Prodigal Steps

I started to hike from our town in my quest for nowhere: a place where nobody knows me. I didn’t know where to lead my sneakers but I was determined to be wherever my parents wouldn’t find me. The sun was up. But it wasn’t enough to make me stop walking. I forgot what halt meant that day.

My back ached and my limbs were bruised. I got them when some assholes snatched my guitar and hit me with it. And a storm of punches and kicks followed after the initial attack. Three men nearly killed me. I did not have the chance to fight back. I fell to the ground and passed out. They took my bag and all the money I had.

The Failed Coin Flip

I picked up my wallet that was on top of my table. My throat was starting to crave for a breather. A box of yosi would do. There was a bit of eagerness as I searched my wallet for a twenty peso bill. It was again a good day to find fun outdoors. After five sticks, I’ll just send my friends messages and them meet in the mall.

But there were no twenty peso bills. All were a thousand and five hundred bills. Not a single twenty, fifty, or a hundred bill. Who would accept a thousand for a kaha of tens lights?

Starless Nights

Meygan stood on top of that unfamiliar hill, staring at the last rays of the sun as they slowly faded and disappeared in the horizon. She could hardly believe that she was in that place, totally alone. The quaint little barrio nestled just below the hill seemed too different and unwelcoming. She had realized that the moment she cast a quick glance at her spaghetti-strapped dress and five inch heels.

She was about to leave when she remembered why she was there in the first place. A few months before her Grampy’s sudden death, Meygan had not turned to the old man to ask for his advice even once. It was surprising for she had always depended on her Grampy and his words since she was a child. Then she changed — believing that she had grown up and that her dear grandfather’s advice were mere words… mere lies…

Red and Purple Darkness

The shade of my red and purple umbrella as upon me made me darker than my shadow. Hiding underneath its protective dome made me feel safe. The darkness embraced me. I was hididng from the sun’s scorching heat and the rain’s never-ending downpour.

Out with the Blue

Five-twenty in the afternoon and still the line at the counter hadn’t moved.

To our beloved customers, closing time will be at six, blared the intercom.

Thunder sounded outside. He winced. Another storm.

All for a bar of soap. Really, Maria.

Slipper

As soon as the traffic lights signaled red, Eric sat comfortably on his seat, adjusted the rearview mirror so that he saw the car behind them, and rested his hand on the secretary’s pale, gentle hand beside the gear.

“Sir!” exclaimed the secretary as she caught her breath, alarmed by the sudden touch of his hand, and quickly moved hers away from him. She looked at Eric.

He only laughed coolly, and his lips showed a small flash of his teeth.