Five. Four. Three. Two. One. The pedestrian light turned green exactly as I stepped onto the lane. The honks of cars during the afternoon rush were drowned out by the pop music playing through my headphones. My pace had already adjusted to the beat of the music. It was faster than that of the other…
Tag: stories
The Message
7:00 am. I squinted against the sunlight streaming through the window before reaching out to turn off my phone’s alarm. One month, two weeks, four days. I rolled over in bed, trying to get the blood flowing. The mattress now felt oddly larger than it used to. Like the days before, I unlocked my phone…
The Father (Part 3 of 3)
The Dreamer (part 1) The Girlfriend (part 2) Maya, As usual, today should be like any other day—supposed to be. It’s been a while since I’ve had a quiet morning coffee. Our child was still fast asleep in her crib, unlike the other days when she usually wakes before I do. I’m thankful that the…
The Pursuer
The pursuer is coming — and fast. The young man’s instinct told him to run and hide — for his life. He had no idea how long he’d been running, but the pain in his legs gave him a clue. Even so, he had no other option. He would rather feel the excruciating burn in…
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 Husband
The steam from the coffee mug slowly danced its way toward the ceiling until it eventually disappeared into thin air. I could smell the inviting aroma of the local brew. I took a few sips from the mug. My wife never made coffee this good. “It’s Saturday. Aren’t the kids home?” Amanda placed a bowl…
The Bear
I was slumped on the corner of the stockroom, along with the other things of no more value. Resting on top of an old worn out refrigerator, I could not see the ceiling. The room was dark, a tiny light emanating just from the small gap between the door and the floor. Dust had started…
The Writer
I am voyaging towards the unknown. Slowly, I felt the paper against my hands as I crumpled it into a ball. Another one of those drafts written and yet remain unsent. The paper balled in my hands as I tried to squeeze in as much as I can. I am never good enough. My phone…
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…
Portraits
Found poems take existing texts and refashion them, reorder them, and present them as poems. The literary equivalent of a collage, found poetry is often made from newspaper articles, street signs, graffiti, speeches, letters, or even other poems. (poets.org)
letters and words 