48 minute read
FINAL CREDITS
She was quite the loveliest fairy in the whole world. Her dress was of pearl and dewdrops, and there were flowers around her neck and in her hair, and her face was like the perfect flower of all. She came close to the little Rabbit and gathered him up in her arms and kissed him on his velveteen nose that was all damp from crying. "Little Rabbit," she asked, "don't you know who I am?"
The Rabbit looked up at her, and it seemed to him that he had seen her face before, but he couldn't think where. "I am the nursery magic fairy," she said. "I take care of all the playthings that the children have loved. When they are old and worn out and the children don't need them any more, then I come and take them away with me and turn them into real." "Wasn't I real before?" asked the little Rabbit. "You were real to the boy," the fairy said, "because he loved you. Now you shall be real to every one." "No, I don't want to be real if he'll die at the sight of my very eyes," little Rabbit said, "I would rather let him live than proving my existence to him, that I am real."
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The fairy failed to grant his wish, as it was beyond her abilities. As he found himself slowly getting covered in real fur, the boy started to slowly have his existence covered in permanent darkness.
The boy's love made little Rabbit real, and his life was what made the toy realized that it needed not be real, yet the toy's mere presence was enough for him to keep going. Now, as a real sacrifice, little Rabbit decided to continue living for the sake of the boy's love. —Simeon Dominico
This literary work contains an excerpt from its basis. Scan the QR code to access it.
Final Credits
Based on Theory of Love, a TV series adaptation directed by X Nuttapong Mongkolsawas & Film Pawis Sowsrion
Everything in my life is going smoothly.
I finally got the chance to go home after directing my first film, as I took a car home after the shoot. As I take footsteps towards my main door, a memory of an old dream strikes at me like a ray of sunlight in a summer morning.
A man was wearing the same uniform I wore when I was in college. He was standing by the shore, and I was just behind him. I was staring at him before he had started walking towards the ocean. He was calling my name while his feet started to get soaked by the water.
I felt shivers up my body as I heard him calling my name. So, I started following him while we were still ashore. Holding a necklace in his hand, the sunlight shone on him brightly, preventing me from seeing his face clearly. But, all I know is that I'm following him because of his voice.
Just as I was about to clutch him by the hand, I began to hear his sobbing as he constantly called my name.
“Third! Third! Third!”
“Third! Hey, Third! Third!”
My eyes widened as I quickly turned around to see Bone. He was one of the members of Savage Team, the one we built way back in college. We used to be the happiest team in the school, but everything changed when my heart got swallowed with sadness, making it unable to me to find joy from the people around me.
When Khai confessed to me in the middle of the stage play we performed back in college, all I felt was grudge, hatred, and anger. It's like trying to pull yourself up back to that same old road where all you want to do is fall in love
and be happy with the same person who broke your heart. But all the sadness and rejections I experienced in my time of loving him keeps on pulling me back, making it harder for me to give him a chance.
Yes, I rejected Khai, because I am tired of living everyday blaming the same person for my pain, for my anger. I know he would never change. Later on, we graduated from college and I left the Savage Team and created a filming team I am currently managing.
“It's been a long time! How have you been?” Bone asked me suddenly, making me blink before giving off a warm smile.
“I am fine! I just came home from a shooting.”
“Shooting for a film? Series?”
“A film, Bone. I am having my first film now.”
Bone suddenly grasps me by his hand and hugged me as he gently rubs my back. “Congratulations, Third! I am very proud of you!” He looked at me before fixing my hair.
“I can't believe that our small friend here is now a director!” he chuckled.
“Anyway, would you like to hang out? Let's go to the beach! Since it's already one in the afternoon, maybe you would like to watch the sunset with me and Two?” Bone added.
My eyes widened at his question as I pursed my lips. As a response, I nodded and gave him a bright smile. Right after preparing some things, I headed back to his car and shared a ride with him on our way to the beach.
“Two, look! Third is here!” Bone approaches Two from afar, sitting by the seashore.
Two ran his way to me after I waved at him. He hugged and carried me lightly, him being all cheerful after seeing me again.
“We really missed you so much!” Two whispered happily. I smiled at him before hugging him by his waist.
“Would you like to drink with us while staring at the sunset?”
“That would be great, I would love to!” I replied.
While sitting at the sand, with our foot touching the sliding ocean waters. I suddenly remembered Khai. So I asked them about him.
“Khai...? Uhm.” Bone looked down after hearing my question.
“Yes... where is he?”
“He is out there, enjoying the ocean waters.” Two answered.
“What do you mean?”
“He's dead... He died, a month after you left the Savage Team,” Bone said in a weak, shaking voice.
All of a sudden, everything stopped. All I can remember is the dream I kept thinking about as the waves rise and becomes stronger as they hit the rocks.
“He drowned himself on the sea, Third. His auntie told us that he suffered from depression after you left the team. He even went back on this beach without telling us. He stayed here for 3 weeks. On his last night, his auntie told us that he used to sleep on the seashore as he kept on waiting for you, thinking that maybe you are going to come and see him again, just like what you did on the train station. The next morning, his body was found dead and floating on the ocean,” Bone said.
I can hear nothing but his voice, and I can't remember anything else but the dream I had. In that dream, the man also wanted to drown himself on the ocean, but I woke up as I try to stop him.
I stood up while crying silently, my heart is in deep sorrow, all of a sudden I was in deep loneliness as I can feel my chest getting heavy. Bone then comforted me by hugging me as Two kept on crying. Gently taking my hand, he spread my palm open and handed me the necklace. “His auntie said that he saw Third holding this in his hand.”
This necklace, was the one he gave me, along with a mug. And the man I dreamed about, was him.
As I tried to take a step into the waters, the sun had started to set, hiding itself in the thick clouds as the waves calmed down. In deep sorrow and loss, my legs lost its strength as I grasp the necklace with my both hands, kneeling down as I cry out my grief.
Why, Khai? Why are you still waiting? I'm sorry, for I was in deep anger after all the things that happened to me. I'm sorry for closing my doors as you gently open the windows of your heart. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. —Cedi Fauntleroy
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Tukso, Layuan Mo Ako
Halaw sa akdang Nagpatukso ni Pilosopotasya
“I 'm sexually attracted Sin.” to you,
Agad kong naramdaman ang dalawa niyang palad na gumapang sa aking dibdib. Lalo ko pang hinapit ang baywang niya papalapit sa akin.
“It was not the best feeling in the world. I saw you with a guy a few weeks ago entering a motel, and God knows how angry I was when I heard a guy's voice answering your phone that morning,” mahinang bulong ko sa kanya. Naramdaman ko kung paano siya nanginig sa hawak ko pero nanatiling matapang ang mukhang nakatitig sa akin, nangaakit.
Hindi na ako nagulat nang halikan niya ang pisngi ko pababa sa aking mga panga. Gusto ko siyang itulak ngunit may kung anong namumuo sa aking loob na pumipigil sa akin.
“S-Sir,” mahinang daing niya na lalong nagpainit sa akin. Maling nagpatukso ako sa kanya, pero... tangina, nangyari na—hindi na ako makaaatras pa.
Paggising ko ng umagang iyon ay hinanap ko ang pagsisisi sa buong sistema ko. Damn, I should've respected her! She's my student and I like her...
I'm supposed to treat her more than a sex subject! I'm so stupid to get burned by her flames. Ang gago mo, Marco.
I was about to call her, when I heard her talking to someone over the phone.
“I win, Unica. Game's over.” —Cho Yōsei
The Sun's Prophecy
Based on the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
"What if Percy wasn't Poseidon's son?"
Percy Jackson came out with great talent in the arts. He loved the strokes of oil and color on his paper, the way his voice aligned with any instrument he played during his spare time. He enjoyed the sun's shimmering light everyday. He had no time playing with other kids as he used to be alone with himself, creating songs, poems, and short stories for his mother who never told him his father's story. Not even once. It was a secret until one morning when he came home from school, his father stood there, wearing the most brilliant suit. He knelt in front of him and removed his sunglasses. "Ah, my son? How's your arts? How's school? How's the attention?" he chuckled, his voice oozing with joy and power, deep yet very attractive even at the age of 45. That's his father's age based on what his mother told him. "Now, now who wants to go for a summer camping? Yes? It's you my not-so-handsome-like-me son." His lips formed a beautiful smile. "Camping?" Percy replied with a low voice, finally found his voice. He couldn't think straight. It's his first time seeing his father, and he looked like a teenager that escaped from the prison. Yes, he wore that fancy suit but the way he spoke and moved? He seemed like a teenager.
He stared at him. "Who are you? You're not my father!" The man in front of him laughed before a blinding light enveloped the room.
Now, facing him is man in a white robe with a beautiful face. "I'm Apollo, the god of arts, medicine, and sun, " Apollo waved his hands, "and I'm your father." —KoKo Baek, former member
Mga Rason Kung Bakit si Stella
Halaw sa akdang 100 Tula Para Kay Stella ni Jason Paul Laxamana
“P ara na tayong sirang plaka,” ang huling linya ng kantang tinugtog ni Stella sa Tipsy Tarsier. Malakas na tugtog ang sumunod doon, hudyat na tapos na ang unang araw ni Stella. Sa gabi ring ito ay natanggap si Stella para regular na tumugtog. Masaya si Stella nang matapos ang screening kaninang tanghali, malakas kasi ang kutob niya na matatanggap siya. Hindi lang inakala na ngayong gabi agad ang simula. Hindi ako pumasok at nanood dahil ang alam ng may-ari ng bar ay may problema ako sa school. Iyon ang ginawa naming dahilan ni Stella para siya ang matanggap at makatugtog.
“A-ayos ‘yung pag-pag-kanta mo ka-kanina. Ang linis. Anong sabi sa'yo? Narinig ko ‘yung pala-pa-palakpakan ng mga tao. Parang may artista,” natatawa at nauutal kong sabi. Malakas ang hiyawan bago lumabas si Stella, kaya sigurado akong siya ang pinapalakpakan ng mga tao.
“Naku! Mukha raw maraming pupunta tuwing tutugtog ako dahil maraming nakapanood kanina,” maligayang tugon niya.
“Naks naman, solohista na,” natatawang sabi ko na lang bago siya ayain kumain.
Pumunta kami sa kainan kung saan kami nagkita kahapon dahil iyon pa lang daw ang kaya niyang ilibre sa akin. Pinilit niya akong ilibre kahit na ayaw ko naman, pagbawi na lang daw niya para sa pag-reto ko sa kanya sa Tipsy Tarsier. Masaya ako para kay Stella. Masaya akong ito na ang simula ng karera niya. Matagal na niya ‘tong hinihintay, kaya alam kong masaya siya.
“Punta ka sa Biyernes, may pupunta raw na sikat na banda. ‘Di ko lang alam kung sino, ‘di na kasi ako nakiusisa,” sabi niya habang nginunguya ang pagkaing binili niya.
“Sige ba. Basta banggitin mo papangalan ko ha,” nakangising tugon ko.
Pagkatapos naming kumain ay hinatid ko na rin si Stella sa hotel room niya at diretso na ring umuwi sa dorm.
Madali namang natapos ‘yung project namin at mabilis lang din napromote ang guild namin sa isang event ng mga architecture students, kaya naman dumiretso na rin ako sa Tipsy Tarsier at gulat nang makita ang isang sikat na banda. Nakita ko na lang ang sarili kong nakaupo sa harapan ng stage habang nakatingin kay Stella. Nagsisimula na ang takbo niya.
“Isang malaking kaway nga pala sa tropa kong si Fidel. Salamat sa pagpunta,” ang mga unang salitang binitawan ni Stella bago kumanta.
Wala ako sa katinuan at nakatingin lamang sa kanya. Ang liwanag ng mga ngiti niya, at isa itong rason kung bakit hindi ko maiwasang mahulog. Napapikit na lang ako nang magsimulang magpalakpakan ang mga tao.
“Fidel, tutal nandito ka naman na, maki-jam ka naman sa'min!” Nakangiting sabi ni Stella at nagsimulang maghiyawan ang mga tao.
Wala akong ibang magawa kung hindi sumampa sa stage, at kunin ang mikroponong binigay ng isang staff. Bumulong si Stella sa mga tutugtog para sabihin kung anong kanta ang kakantahin namin. Napatingin ako sa kanya nang biglang tumugtog ang isang pamilyar na himig: Balisong.
“Your face lights up the sky on the highway,” panimula ni Stella at tiningnan ako para sabihing parte ko na ang susunod.
“Someday, you’ll share your world with me someday,” tuloy ni Stella nang mapansing wala ako sa katinuan. Lumapit siya sa akin nang nakangiti, ngiting nagsasabing kaya ko ‘to.
“You mesmerize me with diamond eyes...”
Naghiyawan ang mga tao nang magsimula akong kumanta.
“I try to fool myself, to think I’ll be alright. But I am losing all control; my mind, my heart, my body and my soul. Never in my life have I been more sure, so come on up to me and close the door. Nobody’s made me feel this way before, you’re everything I wanted and more,” sunod ni Stella habang dinadama ang bawat linya ng kanta.
“To speak or not to, where to begin? A great dilemma's I’m finding myself in; For all I know you only see me as a friend. I try to tell myself 'Wake up, fool, this fairytale has got to end.'”
Nakasulyap ako sa mga mata ni Stella habang sinasabi ang bawat salita sa kanta.
“You’re everything I wanted…” ang mga huling lirikong lumabas sa bibig naming dalawa. Malakas na palakpakan ang sumunod noon.
Kalahating oras rin siguro na dirediretsong kumakanta si Stella kaya malakas palagi ang hiyawan. Nang matapos ang shift niya ay may iba pang tutugtog, pero napagdesisyunan na naming umuwi na lang.
“Ayos ‘yung pag-kanta natin kanina e, ‘no? Lakas ng hiyawan ng mga tao,” basag niya sa katahimkang bumabalot sa amin. Napangiti na lang ako at pinapasok na siya sa kwarto niya. Pagkatapos magpaalam sa isa’t-isa ay diretso na rin akong umuwi.
Dalawang linggo na ang lumipas simula nang sinamahan ko siyang tumugtog sa Tipsy Tarsier. Nagkukwento
siya noong unang linggo, pero untiunting tumitigil. Nararamdaman kong nagiging abala siya sa pagtugtog. Hinayaan niya na rin akong umuwi sa dorm dahil nahihiya na siya na ako ang nagbabayad ng hotel room niya. Sinabi niya bago ako umalis sa hotel na sisikapin niya raw na lumaki ang sahod para makaupa na ng bahay dito sa Maynila.
“Sorry. I-ina-inaabangan ko kasi si S-Stella. Sabi niya pupunta s-siya.”
Napangisi na lamang si Chuck nang malaman na si Stella ang dahilan kung bakit ako na-late.
“Pupunta naman ba?” Biglang tanong ni Chuck habang inaayos ang kwelyo ko.
Yumuko na lang ako at sinulyapan ang cellphone kung mayroon na bang sagot si Stella. Umangat na lang ang ulo ko nang tawagin na ng host ‘yung pangalan ng grupo namin. Magpopromote kami ng Performer’s Guild dito sa bagong event ng mga freshies.
Nang matapos kaming magpromote, dumiretso ako sa hotel ni Stella para sana kumustahin siya. Ngunit, wala siya doon. Sinubukan kong tawagan pero hindi sumasagot. Pumunta agad fulfilled the terms I and my parents have agreed upon before: I passed the National Central University's exam. As what my father had promised, I can now live with Shi-Gu.
We visited the new house we bought, where we will share our new memories. Even if it's pretty expensive, I rented it just to make him happy. Also, I lied to him about its price. "It's eleven o'clock, are we going to get late?" he asked. ako sa Tipsy Tarsier para ipagtanong kung nagpunta ba siya doon nang bigla ko siyang makitang kumakanta. Suot ang itim na lipstick no’ng una ko siyang nakita. Ang lipstick na naging unang rason kung bakit siya.
“I wanted to turn you on, my favorite song; wanted to be near you, but of course somebody owns you now, and I tried to live somehow,” napatingin si Stella sa akin nang umupo ako sa harapan ng stage. “Somebody owns you now, somebody owns you now...”
Nang matapos ang pagkanta niya ay diretso niyang kinuha ang bag niya at lumabas ng bar. Hinabol ko siya nang makita ko siyang lumiko sa isang eskinita. Hinawakan ko ang braso niya para pigilan siya. Huminto naman siya pero hindi ako nilingon.
“Bakit, Stella? Bakit hindi mo sin-sisinasagot mga tawag k-ko?” nagtatakang tanong ko.
Lumingon siya pero walang emosyon ang mukha niya.
“Bakit ka ganyan?”
“Ikaw, bakit ka ganyan?” tanong niya sa akin. “Bakit ka nauutal?” "Eleven will be okay, I told my mom 11:30, but knowing her, it'll be past 12 before she arrives," I replied.
He looked at me with amazement. As I was looking at him, everything was in slow motion, and every single angle makes everything perfect. "It'll be fine. You'll see," I said. I started to wash the carrots I sliced and placed them on the table. "We've prepared everything, all that's left to do is to stir-fry, then it's done," I loudly said in relief then smiled at him.
Napatigil ako sa mga tanong niya. Inaalala kung anong nangyari noong gabi nang maghiwalay ang mga magulang ko. “Lahat ng bagay na nangyayari sa’tin Fidel, may dahilan. Noong una, nagdadalawang-isip ako na tanggapin ‘yung alok mo na ako ‘yung pumalit sa’yo sa bar na ‘yon dahil ayokong gamitin ka para lang sa putanginang passion na ‘to. Iba ka sa mga lalaking nakilala ko Fidel. Handa mong isakripisyo ‘yung mga bagay na dapat sa’yo para lang matupad ko ‘tong putanginang pangarap na to,” dire-diretsong sabi niya.
Hindi ko na lang namamalayan na tumutulo na pala ang mga luha sa mga mata ko.
“Pero ayaw kitang gamitin para umangat ako, Fidel. Nag-resign na ako sa bar. Sinabi kong may problema sa bahay, kaya uuwi na ako ng Pampanga,” matapang at walang emosyong niyang sabi.
Naiwan lang ako sa eskinitang iyon na umiiyak. Walang salitang lumabas sa bibig dahil sa takot na kung anong masabi ko.
Our Days Count
Based on HIStory 3: Make Our Days Count by Tsai Mi Chieh
"What if Yu Shi-Gu didn't die?"
It's a special day today, since I finally
—Sirius Doe, former member "Are you sure?" "I am," I cut his complaints.
After that conversation with him while preparing the food, he handed the ladle and scooped some soup. "Taste this for me. Check if the onion pork soup is good enough," he requested. I held his hand, helping him blow the soup gently. "It's hot," he uttered. I looked at his face, I felt the love he always showed me. His cute eyes, soft lips, everything about him, I love it.
I cut my stares at him and started to take a sip to check the soup he made. "Hua... It's so sweet, so delicious!" I said and took another sip. After checking and tasting the food he made, I pinched his cheeks. I'm so proud of him.
I kissed his cheeks and prepared the food we cooked. "Do you think uncle and auntie will like it?" "For sure. They liked strong salty flavors more," I assured him.
He went straight towards the basket full of things we bought at the grocery. As I took a look at him, he was looking for something. I heard his gasps and he turned his whole body towards me—like a baby who got something stolen. "When I got the cola just now, I left the salt on the shelf," he said with a disappointed yet sweet voice. I shrugged my shoulders and laughed. "Then, I'll hurry up and get some. Watch the soup for me." "Okay, remember to bring your keys," I replied as he started to leave. I saw the keys he was holding and waved his hands at me before leaving the house.
I turned off the gas stove then checked the stuff we bought. After getting a half of them, I saw Shi-Gu's wallet, what a forgetful man. I picked my phone to call him immediately. "Hello?" "Wallet."
I heard his movements over the line, maybe he is checking his pockets. And he giggled over the phone call. "Okay, walk back. I'll give it to you." I replied as I took the duplicate keys before leaving the house.
As I reached the said place, I saw many people were crowding on the highway. Curiosity starts to feed me, I went to that place to know what happened. But, I was shocked after looking at the intersection. I felt my body getting numb.
No, this is not true. "Day 1,459." I spoke. I am very frightened, I still often dream about that intersection. That car, and him lying there. Everything is a picture, a memory. All those things left me feeling that I really want to explode. "It's been a long time since that incident happened. I miss you." I uttered, as the camera is recording, I don't now what to do. I can't speak my worst feelings right now. "You sleep too much, please wake up. Tomorrow is our special day. Do you remember? We'll celebrate it, please wake up now." I spoke at the camera. That painful intersection, it keeps on haunting me. Everything is too hard to accept. I don't know how long it would take, but I'll wait for him. After that incident, Shi-Gu is still in a coma for almost 3 years. Tomorrow is the 4th year of him being unconscious. "If you wake up, we'll continue our plans. You'll study again, we'll eat together, we're going to ride bicycles again. Whitey and I are waiting for you. Please wake up now," I said, even I can't truly see him. I know he's listening to me. I picked up my phone and called Sun-Bo who's in the hospital. "Hao-Ting! Good timing! You need to come here as soon as possible!" He said over the line. Why is he acting like that? "What happened to Shi-Gu?!" I loudly said. "C-Come here quick! Sh-Shi-Gu needs you right now!" He said.
I felt my tears rolling down my cheeks. I stood up, grabbed the keys, and ran immediately. "No, Shi-Gu. Please don't leave me!" I shouted as I drove my car fast as I could. I don't know how to restart my life without him. "Please, wait for me, I'm coming, Shi-Gu." I whispered and cried.
When I reached the assigned room, I saw Sun-Bo and Brother Chang standing right after Shi-Gu. They're all crying. I kneeled down. I can't move, I feel numb. Why?! "S-Shi-Gu." I whispered. And I let my tears rolled down. Crying is the only option that I have right now. "THAT'S MY SHI-GU!" I shouted and clapped as I kept calling his name.
After a long hour of waiting for the ceremony to end, I ran towards Shi-Gu, wrapping my arms on his waist as I greet him with a warm smile.
"Congratulations, Shi-Gu!" I exclaimed in joy. "We made it, I already told you that we're always together right? Now, we achieved our first goal." "Yes, but the incident that happened before, it still haunts me." "Oh, don't worry," he replied, gently cupping my cheeks with his warm hands. "I'm here now. I'm still alive because I made my promise," he replied. I looked at him with eyes full of love, leaning close to him before kissing him passionately.
I immediately wiped my eyes as it was getting soaked with tears as I looked back at how we started. From strangers, when I blocked your way to get the scholarship. The confrontations, the arguments, family problems, and that incident. It's too detailed to be forgotten. Now, we're making our days more memorable as we step up in the next chapter of our lives. "I'm done! What about you?" I asked and went to my car to get my bag, waaiting for Shi-Gu to get his things. "Okay, coming!" "We're getting late for our flight."
He went straight to the entrance as I entered the hallway, he looked at me. "I'm going to take astronomy, how about you?" He asked. I just smiled at him and looked at my wristwatch. "I already told you that I'll take physics," I held his hands and smiled. "Now, we have another challenge in the US," I said. Both of us decided to take the entrance exam at Stanford University, as some of my friends recommended me that Stanford is known in physics and other programs. "Another season of challenges, more experiences to encounter in the future," he said. I held his hands and kissed it. "We made it once. We can make our days count together," I replied. —Bai Louyiwei (Klikhotnonghiplert Ruengchovehj) Neufeld
The Love That Burns
Based on Lucifer, a TV series written by Tom Kapinos with the characters created for DC Comics' Vertigo by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth, & Mike Dringenberg
Iimmediately flashed a fake smile as soon as the elevator opened. I went out only to see Lucifer smiling widely with a rose on his hand, placing it on a vase on the table.
I gulped, trying to hide the nervousness I’m feeling.
“Hi, Lucifer,” I greeted him as I walked towards him that made me caught his attention.
“Detective! You look... beautiful. Please, sit,” he welcomed then gestured the available seat in front of him. I nodded my head and sat down the chair.
My right hand was inside my pocket the whole time, holding the bottle with the poison. I stared at the wine glass near his plate when he stood up. “Oh! I made some... grilled cheese. Your favorite and not some fancy stuff,” he chuckled. I only smiled a bit, feeling sweaty for a moment.
He went to the counter and got the plate where the grilled cheese are, then he placed it on the table. He then reached for the bottle of wine and started to pour some wine on our glasses. I remained smiling, to avoid suspicion from him.
I suddenly felt thirsty. I reached for my drink but my hands were trembling that causes the wine to spill. Lucifer glanced at me with wide eyes, “Detective! What’s wrong? Wait up, I’ll get a cloth.” I bit my lower lip when he stood up again and left.
Immediately, I reached for the poison inside my pocket and poured it on his glass. I was breathing heavily when he came back, my eyes glued on his drink. “Detective, wipe off that stain on your shirt.” He handed me the cloth before sitting down on his chair, the smile on his lips never faded.
My heartbeat started to double. I felt my hands being very sweaty when he reached for his glass and was about to drink when I called him, “Lucifer!” He glanced at me with a creased forehead. “Detective, what’s wrong? You’re acting a tad weird,” he chuckled and my eyes widened when he drank the wine with the poison... he just... oh, my gosh.
“Do you know, Detective, that this is my favorite wine? I really love... the... uhm,” he started coughing and I don’t know what to do... he... “Lucifer... there’s... blood,” I stood up and went towards him.
He covered his mouth with his palm when he coughed once again. He stared at his hands full of blood as he turned his head on my direction, his eyes were very confused... and so am I. “Detective... what...” I cut him off, “Why are you bleeding, Lucifer?! Y-you’re the devil, right?! Why the heck are you bleeding?!”
Panic. I started to panic when Lucifer held my hand. I stared at it as the tears in my eyes started to form. “Can’t you see, Detective? I also don’t know how but... uhm, I’m vulnerable when you’re... uhm, around.” I blinked, trying to process what he said. I was about to speak when we heard the elevator sound.
“Detective Decker! Good job!” Lucifer’s eyes remained on me as I stood up and walked towards Father Kinley, feeling furious.
“Liar! You fucking liar! You told me, you told me he won’t die! He’ll just get weak, and lose his powers but he won’t die! You lied to me! How... how could you?!” He stopped me from talking. “Thank you very much, Detective. You are such a big help in bringing the devil back to his chamber, to the place where he belongs.”
My world crumbled upon hearing his words. “No, no! No! He’s not evil, you are!” But I only heard his laugh. His guards stopped me from attacking their boss. “Let go of me!” I shouted when they started performing the ritual on making Lucifer go back to hell. “Lucifer!”
He glanced at me, eyes filled with tears. “Detective... how can you... how can you do this... to me?”
Despite the incantations of the priests, I reached out to Lucifer, trying to explain my side. “I... I didn’t know also, Lucifer... He... he lied to me. Please, I’m sorry, Lucifer!” I shouted his name when he suddenly groaned in pain.
His devil face was slowly coming back and he’s getting weaker and weaker. My tears flowed continuously as I stared at him. “Lucifer...”
He glanced at me and flashed a weak smile. “Detective... I didn’t know that my love for you... will be the reason... for me to go back to the place I hate the most.” I looked away, I can’t bear to look at him while he’s in so much pain. “Guess this is the love that burns, huh? Burns the soul.”
“No, no, Lucifer!” I shouted as I feel their grip on me loosened when Lucifer’s body started to fade away. I ran towards him and held his hand immediately. “No, Lucifer... stay, please, please, Lucifer.”
He chuckled. “Detective... I know, I disgust you. I am... disgusting...” I shook my head, disapproving all the bullshit he's saying. “And... I understand why you... did this... Because... you cannot... you cannot accept... me. And it’s fine... Detective, just please... don’t forget your greatest partner... of all time, alright?”
He held my cheeks with his right hand, caressing it slowly. “Hope not to
PHOTOGRAPH BY YBRAYYM ESENOV
see you in hell, Detective. ‘Til we meet again.” Then, his body turned to ash and I was left there, drowning in pain... and guilt.
You’re wrong, Luci. I think we’ll see each other in hell. —Cassidy Heredia, former member
When the Game Ends
Based on After by Anna Todd
"What if Hardin never fell in love with Tessa?"
It all began with a party that I never even tried until college. If not only because of Steph, my roommate, I wouldn't be who I am now, and if that dare game never existed in my past, I wouldn't be as happy as I am at this moment. But, having this life I desired, this caused me two consequences: My mother cut me off financially; and I lost Noah, the man who loved me more than anyone. From that day, I have nothing but Hardin; he is my everything, and I want him to feel my overflowing love, so I gave myself to him.
We entered his room while kissing roughly. I stared at him when we stopped and uttered, “I want you now.”
We undressed each other without breaking our kisses. He lifts me up, and I felt his cold bed from my back as he set me down. He puts himself on top of me, naked, while our skins are brushing against one another. By then, I felt liquid gushing between my thighs, signalizing how much I crave for him.
He stretched his arm, grabbing a sachet of condom from his nightstand. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” I immediately replied.
After putting it, I felt pain as he enters my middle, giving me a strange sensation. He continued to thrust, pulling himself harder inside me, and all I could feel is a mix of pain and pleasure. “Do you want me to stop?”
“No, just go slow,” I commanded. He thrust slower just as I told him. I then wrapped my arms around his neck, and rendered him again a passionate kiss. I could hear his whispers, curses, and moans; everything from his mouth is music in my ear while the thought of Hardin moving beneath me feels wonderful. I smiled, closing my eyes, silently wishing this night won't end.
The next day, a beam of sunlight from the window woke me up; I frowned with the thought of not seeing Hardin beside me. But, as I recalled the pleasure I felt last night, a split-second of sweet smile marked my lips. The rest of the day goes smoothly, yet no Hardin showed up the entire day. I grabbed my phone and texted him, “Where are you?”
But I received no reply from him, instead I received one from Jace, Hardin's friend, telling me he knows Hardin's whereabouts. As I arrived at Video Drone, I saw Hardin's car, so I immediately hopped in without knowing it was Jace inside. “Why are you in Hardin's car?”
“Why? Can't I borrow his car?”
“Jace, just tell me where he is.”
“Maybe he's at Blind Bob's,” I rolled my eyes and went out the car to go to Blind Bob's.
As I entered the place, I saw Hardin's group of friends and shockingly, he was there, making out with Molly. “What the fuck is this, Hardin?”
A mischievous grin showed up on his lips. “Nothing.”
“Nothing? Are you insane?”
“I'm completely sane, Tessa.” A naughty laugh escaped his lips, sending me shivers down my spine. This can't be, I know he loves me.
“Hardin, you said you love me.”
“Did I?” he asked in sarcasm.
Yeah, he didn't. “You made me feel like you do-”
“Whoa, Tessa, you need to chill,” he let out an unbelievable laugh. “Love? I'll tell you again, Love is just like a transaction, we can turn it on, and we can turn it off. Do you remember these words Tessa?”
A memory of him in Soto's class flashed through my head. How could I forget that?
“Hardin–”
“Stop it, Tessa. Can’t you see? Hardin's done with you. The game is over,” said Molly. I looked at her with confusion, “Remember truth or dare? You, rejecting Hardin. You really think that's the end of the game, don't you?”
“W-what do you mean?”
“Tch.” she scrolled down through her phone before handing it to me. She's showing me a video of me and Hardin from that party, the night where I first ran into them. "I'm done playing this game," I blurted before storming out. "Looks like Hardin Scott just got his first rejection," Molly teased him. "You don't think I can make it happen?" asked Hardin. "Make what happen, Hardin?" Sophia asked. "Here's the dare: Make her fall in love with me, then I'll just..." he snapped his fingers before saying those last words, "turn it off."
My bottom lip quivered, and my shoulders dropped in resignation. I took a step backward, looking at them with disbelief. I got played, and it hurts me, but the thought of Hardin doing nothing other than staring at me as if I'm a complete stranger breaks me. “Hardin, I don’t understand, I chose you over everything-”
“That I never asked.” He said coldly. I looked away as I felt my face turned red, because of hatred and disappointment. I at last got my strength to turn my back at them, including him.
I ran in the rain, trying to distance
from that place that suffocates me. Everything I had after meeting him are all lies. I can't believe I got fooled. I'm so stupid, I hate lies, I hate everything including myself. I couldn’t hold the heartbreak any longer as I fell to the floor in a disheveled heap and my eyes poured out a flood of uncontrollable tears. I should have seen this coming. If only I listened, I wouldn't be in this state of heartbreak. I lost everything, from Noah, my best friend, to Hardin, my first. And now that the game ends, everything will never be the same. —Cin Escrotes
Six Feet Under
Based on Five Feet Apart, a motion picture by Justin Baldoni
"What if Will got the lungs instead of Stella?"
"W ill? Will, I love you. So much." My eyes fluttered open at the feeling of immense bright light entering the room. I could faintly see my mother standing up to approach me. She helped me sit up straight. "Where's Stella? Is she okay?" were the first questions that came out of my mouth despite the dozens floating around in my mind. Mom pursed her lips and puts a hand on her heart. She looked relieved, but also scared at the same time. "Mom, tell me where she is." I mumbled, suddenly feeling the anger rushing up my body. I was silently panicking. And suddenly I remember the time when we rebelled. When we got to take just a few more steps closer to each other, not giving a shit about the consequences. We were out in the cold, coughing and tired, but that didn't matter. We were together, and that was enough to make all the stars shine in my little galaxy.
Her smile was something I could never get tired of, and her laugh made the air take up color. Trees became blue and the sky became green. The moon was yellow and the sun was white. It was like I had found a whole new color spectrum, a kaleidoscope bursting with new bits and pieces of shapes and sizes. She made my heart whole again.
It's weird, wanting something and waiting for years until you can get it and then it's miraculously given to you, but at what cost? If it meant that I was going to live with lungs while Stella didn't have her own, it would've been even worse than not getting them at all. So, I told them to give her the lungs that night. "I gave her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. I'm sorry. I didn't have any other choice." That was what I said. But I lied. I did have a choice. I could have just stayed out of her hair and did my regimen on my own. I should have ignored her from the very beginning and pushed the thought of romance away. Everything I did from the minute we met up until that point were decisions I made. I had a choice, but I sure as hell am not good at choosing the right one.
The one where Stella could have had new lungs. The one where she didn't have to risk her life to be with me. The one where she could have lived five more years if it weren't for me. "Five feet apart at all times." It was just one rule I couldn't even follow.
I breathed heavily as my hand crumpled the white sheets of my hospital bed. Mom didn't say anything. She was just staring at me with a weird, unreadable expression that made me uneasy. I instantly got off the bed and put on my mask. "Will?" I ignored her as I walked towards the door. "If you're not gonna tell me, then I'm finding out myself!"
She shook her head. "Will, please stay here."
I groaned. "And then what, mom?! Stay here and try to stay comfortable
PHOTOGRAPH BY FABIAN MOLLER
while Stella might be in danger?! Mom, she fell through the ice! How can I just relax when-" "She's dead, Will," Mom snapped. And at that moment, my world shattered.
No. That can't happen. "Don't say stuff like that." I couldn't look my mom in the eyes anymore., but I knew she was crying. "Will, she's gone. Her lungs had collapsed a-and they got filled with her own blood-" I shook my head. "You're lying. She can't just... She isn't dead, mom. Sh-she promised me we would go to an art gallery together. She told me she wanted to travel the world with me and do crazy things like her sister did. Stella isn't... Mom, Stella's not-" I was cut off by my own pathetic sobs. I fell to the floor as my mom hugged my body tightly, almost as if she was preventing me from breaking into tiny, little pieces. The tears didn't stop, and my heartbeat didn't stop drumming in my ears.
When I saw the white blanket spread over her body, reality started to sink in, hitting me hard. A big train just passed by and squished me. A bus came and ran over me. A jet just pierced a whole in my body, not that anyone noticed.
Her parents were there, and her mother gave me a tight hug. I gently take off the fabric to reveal her face. I looked away. This can't be real, and just like that, I was falling apart all over again. "Stella, please... everybody's waiting for you, please come back. I know you wanted- I know you still want to live. Come on... come on!" My shoulders were trembling as I gently shook hers. "D-don't do this to me. You still haven't ridden on a ferris wheel, right?! You still want to go thrift shopping right?! Ride a bike without falling, climb a mountain without getting scared, give all your stuffed animals to an orphanage... Stella, wake up! Please... You can't just leave me like this without saying goodbye.. Open those eyes, dammit!"
Mom gestured the others to get out of the room. Stella's mother kissed my forehead and heads out along with her husband, and so did Mom.
It was like something was tearing my heart away piece by piece. My throat narrowed and my body weakened. There was a storm going on inside me. Strong enough to blow away this entire hospital. Strong enough to create a tidal wave. Strong enough to destroy thousands of homes and multiple countries in a matter of seconds... but not strong enough to bring her back.
I'm being torn apart. Everything around me is spinning; I can't help but feel the sudden weight on my shoulders.
In the morning, my mom told me that I could rest for one more day and then I'd leave the hospital. I sighed as I stared at my room. Moms really have a way of making their kids comfortable, even in the most uneasy circumstances, and I appreciate that.
I decided to take a look at her room. As I opened the door, I was taken aback by what I saw. It was completely empty. Like the coziness and warmth left just as soon as Stella did. There was a notebook on her bed with a note on it from Barb.
"She wanted you to have this."
Her master list, of course. I chuckled as I flipped through the pages, seeing how she loved to cross things off and get stuff done.
Love Will forever
My smile grew and my tears fell. There are emotions that words can't explain, and this was one of them. It was like seeing her for the first time, thinking that she'd burst out wings and fly away, as she looked like an angel in disguise. It was like finally getting a hold of her hand. We were wearing gloves at that time, but her warmth spread through the fabric and onto my skin immediately. I honestly thought we would get electrocuted and die, because those tiny little sparks coming from her touch were enough to make me burst into flames. Emotions like this are intense,
passionate, fast, slow, wild, calm... it's all a hurricane. I sighed and went to the rooftop with the notebook.
The air was cold, delicately dancing on the hairs of my skin. I could see fresh packs of snow on the spot where I tricked Stella into thinking that I was gonna jump. The city was lit up perfectly— bright and radiant. A thought came to mind, so I closed my eyes and made a wish.
Roses, spring, black, blue, pink, daisies, stars. Nothing else mattered anymore. The sounds that I heard, the wind, the birds... everything was static. All I could think about was her, and I can't stop drawing. Her smile is stuck in my head. I'm afraid that if I don't put it on paper I might forget. I don't want to forget, ever. My hand vigorously shades the hell out of it as I finally give in to the burning sensation. "Damn it!" I slammed my sketchbook on the table and threw the pencil away. I miss her so much. Just then, I heard a knock on the door. "Hey." she greeted. I let out a sigh as I scan what's in her hands. "Coffee?" she offered. I nodded. "Come in, Barb." "The funeral is in a few days, you know. Are you up for it?" I shrugged. "It's not like I'm not gonna be there." Barb sighs and takes a sip of her drink. "She was always a free spirit, that girl. Always knew what she needed to do."
She's right. There was never a pause button for her. Stella put others before herself even if it was supposed to be the other way around. Barb gets up and gives me a pat on the back, "Hang in there, 'kay?" "Will? Some of your friends came by to visit you." Mom smiled, making way for three people. "Hey," I greeted. "You should have seen the look on Zoey's face when she found out her dear old Max has a girlfriend. Man, she looked like it was the end of the world or something!" Alex teased. "Hey, at least I actually have the balls to admit my feelings. You haven't even said one word to Inna!" Zoey shot back.
Blake tiptoes his way to my side and whispers, "There they are, fighting like cats and dogs again." We watched as Zoey and Alex continued insulting each other with their comebacks.
My room was filled with their arguing and the laughter Blake and I shared. I was home, away from the hospital, and it felt surreal to me. Weird, almost. Alex has gotten taller and his voice is definitely deeper than usual. Zoey started to wear makeup, though I liked her natural beauty better. And, Blake's very muscular now. All around me, I can see their little yet significant changes. Everyone was running full speed ahead into their future while my life, while I stayed still. Is that it? Am I still on pause? Not moving from the last spot I've been in? "Hey. You just walked out on us back there. Is everything alright?" Zoey asked, concern spread all over her face. "Tell me Zoey, if you really loved someone enough you'd give your heart and soul for them, and they disappeared from this world, what would you do about it?" I mumbled. "W-Will, I-" "Would you be sad? Angry? Lonely? Would it make you want to shut yourself in your room and never come out again?"
Zoey takes a step closer. "Will, I know how you feel." "No you don't. None of you do," I breathed out. She smiles wearily and sits on the floor. The evening was quiet and peaceful, unlike the storm that was going on inside me. "Actually I do. People take pain very differently, Will. Some cry and others punch walls. It hurts them so much that they feel like they've been stabbed in the same spot over and over again. It takes the joy away from their hearts. And it burns, real bad."
She takes a moment to smile and look at the sky. "Life is shit sometimes, but no matter how hard you fall on your face, you eventually learn to get back up again. It's like riding a bike for the first time. It's scary as hell, but you just need a little push, that's all."
I nodded. I need a push, and a big one, that's for sure. "Really, Will, you need to learn how to tidy things up a bit. I can't always do this for you," Mom whined as she picked up t-shirts, socks, and underwear from the floor. I had an empty pizza box in my hand and I was ready to take it outside when I saw a piece of paper on my nightstand. It was an invitation for Stella's funeral. "Hey, mom?" She hummed in response. "What did you realize when dad was gone?"
She froze for a second, then sighed. "He's the love of my life, and nothing, no one, could ever change that." I smiled at her answer and headed outside to sketch.
Mourning faces, her picture next to a coffin, her voice that I would never hear again, her parents and their longing to have their daughter back... It was all too much. I gripped her toy panda and ran. The rain was pouring and it was soaking me along with my suit, but I didn't care. I made sure to cover the stuffed animal, though. My legs stopped and my knees met the ground. The raindrops weren't the only ones running down my face.
Sometimes love can feel amazing. You get weird, happy butterflies inside you, and it makes your whole world burst with color. It gives you the drive to do things even if you're tired. But then, there's the ugly side, where you want to rip off your flesh from your bones or slit your own throat. It's like cupid pierced a rusty arrow through your heart. My hand shakily reaches for Stella's notebook that was in my suit's secret pocket.
"Love Will forever."
My heart has strings like that of a guitar's, and right now, they're snapping. "I love you, a bushel and a peck," I started singing. "A bushel and a peck though you make my heart a wreck. Make my heart a wreck and you make my life a mess. Make my life a mess, yes a mess of happiness.." The melody I was singing slowly faded into quiet whispers, covered by the sounds of the rain.
Even before we got to touch, she always made me feel that she loved me.
When I went back, it was time for me to give my message. I took a deep breath and tapped on the mic. "Stella has impacted my life in a way that I never thought she could, just like how she impacted all of you. And, there are three things that I would say if someone would ever ask me what she's like. One, she's stubborn: Whatever she wants you to do, you don't get a word in. And sometimes, her stubbornness works, especially when she uses those big hazel eyes of hers." The crowd chuckles. "Two, she's kind: I thought about how privileged I am to have been a part of her life because her life was about the people she loved. And three, she gives people hope: She gave me hope. I'll difficult walk anyone ever had to made. She was sick and pale, but she still chose to walk to the altar. I was nervous at that time, my heart beating so loud like a stereo on repeat. In every way, it was a walk to remember and the most wonderful moment of my life.
Forty years later, and I can still remember everything from that day. From the smile on her lips, to the vows always grateful for that."
I face her, lying down with her eyes closed. She looked so peaceful and she would be, forever, just like how I'll love her forever. "Now, people are always saying that if you love something, you have to learn to let it go. I thought that was such bullshit, until I watched you almost die. And in that moment, Stella, nothing else mattered to me... except you. I don't want you to go. All I want is to be with you, but I can't. I don't know what comes next, but I don't regret any of this."
I took out her notebook and read something from the back of it that I never noticed until now. "La vie est trop courte pour perdre une seconde. French. It means life's too short to waste a second."
I looked at the sky that was clearing up, making way for the bright sunlight piercing through the light gray clouds slowly turning to white. My beautiful bossy Stella, you're right. l'âme ne connaît pas le temps, for the soul knows no time. I will always love you, now and forever, 'til the day I take my last breath.
Happily Ever After
Based on A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
We were married on March 12, 1959. I remembered the most
—Aizora Sirvert we shared. It was a sheer moment of bliss, a moment I will hold dearly in my heart.
“Love, breakfast is ready!”
The bubble of memories burst when I heard her soft voice. I breathed deeply, letting the air flow inside my lungs while my heart beats into a typical rhythm.
I looked at the woman she is today. I remembered the first time I saw her, never knowing that she will be a part of my life. I never knew that the soft-spoken Jamie, who was mocked and shunned by others, is the one whom I'll fall in love with.
It was a series of heartbreaks, dumb decisions, and painful setbacks before I gained what I have today.
My wife, Jamie Sullivan, survived.
I slowly walked to where she's standing before slipping my arms around her petite waist.
“I love you. I love you so much. You're right here with me, today, tomorrow, and all of my days. I can't believe we won the game of life,” I whispered.
Whispering has been a part of my life since that day. I feel like we have this protective bubble around us; I speak loudly enough, it will just pop out, waking me up from this beautiful dream.
“This is not a dream, Landon,” she said. Did I just blurt out my thoughts once again?
She turned around, putting down the spatula before turning off the stove. She kissed my cheeks before cradling my face like she is the woman version of Atlas, a strong goddess that was born just for me.
“I won it 'cause you're there. You've become my strength and fortress. If ever life gave me another obstacle, I won't mind as long as you're here with me.”
My Jamie survived all those painful days. I chose her and I am willing to repeat the action over and over, maybe a million times if I have to.
Isn’t it funny? If I had made a different decision, I wouldn’t be here now. If I didn't change the pattern of my life and neglected her existence, everything would be so different.
I gave her my destiny and all of me. I want to hear her symphony, singing it and giving her all. She is my only hope. —Queen Cleopatra, former member
