck and the gushing blood, was imprinted in my brain.

"Grandpa!" the little girl wailed and a chorus of horrified screams followed. She hopped out of her seat and ran to her grandpa before she sank to her knees next to him, his blood seeping into her white tights.

I stared, unable to move or breathe. I pressed the back of my hand to my mouth hard and bit down, trying to keep myself from throwing up.

I heard Rad chuckle darkly behind me before he began shoving at our backs again. When we had reached the front of the train where it was operated. Rad opened the door and I had to bite back a scream.

There on the floor was the conductor with a bullet bole i. the center of his head. I couldn't take much more of this.

Rad lifted the man up like he was nothing more than a rag doll and threw him out of the compartment where he landed with a loud thud, pointing the gun back at me and Wade.

"Get in." Rad ordered.

I walked inside slowly and my nose instantly wrinkled at the smell of blood. I looked ahead, out the front window of the train, as we sped past flickering light bulbs in the tunnel. I wondered where we were headed now.

Wade walked in behind me and I saw his face scrunch up as the smell of blood invaded his nose too.

"I'll be back to deal with you two later."

That was all Rad said before he closed us in and made his way back towards the back of the train.

As soon as the door closed, I pressed my back against the wall before I slid to the ground and pulled my knees to my chest.

This couldn't be happening.

Wade knelt down in front of me with his arms on his knees, and he stared at me intently.

"He just killed him." I whispered, shaking my head. "He didn't even flinch. He just slit his throat. Right in front of his granddaughter!" My voice rose and I think I was starting to hyperventilate. I was taking in quick shallow breaths and I started rocking back and front.

"Oh God, we're going to die. We're going to die." I was seriously starting to panic now. What would my parents do once they found out that I had been chopped up into a thousand little bite sized Chayo pieces? Then there was Jane. She'd probably take it worse.

Wade snapped his fingers in front of my face and broke me from my horrid thoughts.

He placed both of his hands on my knees and spoke very slowly, "We're not going to die. Okay?"

I looked back up at Wade and nodded slowly.

"Promise me then. Promise me that we won't die down here. Not like this." I said as I felt unexpected tears fill my eyes.

I didn't want to die. Not here. Not like this.

I watched him with a frown as he reached out and wiped a strat tear from my cheek before letting his warm hand rest there.

I didn't push his hand away like I told myself to. Instead, I welcome it, enjoying the brief comfort his touch brought me. I could use it right now.

"I promise." he said quietly.

I could only hope that he kept his promise.

I'm not sure how long I sat there. My imagination was running wild the longer we sat there. I imagined it might happen but my horrible thoughts scattered when the subway lurched and rumbled against the tracks.

"We're slowing down." Wade said.

The sound of the door sliding open behind us made me tear my gaze from the window and Rad who was standing in the doorway, his flesh colored mask and gaping black eye holes staring at me. A shiver ran down my spine.

Rad ordered us to follow him.

As we made our way through the subway cars I noticed that they were now all empty. I wanted to ask where everybody was but I was afraid of the answer I might get. So, I kept my mouth shut this time and kept moving.

We were on the last train car, Rad pushed us toward the exit doors which were already open.

We stepped out onto the old platform and my earlier question was instantly answered. All the people who had occupied the subway cars were now on the platform, all on their knees with their hands tied behind their backs with zip ties, set up in a line.

The one wearing a Jason Vorhees hockey mask stepped forward and tied our hands in our back. Jason Mask pushes us forward at the end of the line of subway passengers, where we got down on our knees and joined them.

"Now that you're all here, the real fun can!" Rad began with a clap.

A whimper and a sniffle came from my right and I glanced down the line of people and my eyes landed down on the same little girl from before. The little girl whose grandpa had been murdered right in front of her.

She was crying. I made myself a promise that I'll protect her.

I watched in silence as Rad and his band of masked began untying people and ushering them down onto the tracks of the

subway.

"Now this is how this is going to go," Rad began as he paced back and forth in front of the abandoned tracks. "The tracks from here on out are abandoned and farther down they break off into a bunch of unused subway tunnels. That's where you all are headed." He added.

"We're going to be playing a little game of hide and seek if you'd like to think of it that way. There's only one exit in one of these tunnels that leads up and out of the subway station but finding it will be like finding a needle in a haystack. If by some miracle though, you do happen to find this exit then you're home free... but if you don't," I could practically hear the smile in his voice. "And we get to you first then... well I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise now would I?"

Wade and I joined the group of passengers after the mask man untied the knots.

"You get two minutes, Two minutes and then the chase begins and you better hope like hell that we don't catch you" Rad warned everybody

"Why are you doing this?' A male voice demanded and that was Wade.

"I'm doing this to prove a point." Rad stated simply.

"What point?" Skater boy demanded.

"That I'm free to do whatever I please. You all live in this world thinking that you're safe, that you're protected. Well, you're not. Do you see anybody down here that'll give you as second glance if it means risking themselves?" Rad shook his head when the skater boy didn't respond.

"So, whoever is gonna survive through this game. Deliver the message to your pathetic police When they find all your dead bodies they'll see what a complete failure this entire system is." Rad added.

Rad glanced down at a watch that sat perched on his wrist.

"You have one minute and fifty-nine seconds" Rad said

As a cue, all the passengers started to run. I tried to scan the crowd for the little girl but people bumped into me and elbowed their way past trying to sprint ahead.

We kept running.

My legs were arching, my lungs were burning, and my head was spinning, all while I was running for my life.

As we continued running, my heart hammered furiously in my chest, and it felt like I was going to puke acid really soon.

I started slowing down and eventually I just stopped. I bent over with my hands on my knees trying to catch my breath.

Wade approached me and tried to motivate me to keep going. However, we heard an ear splitting scream echo down the tunnel. I turned to our back. I'm sure the group of masked men started to sue us.

Wade gently helped to keep half-running. I ignored the pain. We've reached the end of the track, we came to the tunnels that Rad had mentioned earlier. It was seven that all led off into different directions.

Wade and I agreed to pick the seventh tunnel. When we were inside, there were no lightbulbs, we couldn't see anything other than a pitch black.

We walked faster and carefully felt our tracks. My hands touched the wall of the tunnel and continued to walk.

Leading the track, Wade checked his phone but no signal to call police. However, we could use that as a flashlight.

Unluckily, the ground seemed to change, and I found myself free falling into the darkness. Wade yelled my name. My body smacked against the concrete. I cried out as bolts of searing hot pain jolted through every inch of my body. Tears filled my eyes instantly and spilled over as the pain took over. There was a horrible throbbing pain in the back of my head and an awful burning and ripping sensation in my side.

I heard the faint shuffling of footsteps and suddenly a bright light was shining in my water filled eyes.

"Shit!" I heard Wade's horrified whisper.

I couldn't even speak cause everything was hurt. Wade knelt down next to me. He sat his phone next to him letting the light create a small pool of illumination around us.

Wade said that he was going to help me. He began to lift the hem of my shirt. He slowly moved his hand upward until it rested just below my rib cage. And I felt an extreme amount of pressure on my ribs. There was an audible pop but I could barely hear it over the ear piercing scream that

was coming from my mouth. That was a great help, it had lessened considerably the pain before. A sheen of sweat covered my forehead as I breathed in and out rapidly.

Wade called my name with a worried and concerned face.

"I'm… still.. okay" I said through pants of breath. I blacked out.

I woke up cuddling with Wade. I'm literally surprised because I thought it was one of the psycho mask man. I could still feel the pain in my side. Wade told me that I was fell in manhole. One of my rib was dislocated.

"I'm grateful that you stuck around and helped me. It means a lot that you'd do that for me… and… and I'm sorry."

I jerked back a little when Wade whipped his head back so he could look at me, his eyes shining in the dim light of his cellphone.

I swallowed nervously and stared back at him, waiting for some kind of response. I froze when he reached up and pushed a damp piece of my hair behind my ear. My heart just about exploded when he let his hand linger on my face.

Didn't he know that there were people after us? Shouldn't we be running for our lives now?

I was ready to raise to slap his face when he got close enough to kiss me, but an ear splitting scream rang through the tunnel.

That scream scared me half to death in a panic, I jumped and slammed my head against Wade's.

I groaned in pain while rubbing my forehead and said to Wade that he had a hard head. Wade said that my head was exactly soft, teasing me.

"Did you hear that scream? Somebody could be in trouble." I said.

Wade just coughed and sounded like he was struggling to contain his laughter.

"Have you lost your mind? Those masked freaks could get to whoever that was and they could be headed this way right now." Wade explained.

I ignored his statement and tried to get up from sitting into his lap but he pushed me back to his.

"Please, Wade, I want to know who it was. Because it could be that little girl. She can't make it down here by herself. Hell, we can barely make it, so just imagine how she's doing. I have to find her Wade, so please don't try to stop me" I said.

Wade stared at me for seconds and stood up and then gently helped me to my feet. He grabbed my hand, shooking his head before he said "Let's go then, Wonder Woman."

Along our way, Wade and I talked nonsense. I've just realized that it was a mistake to find this little girl or who it was that did the screaming.

We've reached the end of the tunnel, but there was a large cavernous room. It was made of the same gray stone as the rest of the tunnels down here and jagged pieces of rock and pipe jutted up from the floor and hung from the ceiling. There were a few pale yellow flickering lanterns that cast an eerie glow across the large room, which meant someone had been here recently. Looking around, the room was empty.

"There's nobody here Chayo, we should head back and try and find our way out of here while we still can." Wade's voice rang out in an echo arout the vast room.

When I was to turn back to face Wade, the same shrill scream from earlier ran out behind me.

A black boots began to step forward, revealing black jeans and then a black hoodie before finally revealing a sheep masked figure.

"You two are just too easy." Sheep Mask drawled out, his voice slightly muffled by the mask.

I couldn't believe that we were fooled by this man. The scream that we heard was just recorded. The sheep mask currently holds the device where the scream came from and he pressed the button again to play the scream sound.

The Sheep Mask reached into the waistband of his dark jeans and pulled out a black handgun. The Sheep Mask pointed the gun to Wade but to my suprise, Wade was on top of him. Both of them struggled to gain control of the gun.

When the Sheep Mask started angling the gun towards Wade's chest, I rushed forward and brought my foot down as hard as I could on Sheep Mask's face.

Wade didn't wait for any second as the gun was on his hand. The Sheep Mask tried to scare them that we were going to die soon when Rad reached them. I faintly heard a loud crack and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Wade ram the butt of the gun into the side of Sheep Mask's face, then he shot the gun toward the head of the masked man.

Wade came to me and brought my head to his chest.

"We're not going to die here, Chayo. Do you understand? We're getting out of here," he promised. I hold on that promise.

I can't believe that we just killed the Sheep Mask man. I'm so mad to myself that we had to do that.

We've continued to search the exit. Wade leads the way, but his navigating skills sucks. When I led our way, it turns out that any navigating skills sucked a lot more than Wade's did. I ended up leading us right back to the spot where we started.

Apparently, Wade and I saw the same flurry of pink darts across the tunnel and into another one. I'm sure that was the little girl with the pink shirt that we tried to look for before.

We were not really sure but we decided to follow the girl from where the tunnel she ran through.

In turn of the event, someone grabbed me from the right. I saw Wade also dragged by another mask man. The piggy mask figure man that was covering my mouth by his hand, led me from somewhere. I was parted away from Wade. The last scene of him was fighting with the other mask man.

The Piggy Mask lifted his left foot and kicked open an old door that read "Employees Only".

The room looked like a place where electricians or repairmen would frequent with all the machinery inside.

The Piggy Mark man removed his mask as soon as he closed the door. It was Rad, the leader of the psycho mask group.

He grabbed my hair to go to another destination. There was a series of many lefts and rights before we finally came to his destination.

We went to another room. It was large and full of pipes in the ceiling. In the center of the room stood four, large, curved, gray pipes that jutted out from the floor and were pointed to the right wall.

There were three people handcuffed for those pipes. The strange man was handcuffed to the first one. The second one was the skater boy. The third one was the little girl that we've been looking for.

And for the fourth pipe, Rad cuffed me from the last pipe.

"W-why are you doing this?" I asked between my sobs.

"I already told you. The system already failed me once and now they're going to fail you. This is all to prove a point." Rad simply said. With that, he disappeared back down from the tunnel.

As soon as Rad was out of sight I slumped against the pipe before sliding to the ground. Anything I did was a failure to escape. I just dropped my head and think that this was how I'm going to die.

The first man in the pipe turned into red, burned, bloody and raw. The skin skin looked like it had been seared completely off and I could see the white of their bones poking out.

The skater boy started to scream, asking for help. The little girl started to cry and I had no idea what to do to comfort her.

I've heard a voice. "Chayo?!" Wade yelled out from somewhere. My head whipped up at the sound of his voice and directly look at his eyes.

He ran forward and bent down to hug her.

"How did you-,"

"You don't know how I fight that masked man but I'm relieved that I found you." Wade said.

"But I'm going to die here. The pipes. They shoot out hot steam and the man just got a face full of it." I explained.

Wade looked at the first pipe, his eyes widened and urged to fight to not throw up something.

Wade immediately pulled a trigger of his gum that pointed to her handcuffs but nothing happened.

Wade found two bobby pins into the hair of the little girl. He borrowed it from the girl and promised to help her.

I suggested to Wade to help first the skater boy and the little girl before me. Wade argued about it but he still did it. When Wade successfully unlocked the handcuffs to the skater boy, the skater boy moved forward to also help unlock the handcuffs on the little girl. Wade finished to get rid of the handcuffs to me before the steam of the pipes burned her.

We were successfully all safe, as of now.

The four of us continued to find the exit of this tunnel. Upon walking, we've talked in some conversations but stay alert. The skater boy named Dylan and the little girl named Rose.

Our conversation was long. Until Rose pointed ahead of her. She was pointing at the end of the tunnel and my blood ran cold.

Standing at the end of the tunnel, completely silent and staring at us, was the man in the Jason Mask.

Jason Mask aggressively started running towards us. As an instinct, Wade held my hands and we started to run to the tunnel on our right. Dylan and Rose followed us. There were a bunch of lefts and rights before we reached the two tunnels.

We agreed to part away in two groups. Dylan and Rose went to the left tunnel and Me and Wade ran through the right tunnel.

Me and Wade never stopped to run even though I've being clumsy for how many times I fall on my feet.

Wade stopped, he pushed me against the wall of the tunnel that didn't reach the dim light of the tunnel. I wondered what's going on in his mind but it made sense when I heard booming footsteps and a few seconds later I watched with wide eyes as Jason Mask went thundering past us and continued down the tunnel.

When I'm sure he was gone, I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

For a minute, we stayed there and had some rest. But I saw Rose had just come into view and even from here I could see red stained in her pink shirt.

Wade and I hurriedly approached Rose. I asked if she was hurt. But she said with tears that the blood stain came from Dylan.

Rose led the way where Dylan was. There was no way Rose should have been able to know the way back. She made way too many turns for her to have memorized it only going through it once. I stopped walking, Wade and I shared a look and thought the same thing.

With that, Rad suddenly came into view and Rose ran to him.

"Did I do good Daddy?" Rose asked.

"You did great sweetheart. Daddy is so proud of you." Rad said. Rose smiled proudly.

Rad pointed a gun on me. He ordered me to walk. We were now on one of the train car. Rad demanded Wade to hold out his hands. Rad handcuffed Wade's hands in one of the metal standing poles. Rad got the gun from Wade's pocket.

And by that, Rad left us after he locked the door of the train car.

I went to Rad's place.

"I'm sorry, I broke my promise to you," Wade said.

"You don't have to say sorry, maybe this is our fate." I said in my tears.

Wade asked to come closer with him. I went closer enough but he demanded to stand between his arms and the pole. I just didn't argue with that with the small place he was asking me to stand.

I stepped forward before ducking under one of his arms and I was now officially enclosed to him. I looked at him when he called my name with an intense expression.

"It was you. Even before Amber. I know this is not the right timing because we're almost likely dead anyway but I needed you to know."

I didn't know what response I should do, but I passionately kissed him. He kissed me back.

We stopped kissing when all of the sudden the doors that connected opened, I can see on the front train that the subway train was on fire. And the flames were quickly making their way towards us.

I could already smell the smoke. I ran back to the exit door and began pushing, pulling, and even banging on the door. Nothing worked.

Wade suggested kicking on the exit window. We kicked the window twice and it cracked. For the fifth time we kicked the window, it finally broke.

Wade told me that there was a left pin in his pocket. I get it used to get rid of the handcuff to his hands. It took more time and the smoke was already burning our lungs. Finally, the handcuff was unlocked. Wade took off his hoodie jacket and placed it around his left hand. He broke some left pieces of glass in the window.

He was the first one to climb out in the window before me. Wade helped me up. When I was on my feet I looked up at the burning subway train and watched as the flames of the fire completely engulfed it.

We saw Rad and his little girl at the top of the platform looking on the subway train to burn into ashes. Rad didn't see from where we were, I'm sure he thought that we were dead on that train.

So I made a plan to eliminate that freaking psycho.

__

I appeared from where Rad was standing.

"You bastard! You killed him!' I screamed as I slammed my body into Rad's and forced me to cry.

Rad was shocked that I was still alive. But he grabbed me roughly by my wrists and squeezed them tightly.

Okay, this was not part of my plan, I hope he didn't think to kill me now.

Turning back to my acting, I yelled to him like he really killed Wade. He just darkly chuckled about it.

As part of the plan, Rad never got to finish what he was about to say because a shard of glass was pushed straight into the center of his back.

Rad let me go. Rad was about again to speak but Wade stabbed again into his chest.

Rad had died. I hugged Wade as finally we are safe now. Wade took the kicking Rose and threw her into his shoulder. Wade and I slowly move forward to find the exit.

With the help of the light in Wade's cellphone, it was enough to see our way. As I was the one who's holding the cellphone, I saw in the darkness a set of stairs and swallowed hard before turning back to face Wade and nodded slowly.

We saw a light on the wood that was blocking our way. We kicked the light wood on how many times before we succeeded to pull off the wood.

Through the small hole, I could see the city lights that brought me into tears. The stars in the sky let me know that it was night.

We've carefully made a way through the hole. When I stood up and took a deep breath, it felt like it had been forever since I had breathed in fresh air.

There were a lot of old and abandoned buildings around that were boarded up just like the subway entrance had been.

We had planned to surrender and tell the police about Rose's case. She could still be changed with the help of DSWD.

Wade called an emergency call to 911. Wade and I shared a smile. I slowly kissed him.

We sat on the abandoned street and waited for the police to come and rescue us.

#short stories

[wann-der-lusst]

00:00 (Zero O'clock)

by Audrey S. Bill

It was late in the evening, and she knew he'd be there because he'd dropped his cigarette in the sink... and just knowing he was there made her entire body shiver.

"Why were you late, Athena?"

As she was about to turn the doorknob, she felt his heavy hand on her shoulder. Her hands trembled and her heart pounded as if it were the first time something like this had happened.

"When will I ever get used to this?" That was her thought as she let him lead the way to his room.

She was putting on her clothes while staring at the man fast asleep next to her. Tears stream down her cheeks as she walks out of the room quietly.

After several days, she is still sore. No matter what she does, she can feel it all over her body. She couldn't eat anything and couldn't go about normal routine... And there she lay on a cold floor, helpless and alone, wishing to be seen, heard, and saved.

Two years later, she attempted to live and interact with others again. She joined a school organization and spent most of her days at school, where she met Eros. He is a year older than she is. Everything about him is beautiful, from the depths of his eyes to the gentle expressions on his face. Eros had the kind of face that makes you want to stop in your tracks. While Athena appeared to be an ordinary girl in the corridor, she wore a downcast expression on her face and eyes, as if she were trying not to draw attention to herself. Eros walks her home, buys her dinner, and speaks words that make her want to sweep on her knees. Athena was surprised because it was the first time she had felt so cared for; this is the joy and comfort she has been looking for. It is the same feeling she had as a child. She wiped away the sticky stream of tears that streamed down her face as she recalled her father's days. All of the walls she had built up over the years crumbled. She appears to be willing to let people in... yet again.

Months have passed, and she still can't believe someone has stuck by her side. She now has family-like friends, a boyfriend who adores her, and a mother who looks out for her and has promised never to abandon her again. She couldn't have asked for more. She remembers how sweetly he confessed to her, how he strummed the guitar for her while singing in front of the crowd. She had no idea what she deserved at this point.

Eros flicked her forehead when she was zoning out.

"Are you okay, Athena?" He gently touched her cheek to see if she was okay.

"No, I'm fine. Thanks for walking me home again!" She exclaimed joyfully.

"I'll never get tired of you, Athena." He gave her a warm smile.

"Indeed, it's the little things that matter the most." She reflected on herself before going to bed.

It was the fourth of the month, their special day, and they had decided to go to the mall. On the other side of the road, Athena was waving to Eros.

“Wait up,” he said with a smile and a wave. They waited for the stop sign to turn red before continuing their walk.

3... 2... 1...

As they walk towards each other, he suddenly pushes Athena, and all she sees is him... lying on the floor... covered in blood. Athena was stunned, and her entire body went numb. Her only sensation is the flow of hot tears from her eyes down her cheeks. This was far from what she had hoped for. Many people have gathered around him, calling an ambulance, and photographing him. People have also gathered around her, asking about her health. But all she can think about is how she can't move at all.

“I should be there instead of him. What exactly am I doing here? Why did he bother saving me?” So many thoughts had built up in her head. And when she heard the ambulance, she completely lost it. She has a lot to say but can't seem to find the words. It's just her eyes... closing.

“All I can see is white. Am I dead? Was it all a dream?” She thought to herself.

"Athena," she then noticed her mother's concerned expression.

"What am I doing here? Where’s Eros?" She asked.

"Don't worry, you're fine now. You're here at the hospital."

"Where's Eros?" She asked again.

She simply looked at Athena with a worried expression on her face. “What the hell is going on?” She reflected on herself once more, trying to remember everything that had happened before she passed out. Her head ached at the thought of Eros lying on the floor full of blood... She screamed and cried hysterically as her mother and nurses tried to calm her down, and she gradually weakened as sedatives were injected into her body and her eyes closed.

Five hours later, she woke up and just stared at the ceiling, tears streaming down her cheeks as she remembered the incident. Now that she thinks about it, she realizes how perfect that day was. She awoke the next morning, to find her man sleeping soundly because she forgot to turn off the Skype App on her laptop while speaking with him. She made perfect eggs; she didn't burn the hotdogs. Her Research Paper also received an A+. Everything worked out perfectly for her to get to this point. Her mother just hugged her, but she couldn’t feel her. She can't feel the warmth of this embrace. She was... lonely.

The man she adored was inside the coffin. She can't look at him because the mere fact that he's there breaks her heart into a million pieces. Athena believes that everyone in the room despises her; she feels responsible for everything because she is the one beside Eros as he breathes his last.

“No one expected this to happen... but life is truly cruel to me. How did we get to this point? Why did he fall in love with someone like me? I should be the one inside that coffin, not him. He does not deserve any of this. God, why now?” She sobbed quietly as she stared at Eros’ face.

After Eros died, Athena began cutting again. She couldn't get his smiles out of her head while trying to save her. When Athena sees blood from her wrist, thighs, and other areas that aren't visible to the naked eye, her heart calms. For her, physical pain was easier to bear than the emotional pain she was going through. She couldn't fathom how people went on after Eros died. All of the memories she had buried in the past resurfaced. And as she browsed through her gallery, she noticed that it was filled with photos of Eros and her.

“You know that I rarely pray at night. But I'll do it for Eros' sake. Please make him come back to me. Just this once please...” She cried and prayed until she fell asleep.

After a few months, at her mother's request, she began seeing a psychiatrist. “It's all for the best.” That is what they continue to tell her. Athena, on the other hand, felt she was labeled as "crazy" as a result of this.

"I completely understand what you're going through right now."

"Everything is going to be fine."

"You can count on me."

These are the words she keeps hearing from the Doctor. Athena believed the doctor was simply doing her job, as she had told all of her patients the same things. She still has a sense of emptiness. The words, however, lingered in her mind, and she felt as if her heart was gradually giving in.

“Is this okay, Eros? This doesn't mean I'll forget about you...” Athena contemplated herself.

It's been a year, but it only seems like yesterday. Athena had given up hope, but she is now smiling. She attends church every Sunday, she has grown closer to her family, her friends have consoled her, and they have all contributed to Athena becoming the person she is today. She was overjoyed that God had restored her life. When Eros died, Athena's world collapsed around her, but she soon realized she wasn't to blame; his death was an accident. Her nightmares keep her awake at night, but she is relieved that the man who abused her weaknesses as a child is now in prison.

***

Am I seeing things? Or is this really Eros? He is dressed in a white coat and is smiling and waving at me. I felt him as I held his face to see if he was real. He doesn't say anything, all he does is stare at me with his piercing eyes. Finally, he spoke...

"Athena," he begins.

The air became cold as he said my name... it's different.

"Why didn't you help me? Why... why did I even save you in the first place?!"

For a brief moment, I was stunned. This is not what I am expecting. I can feel all of his anger, despair, and betrayal from the way he said those words and the way he looks at me now.

I was about to approach him when he took a step back, his eyes welling up.

"...Eros..."

He shook his head and moved his gaze away. Is he going to leave me again? He's becoming blurry now. No way... We should be together… Eros. No, please...

***

"EROS!"

Athena screamed as she struggled to breathe. Her vision became blurry because of the tears. She had been fine for months, but it suddenly reappeared. Eros was blaming her in the dream… A single dream that has now destroyed everything she has worked for. She's blaming herself once more.

"It's entirely my fault..."

As she stood next to the bridge, she reflected on her day, which she described as "beautiful." She went to see Eros in the cemetery. Everyone was smiling and doing their best to make her feel "loved." She smiled heartily at the thought of people going to such lengths to make her happy. Her heart skipped a beat as she considered all of her loved ones, and the thought of leaving them. Athena gave everything she had, but she was also a master of disguise. Her mind is already made up that all of her misery and the monsters within her will not stop unless she makes a move, and she believes that people who get too close to her, such as Eros, will only hurt themselves.

The cool breeze caressed her skin, as if it wanted to embrace and feel her.

“Is that you, Eros? Dad?" Her eyes welled up with tears as she remembered them. She simply hopes that no one will blame themselves for having to die because it was her choice. She is certain that she will be happier. She sincerely wishes for the pain to end. She's desperate to put an end to it.

She took a deep breath and looked out at the water, which was plain blue but beautiful. She looked down at her phone and smiled one last time.

“Happy Birthday, self.”

At exactly 00:00, she jumped off the bridge, allowing her body to be thrown into the deep blue sea.

#short stories

[wann-der-lusst]

Cliché Drawing Sesh

By: Margareth Angelique Asico

"How do you decide on which reference you're going to draw next?"

"No one has ever asked me that before, well... I guess I just draw what I like. Why ask such a

question?"

"Nothing really. Just curious"

The sound of the pencil lead brushing through the paper, the sheer sunset filling the classroom, the sound of the birds chirping and the boy sitting in front of you was enough for you to get lost in your own world. It made your heart flutter on how much you're enjoying the scenery that your orbs are witnessing as you continue to draw- it was perfect you thought. You asked Joaquin to be your reference for your art project which took you by surprise that he actually agreed on such a sudden request. A chance like this doesn't happen every day so grabbing the opportunity of you not having to give excuses why your sketchbook was filled with his face would be great.

"Oi Santiago, someone's calling"

Instantly snapping off of your peaceful paradise, an immediate rush of adrenaline was released as the thought of him seeing your wallpaper made you quickly grab your phone in Joaquin's hand like your life depended on it.

"Ah yes, Hello?"

You answered the phone while glaring at Joaquin who was absolutely confused on your previous action since it was out of character of your usual self who is calm and composed. Nevertheless, you just saw him shrug it off which made you relax a bit.

"In front of the water fountain? The vending machine there? Why?"

"No, it’s okay, we'll be heading there anyways. I had some work to do so..."

“Right I'll see you"

Closing your sketchbook, you gave him an awkward smile as you began packing your things. He stood up from his seat- getting the idea that your drawing session has ended. You slid the door open exiting the classroom while Joaquin walked beside you.

"You're acting a little strange today" You chuckled with the sudden question.

"Am I?"

"Yeah"

Not being very expressive towards people, observing surroundings is much more preferable- to you at least. You figured that people tend to approach you less since they find you a bit intimidating. But given the circumstances, Joaquin never failed to surprise you on how well he can see through your reserved expressions which made you feel warm- important somehow. It made you feel as if someone's actually interested not only for your physical attributes, but for what's actually going on inside your mind and how you feel despite not being able to express it much.

The walk was quiet but relaxing, you were taken away from your thoughts as you felt a hand tap on your shoulder.

"Oh right, that's my friend... She was the one who called a while ago"

You walked towards your friend who seemed to have a companion whom you are not much familiar with. She leaned into the guy whispering something, giving you a smirk while raising her eyebrows before sneakily leaving. The boy looked incredibly nervous giving you the idea on what his intentions would be.

"Right, I'll get going for practice for the swimming club. Good luck to you two"

An intense, yet awkward atmosphere filled the place as the both of you stood there waiting for something to happen which actually took quite some time.

"Uhm, Santiago. I-I've been wanting to tell you this but I never had the courage to do so. I was... I was wondering if you would like to go out with me-"

Your attention dividing as a familiar scent went past through your direction observing him with your peripheral vision as he slowly disappeared from your sight.

"Hey uhm, as much as I want to... I'm sorry but I'm actually interested in somebody else..."

His expression immediately turns into a frown as soon as he hears you speak...obviously hurting from your response. You tried to comfort him as much as you could just so that it can lift a bit of the weight you've caused him which was not much of a help. He started walking away from you as soon as the conversation ended with sadness radiating his aura. You couldn't help but feel sorry but you were sure you already have someone to lend your heart to.

"Well, you seemed to be pretty popular around the boys." Joaquin exclaimed, coming out of nowhere.

"Aren't you supposed to be practicing for the swimming club?”

"I thought so too, but we were just called for a meeting."

"Is that so? Well, to be clear I am not in any way popular with the boys"

"You are Santiago, you are."

"How are you so sure?"

"Santiago, how many guys have confessed to you? How many of our classmates tried to take you on a date? If anyone's blind here, it would be you. I don't get it why you wouldn't date any of them though."

"Well, it looks like I'm not the only one who's acting strange today. Also, I have to finish the sketches so I wouldn't have to bother you from your next practice."

"Right, we can stay at the gym if you like since it'll be cold here."

You started sketching as soon as you've pulled out your art materials from your bag and once again, lost in your own little world. You were focusing on Joaquin's eyes - those brown eyes that looked as if they were shining, you wondered how he would look at someone he admires. His

proportions are outstanding, his build may be slim but the muscles which are gradually developing from his swimming practices are showing.. It would probably feel great to cuddle with him. His hands are perfect, his fingers are slender and you wondered how it'll feel like if you were to intertwine your hands with his. You thought to yourself how fortunate you are to have this chance to observe how beautiful this man is built, it is more than enough. Every imperfection seemed perfect when it’s him, it's unfair how incredibly handsome this man is and how he swiftly catches your attention. You drew every angle of his face as if you're drawing the final piece, you didn't want to mess up anything. You wanted to capture his amazing features; he surely is one of a kind. How can someone be so salty towards others be so considerate when it comes to you? Someone who doesn't give full attention to something he's not involved with will be so attentive when listening to your stories. How he notices everything that unease you despite your almost-emotionless face… Maybe he cares for me? You thought. Maybe I have a chance? Should I tell him how I feel?

You were once again, brought to reality with your phone ringing. A hand swiftly taking the phone

away from you making your heart jump from nervousness that you didn't even have the chance to see who's calling you.

"GIVE IT BACK"

A smirk forming on his face while holding the phone above his head

"Fine, reach it then"

"That's too high!"

He began to tease you by giving you your phone but immediately pulling it away once you're close.

"I didn't even get to see who was calling!"

"Really? I'll answer it then"

"This is so unlike you.."

Fear takes over your body as you watch his fingers tap on the answer button, knowing that you'll

lose him the moment the call ends. You were trembling as if you've never been this scared all your life. You tried to desperately snatch the phone while he was talking but it was no use.

The call has been going on for a while and you had no interest on what and who he was talking to. You were about to snatch the phone but failed when he wrapped you into a tight hug with his arm.

He is way stronger than you leaving you no choice but to give up on not being caught. You were

contemplating on how you should react when he finally saw what you've been hiding. Every second that passed was like hell for you that you couldn't even enjoy how close you are to him…

"Okay, bye"

You didn't even bother looking at him despite knowing the call had ended. You wouldn't want to remember how he looked when he finally saw your wallpaper of him candidly eating his strawberry shortcake in a café which you secretly took the first and only time you hung out together outside of school.

Eyes looking down, you took a deep breath accepting what he'll eventually do. His grip lessened, releasing you from the hug. It felt like you were drifting kilometers away from each other. He placed his hand over your shoulders, putting your hair at your back as you feel his fingers trace your jawline lifting your chin up. You look at him teary eyed, wondering if this will be the last time you'll see him this close.

His eyes deemed, he never looked this serious before making your heart leap from the sudden change of expression. His other hand finding its way to your back forcing you to come closer to him making you jolt. He was leaning in front of your face, he was so close that you could feel his breath tickle your lips as you felt your heart racing.

"So is this what you meant when you said you draw what you like?" He said as his lips curled for a smirk.

"uh uhm uh”

Cutting you off, he pressed his lips against your forehead enabling you to process the situation. He pulled away so slowly that you felt every part of his lips losing contact with yours. Your body not being able to move, you tried to at least calm yourself just enough to be able to process the

situation.

"Joaquin...."

Your ears are tingling from the permission granted to you. Face now tinted red from everything that has happened, he pulled you into a back hug digging his face onto your neck sending shivers down your spine.

"What the hell came into your mind to do that?"

"Nothing really. I was just curious"

"Si-since when did you know?"

"I didn't, I was the one who called you on your phone. Turned out better than I expected. Couldn't ask for a better outcome."

"You jerk"

"I love you too"

#short stories

[wann-der-lusst]

Waterfalls

By: Cassy

Just like every other day, I have to go to work. My life is such a mess. I mean, I haven't even picked a career, and I don't even have a car. Well, today I'm taking the bus. I don't know why but it's very crowded than usual.

"Hey, excuse me, can I take that seat?" I asked politely.

"No can do. I am too tired," the hard-headed man said.

"Well, I don't care. I'm tired too!" I yelled.

"Sorry. Here take my seat," the man said, frightened.

I squeezed my way through the crowd of people and slumped down into the rough leather seat.

Living in a little apartment wasn't really helping me either. Going to sleep at 3 am just because I can't fall asleep was killing me. With only 4 hours of sleep, I fell asleep on the bus. I shockingly felt the bus stop, and suddenly I woke up.

"Why did we stop?" I asked.

"Sorry, ma'am, but the bus has broken down. It's going to take ages to get it moving again," the bus driver said sadly.

So angry I stomped off the bus. I walked and walked and walked and walked. It was like the world was never-ending. The agony and the anger that I am feeling weren't going away.

Knowing I was never going to work today, I kept on walking and walking and walking. Suddenly, I reached a waterfalls.

"Wow, there's so many people. Since I'm not going to work, I might as well do something," I said to myself.

I walked up to the lady who was giving out the pamphlets.

"Hello, um, excuse me, is there an entrance fee?" I asked.

"Is there anyone else with you?" the lady asked.

"Nope, just me," I replied.

"Oh, ok, then that would be 300 pesos," the lady said.

"Ok," I replied.

I rummaged through my purse and found 300 pesos.

"Here," I said as I gave the lady 300 pesos.

"Umm, can I have one of those pamphlets?" I asked kindly.

"Oh, sorry, I forgot. Here," the kind lady said.

"Thank you," I said as I took the pamphlet.

"Have fun," the lady said.

I opened the pamphlet, started reading, and walked to the waterfalls.

"Ouch," I said.

I tripped over the branches of one of the trees when I was looking at the pamphlet. Someone held out their hand to me. I looked up, and I saw a lady looking down at me.

"Hey do you need a hand?" she asked.

"Yes, thanks," I replied.

I took her hand, and she pulled me up.

"Hey, what's your name," she asked.

"My name is Cassandra," I said.

"My name is Alyssa," she said.

"Well, nice to meet you," I said.

"Are you here by yourself?" Alyssa asked.

"Yeah," I replied.

"Me too. Do you want to go together?" Alyssa asked,

"Sure, I don't know how to read this map," I said.

"I'm good with maps. Give it to me." Alyssa said.

I gave Alyssa the map, and she looked at it slowly.

"I thought that you're good with maps, Alyssa," I laughed.

"Ok, first of all, maps take a lot of time to inspect, and also please call me Aly. I never really liked the name Alyssa," she said.

"Well… Aly, hurry up if you keep on reading this slow, We're gonna be here all night," I said.

"Ok, first, let's get food," Aly said.

"OMG, they have food here?" I asked excitedly.

"Yeah, you didn't know?" Aly asked surprisingly.

"No! Let's go," I said excitedly.

Aly led the way, and we ran to the food vendors. We stood in line for the hot dogs and hamburgers.

"So, what do you want?" Aly asked me.

"Hmm… I think I want a hamburger with cheese and tomatoes, chili and cheese fries, and a Sprite," I said.

"That's delicious. You have good taste." Aly said.

"Thanks. What are you getting?" I asked Alyssa.

"I think I'm going to get a hot dog with ketchup, curly fries, and a Coke," Aly replied.

"Excuse ladies can I have your order?" the chef asked.

"What if you say my order and I say yours," Aly said.

"Ok," I replied.

"I want a hamburger without the tomatoes, chili and cheese fries, and a Sprite," Aly said to the chef.

"And you ma'am?" the chef asked politely.

"I want a hotdog with ketchup, curly fries, and a Coke," I said.

"Before you two go, what are your names?" the chef asked.

"It's Cassandra and Alyssa," Aly said and smiled.

"Ok, can you both please wait for your order?" the chef asked.

"Ok," we both said.

We both found a table to sit down on to wait for our food. I pulled my phone out of my purse and put in my passcode.

"Do you want to exchange numbers?" I asked.

"Of course," Aly replied as she smiled.

She brought out her phone and gave it to me. I did the same and gave mine to her.

"Here I put my phone number," Aly said.

"Me too," I replied.

"Ok, try to call me," Aly said.

I tapped the phone button, and Aly's phone was ringing instantly.

"Ok, now call me," I said.

Aly called me from her phone, and mine started to instantly ring.

"Cassandra and Alyssa, your food is ready!" we heard the chef yelled.

"Come on, let's get out food," I said.

Aly and I got up from the table and went to get our food.

"Here is your hamburger without tomatoes, chili and cheese fries, and your Sprite," the chef said to Aly.

"Also, here is your hotdog with ketchup, curly fries, and your Coke," the chef said to me.

"Thank you," we said.

"Now, which one of you is paying?" the chef asked.

Aly and I looked at each other.

"I can pay," Aly said.

"No, I can pay," I insisted.

"Actually... excuse me, what's the price of our order?" Aly asked the chef.

"Weirdly, it's precisely 250 pesos," the chef replied.

"We can split the price," I said.

I gave the chef 125 pesos from my purse while Aly did the same. We went back to the same table. Then, we switched our meals.

"Here is your food, madam," I said jokingly.

"Here is your food, ma'am," Aly said jokingly.

Together we ate our food.

"I'm so full," I said.

"You said it. I think we grabbed too much food," Aly said.

"Well, I'm gonna throw the rest of my food in the trash," I said.

"I'm right behind you," Aly said.

We threw our food in the trash and picked up our purses from the table.

Let's go to the waterfall," I said.

We walked and walked and walked until we reached the beautiful waterfall. By then, the sun was setting.

"Let's take a selfie in front of the waterfall," I said

"Ok, let's use my phone," Aly said.

We took the selfie together.

"Send the picture to me," I said.

"I already did," Aly said.

Seconds later, my phone dinged. I took my phone out of my purse and checked it.

"This selfie looks spectacular," I said.

"Let's go up there so we can watch the sunset," Aly said.

"Ok," I said.

We both climbed up the hill to see the sunset. The sun dipped below the horizon, the last gasp of beauty before the death of the day.

"Look at how beautiful it is," Aly said.

"I never really looked so intently at the sun setting before. I never really cared," I said.

"Thanks for this day. It's been so fun. What I know is that we're going to be best friends forever and ever," Aly said.

"Off course we are," I replied.

After a while, Aly started visiting me in my not so big apartment and she never forget to bring food. When she's in my apartment we do, off course eating and we really do love watching movies together.

Aly and I has a lot of something in common, like we love to a travel a lot, collecting memories and we both have a broken family. Aly was raised by her father and I was raised by my mother, but both of us did not use it as a discouragement to continue in our lives, we took as an inspiration so that both of us succeed. Having a broken family is not good for my mental health when I was younger, it gives me jealousy, curiosity and it makes me longing, but it did not affect on who I am right now. I am blessed on what I have right now especially I met a new friend that can change my everyday mood.

We can be friends with other people, we can bond, we can stay closer to them, but not everyone can stay forever, not everyone can lend their shoulders for you to cry on, not everyone can listen to your problems, yet there is always one person who is willing to give his or her time and will never ever leave you.

I never really knew it, but meeting Aly changed my life forever.

#short stories

[wann-der-lusst]

Those Stars

By: Euchelle Aranzanso

The sound of an approaching car. Orion, 24, barefoot and in his bathing suit, is in the process of moving his clothes from his room. A cramped storage room somehow refurbished into a single bedroom. Natalia, a girl of about his same age, is lying on the bed. It is obvious both have been on it together. Orion goes to the window and looks down. A car pulls up below, blowing up clouds of dust, and stops at the villa's main entrance. A tall young man steps out of the car, wearing a billowy bright blue shirt with a wide open collar, and a golden necklace. This is MAGNUS, 27.

Leo, the gardener and handyman, appears below followed by CASPIAN is the fifties, distinguished, vigorous. CELESTE, his wife, is in her mid forties. Caspian gave a warm welcome to magnus ``welcome! Oh, my you are much bigger than your picture!. Celeste, where's Orion?. I'd better go down," orion, said to natalia".

At the end of the stairs Orion sees Magnus being walked to his dad Caspian's study. Magnus' suitcase and backpack lie gestures towards them. Help bring Magnus things up to your room, " Celeste said to Orion". Orion enters his father's studio. Magnus, sitting on the sofa, is having a glass of fresh water. Even if exhausted by the heat, he remains elegant and somewhat iconi. Caspian introduced the two formally.

Orion, Magnus. Magnus, Orion. They shake hands. They both greet each other by hi and hello. Make yourself at home. Our home is your house. Caspian said.

They head up the stairs together and Orion lunges for the heavy suitcase, while Magnus takes the backpack. Orion "my room is now your room. I'll be next door. They meet Natalia coming down. More Introductions in the middle of the stairs. She kisses Magnus both cheeks. Magnus is curious about her and looks back as he continues up. She looks back after he does. They enter Orion's bedroom. Magnus drops his backpack and crashes on the bed, exhausted. Orion lays the suitcase next to the bed. We're sharing the bathroom. It's my only way out. But Magnus is not listening, he has already fallen asleep. Orion walks out and closes the door that separates their two rooms.

The following day. Magnus is coming down the stairs. Not knowing where to go, he listens for the Caspian's voices until he sees, through a corridor, the kitchen. Just beyond it, outside in the garden, he can see the family having breakfast.

Magnus comes out and sits down, watching how Orion expertly cracks hks soft boiled egg shell, then he also attempts to do the same, but only a tiny bit of the shell is pierced, so he pretends to busy himself with his coffee and pushes the egg away from him. Orion, has been trying not to stare at their guest and is concentrating on spreading honey on a piece of bread, now lifts his head and speaks, growing unnaturally loud. I can show you around. Orion said to Magnus. And he answered, "Good. Are we far from the town? I need to open a bank account. None of our residents has ever had a local bank account. Caspian said to Magnus. Orion turns in his seat to get a better view of Magnus, who is sitting beside him.

Meanwhile, Orion is on his bed, still dressed. He cannot sleep. He hears a noise outside and quickly strips off his clothes, putting on his pajama bottoms. But no one comes, there are no sounds on the stairs or activity in the other room next to him. Magnus arrives on his scooter from the town, wearing the blue bathing suit and blue billowy shirt he had when he first arrived. Orion is on his bed wearing only boxer shorts. His s right hand is down inside his shorts. He starts touching himself. All of the sudden footsteps outside his door. Magnus, shirtless, enters the room from the bathroom. Orion quickly pulls his hand from his boxers with a jerking movement as if caught in an embarrassing position. Magnus asked Orion, "why aren't you with the others at the river? Orion is speechless, out of breath, says. I'm… I'm busy right reading this novel. Wow! You also read that book. Magnus said. The book is entitled five people you will meet in heaven. Want to.go for a swim? Just the two of us? Magnus asked. Orion is still out of breath. Later, maybe. Magnus grabbed Orion's hand and said "let's go now. When Magnus grabs Orion hand Orion turns on his side facing the wall, away from Magnus, to prevent him from seeing his face but in his movement is also a slight tugging which could have pulled Magnus down on the bed.

Another day. Orion is sitting at his usual table under grapes tree writing his diary, the wind is moving the leaves of the tree then he puts the open diary on the top of the table and goes into the bathroom to pee, shutting the door behind him. He anxiously thought it was too hard when I told him I thought he hated me. Orion goes back inside and up the stairs very quietly and along the corridor he shares with Magnus. He approaches Magnus' door like a detective looking for clues. The lights suddenly all go out in the house. The music from a long playing record old radio box dies to stop. There is a shout in the kitchen. Orion, I'd never have the courage to ask such a question. You know you can talk to us about anything? Caspian said to his son and he added. The meaning of the river flowing is not that all things are changing so that we cannot encounter them twice, but that some things stay the same only by changing. They have been sitting in near darkness. The rain beats against the window panes.

Orion shakes his head. Magnus waits for Orion to say something. He stares at him. In the silence of the moment, Orion stares back. It is the first time Orion has dared to. Stare back at Magnus openly.

Before this moment he has always cast a glance, then looked away from Magnus' steely gaze. It is as if, finally, Orion is saying to Magnus. This is who I am, this is who you are, this is what I want. You are making things very difficult for me. Magnus said to Orion.

When they take their lunch Orion suddenly feels a headache and he hasn't finished eating his food and he goes to his room to get rest. Before goes to his room Orion is in the kitchen looking for some medicine to stop his headaches.

Orion is lying in his bed hugging his pillows so tight, his head is tilted back. Magnus "Orion! Where are you? Magnus is in the corridor looking for him. Orion knocked the wall beside him. Magnus goes over to him. Was it my fault? Magnus asked. I'm a mess, aren't I? Orion said. Magnus takes Orion's feet in his hand and begins massaging them, pulling on his toes until they crack. Orion cries out in mingled pleasure and pain.

The next day. Orion walks into the fresh water and swims. Down the river is a group of his friends playing on the grass, Magnus isn't there. Orion is not unhappy. There is a rippling shaft of sunlight on the water directly towards him. He swims into it. We see that Orion is now wearing his necklace with a virgo zodiac sign pendant.

Orion reaches out to him, bursting into tears. The emotion and intensity of their intimacy finally overwhelmed him. He muffles his sobs against Magnus' shoulder. Then Orion held him close. Next day. Orion wakes up to find him alone in bed. Magnus has to go to the town for a couple of days to finalize the contraction there before he leaves. Orion asked permission to his parents if he can go to the town to be with Magnus. Celeste takes her husband's hand to say yes. Orion smiles and waves to his parents before he goes to the town. Magnus stands looking out as Orion comes up from behind him, putting his arm around Magnus' waist. They enjoyed the rest of the day, they got drunk and wasted. They didn't consciously care about their actions. They hug tightly. After several moments Orion let's go first and he holds him tighter. Magnus hugs him back as they hold each other for the last time. Letting their embrace say what words cannot.

Orion's room, in which Magnus has stayed. Alone now, Orion enters it and looks around. Everything of his has been put back, his clothes in the closet and drawers. He closes his eyes. He is glad to be back in his old room, now full of beautiful and sustaining memories of Magnus.

#short stories

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BUCKETLIST #9 TRAVEL / FOOD - GENER AMPARADO

JOURNEY TO THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN

When I was a high school student, I spent my entire day watching animes in my room in the rainy afternoon or a clear day while lying on the soft bed. Through the time I was in the root of getting attached with animes, there’s something that lingering with my feet to go somewhere, the home of animes, the land of the rising sun, Japan.

It’s so cool seeing the culture of Japan being represent on some anime show. Truly it will hook you to visit Japan. On the other hand, if you are not really onto anime but love going to some places with rich cultures, astonishing nature, and structures, Japan is one the finest places you should visit in eastern Asia.

If I will have the chance to step my feet on the land of the rising sun, I will be lending the first step in Hakone, Japan. An hour away from the capital city of japan, there’s an elusive mountain to see through the lake, the Mount Fuji. Clear sky is perfect to binge watch this mountain since clouds on its island are often jamming in top of the volcano. This place feels like I’m living in the anime world. The tradition and culture in Hakone are so rich even though modernization dominates the tourist spots. There’s a lot to see in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Things to remember in Hakone Japan:

- Onsen - Hot Spring is very popular in the park. Alongside of Hakone there’s mountain ranges with active volcanoes that you could boil an egg on certain lakes that grants you warmth in the cold breeze of air.

- Lake Ashi - Lake Ashi is at the center of the Hakone area. There are historic site, famous temples, tasty found, and more to be found along the shores. The views of Mt. Fuji over Lake Ashi are famous as well.

- The Komagatake Ropeway - The Komagatake Ropeway is one of two ropeways in Hakone that takes you up one of Hakone`s highest peaks for views of Fuji, the Pacific Ocean, and a historical mountain top shrine

#landoftherisingsun #hakonejapan #wanderlust #wanderer #bucketlist #toraberu #旅行の目標

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BUCKETLIST #8: TRAVEL - JHON JHON ALIMURONG

THINGS THAT I DON'T WANNA MISS IN ISRAEL

Good day, readers! I am jhon jhon and I want to share to you the places that I really want to visit, and I hope you will like what I’m going to share with you.

Since I was a child, I love going to places where it can improve myself. whether it is a historical place or not. I'm a type of person who loves to discover places thru watching television and later will go to that places. But this one place caught my attention.

When I was a child, I always watch stories about Jesus Christ with his disciples and other stories like David and goliath. I also wish that I could go to the places that they have been. One place came to my mind and it is Israel, we all know that this is where Jesus died and resurrection happened.

I would be happy if I will see this place where people see this as a special place.

I want to witness the spots where Jesus baptized and where he taught people to pray and cure sick people.

I wish that I could walk thru Via dolorosa the pathway of Jesus while he carried his cross. I want my feet to step on it, because it is full of love for us. My eyes want to see the whole view of Bethlehem where Jesus born and other structure that is prominent by its history.

Dead sea is also a part of Israel where I want to go, because it is a weird place. You cannot swim but you will just float on it. Because of saltiness, plant and animals cannot live on it that is why it is called dead sea. The mud that is coming from the dead sea has a benefit to cure different skin problems like psoriasis, eczema etc.

If you have bucketlist in life, go for it! Don't waste your time for nothing. Travel with no regrets and make more memories and experiences. Always live your life to the fullest.

#HistoryRepeatItself #Steptofaith #WandersLove #wanderer #wanderlust #bucketlist #travelgoal

[wann-der-lusst]

BUCKETLIST #7: TRAVEL - CASSANDRA ANN BAGAY

THE NEW BORACAY (PHILIPPINES)

Good day, Wanderers! What’s Good? I'm Cassandra and I am going to share my dream destination since then. Hope you learn something here and get some tips about going to the new Boracay.

Boracay is back in business! Boracay was closed in April 2018, After six months of clean up and rehabilitation, our beloved white sand beach reopened its doors to tourists on October 26 2018. However, the new and improved Boracay comes with a whole new set of rules, all of which are implemented in order to preserve the beauty of the island.

Before packing your bags and getting off to paradise, there are very important rules you need to know to keep yourself out of trouble. Here's the rules:

1. The island is only open to 6,000 tourists (a day).

2. Tourists can only book accredited hotels

3. Only over 150 establishments open

4. Partying beachfront is strictly prohibited

5. All water activities are temporarily suspended

6. Hot-coal roasting of meats is prohibited

7. Avoid using single-use plastic

8. E-jeepneys are free until December

9. Souvenir and food stalls have been banned

10. No pets allowed by the beach

11. No littering

12. Sand-castle making is now regulated

13. Beach chairs and umbrellas are not allowed on the beach

14. Casinos are no longer allowed to operate

Boracay Island is my dream destination, upon seeing pictures on social media and aside from seeing those photos, I really do love being at the beach. I love that sweetness of feeling when I'm there. But at this time, we're not allowed to go because of the pandemic, also we need to follow protocols when going outside. I know a lot of you Wanderers are hoping that this pandemic should be over as soon as possible, so that you can rest and unwind. But now, keep safe Wanderers! Always bring your alcohol.

#Wanderer #Bucketlist #Wanderlust #NewBoracay #Boracay #Travelgoals

[wann-der-lusst]

BUCKETLIST #6: TRAVEL / FOOD - AUDREY BILL

KOREA ESCAPADE

Hello, Wanderers! It’s me, AUDREY. Since I was a kid, I’ve been working on my bucket list, though of course, I haven’t checked in a while. I honestly believe that writing down our dreams and aspirations makes them more likely to come true. Well, as someone who enjoys traveling and trying new things, as well as being a KPOP and KDRAMA fan, my goal is to visit Korea!

Korea is a beautiful country with a never-ending list of activities and breathtaking sights to see. There are many ways to spend your time in Korea, from dressing up in traditional hanbok clothes to sitting down on a convenience store with some ramyeon noodles and beer, indulging in Korean BBQ and street foods, shopping and buying Korean skincare products, relaxing, and unwinding at a Korean sauna, and much, much more.

Here are a few places I'd like to visit if I ever go to Korea...

Namsan Tower, one of the best places in Seoul to take in a view of the sprawling city, provides a great panorama of the city. It is home to a variety of attractions and amenities such as restaurants, stores, and museums, making it a fun place to visit for an evening getaway. The Locks of Love, where romantics hang padlocks to symbolize their commitment to one another, are sure to be a highlight for any wanderer.

Korea's markets offer an incredible variety of tastes, smells, and food to try, with a wide range of vendors serving up street foods ranging from spicy tteokbokki to sweet hotteok, or even finger-licking Korean fried chicken and odeng... for the most authentic Korean street food experience, let’s go to Gwangjang Market in Seoul! It's cheap and a great place to immerse yourself in the country's traditional culture, all in one place to make your Korea trip an unforgettable tasty experience and discover why Seoul is a street food paradise.

Kimchi, Korea's signature dish, is one of those things that we crave as fans of Korean dramas. While it is now available everywhere, Gwangju takes its love of kimchi to the next level by hosting a festival dedicated to it every October. This festival provides a fun and fascinating look at Korean culture. The highlight of the Gwangju Kimchi Festival, in my opinion, is the opportunity to make your own Kimchi!

Here are just a few places I'd like to visit if I go to Korea, so if you're the type of traveler who enjoys good food, beautiful scenery, festivals, and unique culture, I'd recommend going to Korea. There is practically an endless list of things to do there. And who knows if we'd run into each other there one day? Fly high, Wanderer!

#bucketlist #Wanderer #Korea #travelgoals #wanderlust

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BUCKETLIST #5: TRAVEL - DINO BARTOLOME

DIVE AT MALDIVES

When I saw maldives on social media i use, I was immediately fascinated by its beauty, at first i thought it was only in the Philippines but i was surprised when i knew the beautiful place i saw was in another country.When i saw one of the beach/resort i already want to dive in without any reason because it was so nice and pleasant. I said to myself that I want to come here with my family of course with my love one in this famous place, because it is very clean, very beautiful, the air is fresh and of course you can really relax a lot.

The time i saw maldives i was amaze, it gives me goosebumps because it was so relaxing. So when i finish my studies and graduated i find job earn money and visit the places I've wanted to have some peace and to relax with my love ones.

Because it feels good to be able to travel to such a beautiful place that you would never think there is, I know many like this but I think maldives is the only one in such a beautiful place in the world, So when i finish my studies and find compatible job i will fulfill one of my bucket list and that is to visit maldives. Maldives is one of the beautiful place to relax, even though it is not included in 7 wonders of the world the tourists love to visit the breathtaking views in maldives.Some married couple spend their honeymoon in maldives because of the wonderful destinations.

Floating rooms or hotels or sometimes food bazaar is some of popular tourist spot in maldives, the tourist love the view of the sea in their rooms especially when they woke up in the morning the sea breeze will surely relax you.

#Bucketwishlist #EatUnwindTravel #Exploremore #CreativeWriting #wanderer #wanderlust

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BUCKETLIST #4: TRAVEL - MARGARETH ASICO

A MAGICAL PLACE WHERE ALL YOU NEED IS FAITH, TRUST, AND PIXIE DUST.

Hey wanderers! Margareth here! I hope you’re all doing well. Today, I am going to share to all of you my dream destination which is Disneyland! Happy reading.

Since I was a child, I have been a fan of Disney and I grew up watching shows from Disney channel and Disney Jr. So, since I was a kid, I’ve been dreaming of going to Disneyland. So up until to this point of my life, I would love to go to Disneyland and it is on top of my bucket list. Disneyland is clearly my dream and I will do everything that I can to visit that magical place. I would love to visit Disneyland because I want to take pictures not just for Instagram purposes but also to capture memories that I will cherish forever, and stories that I will tell to my friends, family, and to my future children endlessly. I would also love to jump in joy while I enter the main entrance of Disneyland and I can imagine myself wearing a summer flowy dress and a blue denim jacket on top and I’m going to pair it with white comfy sneakers. So, I will be comfortable walking and running inside the magical amusement park. I would also love to have a photo with Mickey mouse and Minnie mouse and my favorite Disney princess which is Rapunzel, I am also dreaming about that magical parade, and it would be lovely to eat and taste that iconic churros and popcorn that comes in cute bucket packaging, and also, to ride the colorful tea cup ride that spins magically, that is inspired from the movie entitled Alice in Wonderland. I hope you can feel how excited I am to go to this place. I believe that is the magic of having a bucket list, it motivates you and you have something to look forward to. So, I am sure the readers of our blog will be inspired to and if they don’t have their own bucket list, I believe they will surely make one. Additionally, having a bucket list gives you the excitement to discover new places and gives you the chance to meet new people, and experience different cultures and food, and to experience life differently and just live it to the fullest!

#Childatheart #Disneylover #Disneygoals #Dreamsdocometrue #Bucketlistgoals #wanderer #wanderlust

[wann-der-lusst]

BUCKETLIST #3: TRAVEL - MARINEL AGCAOLI

MORE HIKE, LESS STRESS

For me hiking is the best stress reliever in our trials in life. I want to hike the famous mountain in the Philippine like Marlboro Country in Sagada. To me, hiking is much more than an outdoor activity. It’s a medicine. For the body and, most of all, for the soul. I really want to hike because I can enjoy the beauty of silence and the sounds of nature. You can think well while watching a green environment above the mountain. And enjoying the cold weather on the top. Turns in to a a lot of selfie after you walk for a couple of hours. And I really love to see fogs instead of smoke coming from vehicle. Trees instead of buildings.

#stressrelieve #lovehikingph #wanderlust #wanderer