I was beyond elated when I heard that there’s another person who got to this very unlikely situation.
“Can I meet that person?” I asked.
He nodded. “Maybe if you recovered more—”
“I’m perfectly fine right now.”
He was about to say something but didn’t continue. He just sighed and nodded.
I scanned his face to study it a bit more. Gus has long lashes, thick and well-defined brows, and a high nose bridge. Everything about him was beautiful — his face, hair, and gleaming tanned skin.
“You’re really pretty. Do you have some kind of a skincare routine?”
He glared at me but didn’t say anything.
“What? Did I do something to offend you? Perhaps your routine is a secret?” I asked, having no idea what I did.
“I’m—I’m not pretty! I’m no girl,” he said. It seemed like it took a lot of effort
Never judge a book by its cover. The serenity that was seen outside this hut was just a cover-up on how chaotic it was inside. There were no chairs nor a proper living area inside. Most of the basic furniture needed was missing. The most noticeable one was the flooring— the floor was covered with weeds and grasses. This place was only built with walls just to call it a home. I don’t hate it though, the grass floors fits well with the woody vibe of this place. Most of Gramps’ belongings were scattered all over the place as if things were left where they were last used. If one would accidentally stumble upon this hut, they’d probably think that this place was abandoned. The next thing I noticed were the stacks of books near his bed. It piqued my attention so I moved towards it. What’s more interesting was that as I got closer, more and more books looked familiar. “This is my book.” I held the ‘The Ugly Duckling’ book, its
“…and then, what do you usually do at school?” Paco asked.It’s been a couple of days when I started hanging out with Gus and Paco. I don’t know if they just kept me company while I’m here or they just don’t have friends in this village. Though I felt like it would be the latter.“We learn things with other kids. For 8-9 hours.”“Hours? What’s that?” Gus and Paco looked at me confusedly.“Oh, sorry I forgot. Basically, you’ll be in school from morning to afternoon.” I said, so that they could understand better.People don’t have a sense of time here. Morning, noon, afternoon, night— just that. Basing their time through the activities of the sun, weather, coldness, or warmness of the air.“What? Why go there? That’s so boring,” Paco complained. But I saw how Gus’ eyes glinted with curiosity and excitement.&ldq
We spent a good amount of time hiding behind a tree before the Elders left. Gus checked the premises if it was really safe for us to go out.“They’re gone,” he said. But he was still keeping his voice low.I raced towards the river but before I could dip my feet to the shallow waters, Gus stopped me.“Pay respects first before going in,” he said.I finally understood what he meant when I saw Paco bowing before touching the water. I imitated him before dipping my feet to cool it off.“Your Elders must be pretty smart, huh?”“Yes, they are. Old people really know a lot of stuff,” he answered.“How could they know about the calendar and time?”Paco splashes some water on me and said, “Well they’re Elders. Maybe the Beast Spirits taught them or something.”I tapped his shoulders as if consoling him. “Wow, your answer is… I can&rs
It was the same morning we usually have in Kahuyan Village. Yet it felt emptier and cold these past few days. Lin was not here now, neither was Gramps. Perhaps, she was now happily going to this so-called school she kept on bragging about.That night, when Lin pleaded to meet with Gramps, they immediately left earlier the very next morning. I was sad yet relieved at the same time because on that very same day, the Elders came knocking on our door. The moment I saw their faces, I already knew what they came for.They searched for Lin’s track. But her existence was like a dust completely blown off by the wind. Two people were not here anymore, yet villagers who never felt their presence carried on with their lives.They were never part here.Some days, I go to Gramps’ hut with Paco using the path we used when Lin was still here. I imagined how she was still behind us, barely keeping up. Gramps would then be on the grassy field outside his house
We lived in a mountain where it’s not totally inaccessible, but also not that convenient to live in. From an average family, average looks, average IQ… Anyways, I’m just an average girl, okay? Though, I enjoy reading more than an average 10-year old girl.“MA! My socks please…” I said to my mom, Ellen, who was cooking in the kitchen. My ‘ma’ was a high school teacher while my ‘pa’ was an electrician. I have two older brothers, Jiro and Rigo(identical twins), who were 2 years older than me.I heard my mom’s footsteps through the door. “Lin, isn’t it time for you to look for your things using your eyes and not your mouth?” She said while entering the room looking for the other pair of my socks.I’d say I’m pretty reliable and independent. HOWEVER, that is only true when my mom’s not around. But when she’s with me, I turn into a malfunc
*ding… ding… ding…* My favorite sound was the bell, it meant that I can give my full attention to reading. Today’s lunchtime was quite a delight for me, there were no distractions in my surrounding. My classmates usually flocked in my seat and have their chitchat. But since they were busy cramming their essay, they’re all facing their paper with pen in their hands.We had to write down the things we’ve understood and lessons we’ve learned from the reading assignment. It was easy since I love reading, anyways.Right now, I’m reading ‘The Emperor’s Desire’(My Ma owns this book). She kept her books in their closet, but I discovered her secret stash about three months ago.People assumed that I’m a genius. A usual perception for people who loves reading. Well, I’d like to think so too, but my grades would beg to disagree. All
“You’re gonna be busy soon, huh?” said Cali when we started packing our stuff.“Why is that?”“Well, it’s almost Valentine’s day and I bet people will gather around you to listen to your advice.”The idea of Valentine’s day drawing near made my already tired brain collapsed. The most important event among students will be next week.“You should really collect some fee from them, y’know?” interrupted Rigo. My brothers entered the classroom and sat on one of the vacant chairs.“Hurry packing up, Lin Lin. I need to catch a new show today,” said Jiro. He shoved down my pencil case to my bag and helped me put on my backpack.We always went home together, unless the twins made a mistake that day and needed to stay late for their punishment.My brothers walked down the corridors sneakily, always looking over their shoulders, and got startled easil
It was the last day of class before our summer vacation starts. The cicadas echoing, breeze feeling hotter, and the sun burning everyone that meets it.We passed by the Balete tree. It protected everything beneath, a haven from the scorching sun. Now that I think of it, this side of the mountain is windy, plus the ancient Balete as a shelter, it would be a great place to relax during summertime.But my daydreaming was cut off when a kid threw a trash behind the tree.Well, except for a fact that it’s a dumping place.We’re taking our final exam today and after that, we’re free!Since I learned how to read, I’ve always anticipated summer vacations and holidays. It allowed me to spend ungodly amount hours reading.“Lin! Your brothers are here again,” said Annalyn during our break. The twins entered the classroom weakly.Girls in my class looked forward for lunchtime and break time since my twin