reflections & farewells – letters and words

Promises and Farewells

Translated by Irish Ann. This short story was first posted in Filipino, thanks to Tambalan of Love Radio Manila. I could feel my hands trembling uncontrollably, a familiar reminder of old age. Still, I reached for a piece of paper on the table and began drafting a letter to the woman I dearly love. Inyang,…

The Proposer

I stared at the ceiling. Pitch black, there is no difference even with the water welling out of my eyes. Damn. Pull it together. This day started out just a regular Monday morning. A heavy egg and corned beef at the fastfood corner, two spoons of sugar and creamer blended on the hot coffee in…

The Lakan

I am Isagani. I had long wished to meet Bathala, among all the gods in Kaluwalhatian. He was the most powerful of them all. In my few remaining hours here on earth, I believed I would meet him and dine with the gods. A fine Lakan like me was surely fitted to be among them. But…

The Wife

I really wish you knew what he is capable of before you entertained him in your life as I had the littlest of an idea when we started out. All I saw were his good sides, I was so into him I never heeded the advice from my friends. However, six months of marriage made me see the whole picture of him.

The Painter

I propped my canvas to the stand. The oil paint already in the palette, black and white to create the perfect shades and hues, some red, blue, and yellow. Today, I’ll be painting the couple giggling below the pine tree. They were both sitting with their backs resting on the tree’s trunk. The gal rested…

The Probie

I inched closer to the edge of the building. The polluted humid air swept across my face. I could hear the cars honking amid the heavy traffic. They looked so… small… minuscule from up here. I held my breath, stopping the tears that were starting to blur my vision. What has made me come alone…

The Rebel

I breathed in the cold air as I slowly walked towards you. This place was much grassier. There were no fences and definitely not this overcrowded. The place has changed so much since. ********** A mi amor Maria Eliza, I can never forget how me met. It was 1925 when Mayor E. J. Halsema had…

The Servants

Two servants who were employed a month ago were resting one time and shared each other’s experience. Servant 1: I don’t feel that the Master acknowledges me. I’ve tried doing the right things. I wake up early, clean the rooms before she arrives. I prepare her mouthwatering meals for dinner on time. Yet, I feel…