Sleepless

a sliver of night
slipped in between the waking hours
an insomniac awaits


Mad Kane's Poetry Prompt: Sleep and Insomnia
Sunday Scribblings: My Nights

Starry Night

a starry night you set in motion
by your stars and your moon
glows of light scatter among yellow roses
gentle wind of summer play
love me tender
dreaming in your paper sky
your lips found mine
your loving arms around me
fingers running all over my back
your kisses glide towards the back of my neck
you pull a paper dove from behind me
I realize then where your passion lies...origami


Sunday Scribblings

Sleeping while dreaming

night covers the sky in darkness
sleep to dream of immortality
playing alone in the wilderness
release from the realm of reality

flying with borrow wings to this place
soaring above the world
feel the cool wind tickling my face
catch a falling star in a whirl

following a steep path of dreams
I falter down to the ground
I rise up to bubbles and steams
my face falls to a frown

why are dreams so hard to grasp?
maybe I should stop finishing my wine glass?


Sunday Scribblings: Sleep

Letter from Isabelle 10

This entry is for Sunday Scribblings: Now & Then. This will be the last part to this story. Thank you for reading.

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Part 9

Date: December 31, 2007
Dear L,

All our lives were spent on these trains and yet I never thought we would see each other again here. Just riding trains - not to go anywhere in particular but to just be there, moving along - each stop never a destination but another passing exit. We used to chased each other through the trains, running through each car like animals that have just escaped the zoo and now freed to roam the streets. Sometimes you would make crazy faces at people and freak them out just a little. I would follow but I could never be as daring as you. I could never yell at people for no reason. But you - you were brave and wild - always creating chaos when there were none. I have always admired your adventurous streak. It was always the one trait that I wished I had. Considering everything scares me, I guess you kept me sane and made me brave when I wasn't.

It was just you and me. Our parents couldn't understand. They never had the same bond with their siblings. I guess that's why they chose to keep a certain distance between us and them.

Now riding the train wasn't the same anymore. I couldn't bring myself to run through any trains or jump on the seats or make animal noises. The quiet spaces between the stops weren't as peaceful as it used to be. There were always too much noise. Noise of the outside, noise of the inside. Inside my head images and sounds overfilled every space leaving no room for new thoughts.

Yesterday I was riding the train with Joy sitting next me to my right, my vision suddenly became crystal clear. There she was - Joy - my friend, my neighbor, next to me in her pink outfit reading a romance novel. On her handbag hang a silver cigarette lighter with the "L" initial on a chain. She was an odd image in her pink suit, her legs in black stocking, her hands with their long pink nails, her skin, a dark tan. I can clearly see the faded scar on her left cheek, covered in makeup but still very visible. Her ultra blond wig shinning in the late afternoon sun creating a certain glow around her.

I looked away for a moment to see if anyone else was looking at us. But no one was. The train was half empty filled only with tired people sitting by themselves. I thought it must be my imagination but she was real, sitting next to me reading her novel. Am I dreaming and not know it? Was it my wishful thinking that set up this vision?

I rubbed my eyes to clear them. I can smell the scent of Chanel NO. 5. I touched her arm. Her head lifted up from her novel. Her dark blue eyes covered in pink eye shadow, looked straight at me. I knew then that it was you, L. It was really you! Her lips spread into a smile knowing what I was thinking. I wanted to say something silly, something to justify that moment. We said no words to each other as the train kept moving. But knew it was okay now. We won't have to miss each other now. You placed your hand over mine, its warm touch kept me in that moment.

My eyes searched yours, looking for the person I had grew up with, the person that I have always knew. He was there but now in a different shell. I couldn't get over how you looked. Is this person in front of me really my brother? Had my vision been good, would I have known if it was you? Would I even guess that this could be you? Was it fate that I couldn't see you before but I can because I have finally accepted you the way you are?

All this time and I never even thought you would end up as this new person - Joy - my friend, my neighbor. You told me once but I never actually listen. Now I knew - this was always your intention. This was and is the final you.

"Happiness is but a moment shared with someone you love." That's what you've always said to me and it had always stuck with me. I knew at that moment I was really happy.

I wrote this down so you can understand what that moment meant to me. As you read this, L, please forgive me for not believing in you. As twins, I thought we were never alike but now I knew I was wrong. We were alike, almost like one person separated into two pieces with the same feelings and thoughts that often mirror each other. Sure, there were slight differences but it never occurred to me that you wanted to be like me. I didn't understand then why you wore feminine-like clothes or why you chose to keep your hair long or why you distanced yourself away from me when I got new female friends. Now it's all clear to me.

Whatever had separated us, it didn't matter now. We're together now and we can work things out. Even if Mom and Dad still could not accept the facts.

Now I knew you were always there for me. It was you on that train track and in the ambulance in that pink outfit. It was you that helped me with my laundry and encouraged me to step out of my apartment. It was you that gave me those three gifts. How strange to meet a new person who just happen to be the one you're searching for in the same place that you always knew him to be.

And on a side note, you've managed to set me up with a date for New Year's. The man with the green eyes - I was excited but tried not to show it. I'm still scare to go anywhere but knowing you there when I need you, makes it less terrifying.

Joy, thank you for being you and being my brother or rather sister.

your sister,
Isabelle

Letter from Isabelle 7

This entry is for Sunday Scribblings: Holiday Memories.

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Date: December 15, 2007
Dear L,

Memories came in bits and pieces - just swimming in my mind - all those holidays that we used to shared, all the presents that we were given, all the tidbits of what used to be my happy life - unglued in front of me. Images of you and me opening our presents in front of the huge Christmas tree that Dad insisted on getting each Christmas even though it scratches the ceiling.

I recalled the Christmas where you declared you wanted to be an actor. We were surrounded by close relatives during what to be a very long dinner. We had just turned twenty-one that very week. You had too much white wine. You draped yourself with the white table cloth and started reciting Shakespeare, while dancing around the room. We all had a good laugh. They all thought you were joking but I knew you weren't.

Later that night, you told Mom and Dad about your plans to quit college and start your acting career. Their faces folded into a stern, but concern look. You, Mom, Dad were in the living room while I was near the kitchen door peering through the small opening. I can hear your voices - rising and falling. I can hear your voice shaking and crying. I listened as I grabbed plates and silverware and placed them into the dish washer. I wanted to go in there and tell them to let you go but I couldn't. I wanted you to stay and the thought of you so far away made me stayed in the kitchen.

After the fight, you told me all about it. I wanted to comfort you but I couldn't bring myself to. That was when I threw that vase at you that placed a large scar on your left cheek. You walked out of the house and toward the playground where we used to play as kids.

I knew you were there. I walked there in the cold with my winter coat and my wool hat. I sat down on the swing next to you. We had always wondered why the playground was always opened. You said it was so kids can have a place to run away to.

I can see the blood on your cheek in the dull streetlight. You looked at me with your beautiful blue eyes full of tears. I couldn't help it as tears spilled out of my eyes and you stood up and pushed me in the swing like we did when we were kids. We said nothing but I knew you had already forgiven me.

You gave me a hug before we left the playground. You were a head taller than me. My head rested on your shoulder. I can smell the scent of pine trees from when you helped Dad carried the Christmas tree home. I felt safe in your arms. Then you gave me my Christmas present - a silver angel made from wires, hanging on a silver chain. You showed me the one you're wearing around your neck. You handmade them just for us - two unique angels. You said we'll be each other's guardian angel. You kissed the top of my head and told me you won't leave without saying goodbye. We walked home holding hands, like two kids going to school.

Of cause, you did leave without saying goodbye. The very next day after another big fight with Mom and Dad. I was at the library doing research. When I came home, you were gone. I don't think I cried. I locked myself in my door until the semester started again.

It was always as if Mom and Dad didn't want us to change, to grow up. They wanted us to stay the same - the same sweet Isy and the same lovable Leo. But that's not how we turned out. Our final Christmas dinner together with Mom and Dad occurred when we were sixteen. They had decided or they had us agreed that it was best we don't have any Christmas dinners or wasted time buying presents for each other. I thought that was the end of our closeness - our beginning separation from Mom and Dad. It seem we were not the only ones that were changing. They too, seem rather reluctant to admit that they didn't like their children as much as they used to.

I supposed we disappointed them by following in their footsteps as doctors or lawyers - both professors that Mom and Dad's family were all in. I didn't turned out to be the genius lawyer that they wanted and you, Leo, didn't turned into the family doctor or the heart surgeon that Dad was. I knew you wanted to be an actor and I, well, I couldn't decide. I can't seem to make a decision and stick to it. I had always thought you would help me to decide but instead you've left me alone to decide on my own.

We went to separate colleges and that had always devastated me. We were already separating even before college. I thought at least we would see each during breaks but you had other plans. You joined an actors' theater and didn't have any time for me. I had settled on two majors but knew in the end, I had forced myself into making those decisions. I have never blamed you for my indecision. I supposed I had opened myself to more wounds that won't heal.

College life didn't suited me. I often stayed in my dorm for weeks and the thought of ever completing anything was so far from my mind. Still I had managed to finished college, get a job and a place of my own. While you moved to Los Angeles to continued your acting career. You weren't there at my graduation. I felt alone even in Mom and Dad's presence.

Two weeks later, I received letters from you but they seem so impersonal, so unlike you. After a while, they didn't come. The last one had said you moved back to New York, our hometown which I had always stayed. I never wanted to see the world, it was always you. I thought you would contact me but there was no letter or phone calls from you. Mom and Dad told me to forget about you. But I couldn't, how could I? Your twin sister with whom you had shared so many secrets and dreams? So many late nights we stayed up late just talking. I wished I had paid more attention to you. I guess I was in my own selfish world and couldn't see you as you were.

My vision is getting better now. Bright lights I can see but faces, they are still dark and blurry. I didn't dare go outside unless I had to. Seeing the world in the dark - night or day - seem scary. Dr. R told me it would take another month or two for my sight to completely return. His voice sounded so reassuring but it didn't make me feel any less pessimistic.

There's a new tenant across from me - a very nice lady with a somewhat heavy voice but very sweet. I couldn't see her face so I have no idea what she looked like. She often helped me with my laundry which seem to be the only thing I wanted to do. Fresh laundry had always brought back memories of our summers together. Anyway, this lady, called Joy, reminded me of you. I don't know what it is - just her presence brought some comfort to me, like you used to.



I held in my hand, the silver angel, your last Christmas gift to me, which I always wear around my neck. I knew, I hope, that you were watching over me. I leave you with your favorite song, Time After Time, it seem to summed up my mood this year. Here's hoping you are having a joyful holiday wherever you are. Maybe one day we'll find each other.

lying in my bed I hear the clock tick,
and think of you
caught up in circles
confusion is nothing new
flashback, warm nights
almost left behind
suitcases of memories,
time after

sometimes you picture me
I'm walking too far ahead
you're calling to me, I can't hear what you've said
then you say, go slow
I fall behind
the second hand unwinds

if you're lost you can look and you will find me
time after time
if you fall I will catch you I'll be waiting
time after time

after my picture fades and darkness has turned to gray
watching through windows you're wondering if I'm OK
secrets stolen from deep inside
the drum beats out of time

if you're lost you can look and you will find me
time after time
if you fall I will catch you I'll be waiting
time after time

you said go slow
I fall behind
the second hand unwinds

if you're lost you can look and you will find me
time after time
if you fall I will catch you I'll be waiting
time after time

time after time...

Isabelle


Read part 8 here.

Letter from Isabelle 4

This entry is for Sunday Scribblings: Competition.

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Date: December 9, 2007
Dear L,

It happened last week. All I remembered was standing near the edge of the train platform checking if a train was arriving. It was a cold day and I was at an outside train station where the cold winter winds blew so fast, I could barely see anything. The train was coming. I can see its read headlights growing bigger as it came near.

You know how sometimes you see things that are not there? I thought I saw your face sitting inside that train, driving the train. You winked at me with your big blue eyes. I blinked in disbelief. I was frozen in my spot. As you came closer, I felt someone pushing against me. My heart was beating so fast I thought it was going to pop right out of my chest.

Then I woke up and saw nothing but dark shapes all around me. I heard voices but couldn't make out who it was, just dark shapes changing. I couldn't speak or move. Then my view became completely black. I tried to stay awake but soon felt my eyelids closing on its own dissolving my view into farther darkness.

When I woke again, voices were asking me questions but all I could see was darkness. A doctor or doctors told me I had an serious head injury. They called me by my name but I couldn't decided if it was my name. They said my memory lost was temporary. So was my eye sight. Trauma such as mine caused the brain to temporary shut down certain functions. That was the explanation. I guess I chose to accepted it as my mind couldn't decide otherwise. I have no idea what the time or date was or who was paying for all my hospital care.

I'm didn't do much, just lots of sleeping and waking up to more confused memories than my mind can handle. They moved me out of intensive care yesterday and into my own room. My body may had healed but my mind was still a puzzle with all the pieces but none of them fit together.

My first regained memory was of you. It was when we were twelve, during Christmas. We have always competed who can get better gifts for Mom and Dad. You always win but that year, I won. I've got Dad a pocket watch and Mom, a porcelain jewel box. You've got Dad a cigar box but he didn't smoke and Mom a scarf that turned out to be fake silk. There were no prize for winning but I thought how great it was that I've won after all those years. But later that week, I found out you got those gifts on purpose so I would win. You were the compassionate one, the one who was always giving but I recognized your competitiveness. We competed who can get a after school job first, who can get all "A's", who can eat more lemons, who can even make a child cry, those contest were endless.

But after that year, things changed in such subtle ways that only you and I can detect. Mom and Dad reminded the same but you and I, we had changed. We've stopped competing with each other. I don't recall what it was that changed us or why we suddenly stopped doing certain things. In those days, we were always together - during school, after school, never away from each other. Though our closeness was still there, something had broken the bond we had. Or maybe I have changed and you reminded the same. I remembered it was I who started to making friends and stopped spending time with you. Though you didn't admitted but you knew things weren't the same.

Maybe some memories had to be lost before we can appreciate them. The doctor, Dr. R seem very confident that I would regain my full memory but my eyes - he wasn't so sure. Give it time, he said. Time seem to be all I have.

I can't write anymore, the nurse wants me to go to sleep now. I am dictating this to her while she writes it down in a notebook that she had found in my bag. She's a very kind nurse. Her name's Sara. My mind's too tire to remember more so I am going to sleep now.

Isabelle

Read Part 5 here.

Walk

This entry is for Sunday Scribblings: walk.

Walking slowly and timidly among the wet leaves, Nell tries to focus on the path ahead - dark gray with faded patterns of snow. The sky starts dripping with rain. Each time Nell presses her foot down on the gray earth, the snow covers her shoes. Nell turn to see a shadow following her. She quickens her pace, her heartbeat now speeding as each step sends her skipping over wet land.

She rushes onward much too quick and falls into a heap of leaves, toppling them into the air. She turns to see behind her but saw nothing. Just the shadows of the trees covering the ground.

She pulls herself up and starts to walk, faster this time. It must have been her imagination. Nell pause in her steps to look behind her again. A shadow moving in the tree. A person? No, just the wind blowing the dark tree branches.

Nell continues on her way, this time more calmly. She gathers her cape closer and pull her hood on. Then she heard a sound coming behind her. She turns again but sees nothing. The night falling down as she shifts the weight of her feet, from one to another. There's someone there, she is sure of it. A flowing sound, like a bird's wing flies pass her ears. She stands very still, closes her eyes and listen.

Nothing. She turn to her other senses for guidance. There it is again. A bird, a big bird, no, bigger. She bends down and pulls her cape closer, covering herself completely. She waits.

The sound is coming closer and closer. She waits, holding still as stone. She can smell the scent of lavender and citrus. The shadow walks around her, shifting its weight, up and down as if unfamiliar with walking. Nell reminds still, a chameleon of leaves. The creature walks ahead towards where Nell was heading. Nell remind still waiting for it to go farther ahead.

At last the creature couldn't be heard. Nell stands up thinking she cannot go in the same path as the creature. It might detect her even before she make one step. She will have to go up above the trees.

She closed her eyes, gathering strength as she sends her body up among the trees. Nell steps onto a branch and look out upon the land. The night is still far away. The trees are swinging like dancers tuning to the same music.

Up ahead, she saw the house, still very far away. A shadow of a creature moving rapidly among the rows and rows of dark trees. She cannot see what it is at that speed.

Nell flows from tree branch to tree branch hoping to catch up with the creature. One look behind her, she can see the creature slowing down a bit. She forces herself to go faster. Her legs painfully aching away as she flies faster.

Down on the ground, she looks behind her but sees no trace of the creature. She quickens her pace. She can see the house with smoke coming up from the concrete chimney.

At last she is at the front door. She lets herself inside and locks it behind her. A knock came soon after. Nell opens the door and sees the shadow creature staring at her with black eyes.

"You've won," it said as it pulls the feathered cape off and walks inside the house. Nell watches as Elle, her sister, slumps onto the wooden bench, breathing heavily.

Elle had bet Nell that she can be faster than Nell. They had set out two days ago at the starting point, a few hundred miles away from their home. Nell knew she could beat her sister but she had to let her try. They had agreed that each could use whatever method of magic they want. Nell had thought the creature smelled familiar. Elle must have used the spell that their grandmother had taught her.

Nell sits down next to her sister, beaming with pride. She did win. What a race!

Hospital

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The stranger touched my cheeks, my forehead, then checked my pulse. He then sticks a thermometer into my mouth. His white sleeves brushed against my cheeks. I can smell his after-shave, the flavor of vanilla and a touch of green tea.

A smile appeared as he turned to speak to my mother. I can see the concerned look on her face, almost in a panic. Then it lighten and she turned to me with a smile. I heard the word, "flu" falling from the doctor's mouth as he turned to smile at me. I supposed the flu is no big deal these days. He left to attend to the sick girl across the room. My mother went back to her secretarial job. She kissed me on the cheeks before she left.

As I laid in bed with the thermometer in my mouth, I checked out my surrounding. We were in a small space with white curtains dividing the room. There were three other girls - my roommates. Men and women in white were running back and forth between beds. Spending a few moments at each bed.

A moment later, a pale looking woman in all white, a nurse I supposed, came by and took the thermometer from my mouth. She smiled at me pleasantly and then checked the temperature. Normal, she said and walked out of the room. I said nothing.

A coughing fit seem to have captured the girl next to me. It took a while before she stopped. I tried to sleep but the odd noises from all around the room kept me awake. I tossed and turned all night. The bed was uncomfortable and I can hear whispers throughout the night.

When I opened my eyes the next morning, men and women in white coats were rushing around the room. The girl next to me had turned for the worst. She has tubes all over her and they were all surrounding her bed. Soon she was move somewhere else. I don't know where but she is not here.

In the middle of the night, another girl was moved. I was awake when they took her. I did not know what's going on but this other girl also was coughing. I didn't ask the nurses what had happen. They probably would not give me a honest answer.

When I woke up the next day, the third girl was not in her bed. I was the only one left. The pale nurse came by with my medicine. I look suspiciously at her face, checking for some kind of signs but her smile was pleasant, same as yesterday. There were no other nurses or doctors around. The quietness of the room was eerie and frightening. I wonder if I am next as I pulled the cover up to my face, hoping to go unnoticed.

During bed time, I can hear whispers from outside the room. I caught the words, "flu", "goner" and "too bad." I wonder if they were whispering about me. I tried to do what they told me but the nagging, frightening feeling kept me awake at night. Mother hasn't visited me these three days. I'm worry.

Finally the doctor came by to check on me. I was coughing a lot and my temperature had risen during the night. I tried to appear to be in good shape but my sore throat kept me coughing. Soon some more medication was given to me. I hesitated at first but then Mother showed up and told me to listen to the doctor and nurses. I had no choice but to comply.

In the morning I was taken away. I was in bed, too weak to move as two men in white carry me onto another bed and strolled me and the bed out of the room towards a dark hallway. I was panicking but what can I do? Soon I was in a brightly lit room. Too weak and too sleepy, I soon fell asleep to the scent of red roses and chocolate cake. When I woke up the next morning, I was feeling better and stronger. Now I realize I am in a nice hospital room with my original three roommates. Flowers were all around the room and the bed seem oddly comfortable. Mother came by with chocolate candies.

"Sofia, you get to go home tomorrow. Isn't that great?" Mother said as she pinched my cheeks and kissed my forehead. I was glad that my imagination didn't enter into worse scenario. I hugged my mother and was glad everything work out fine.

Hi, my name is...

This entry is for Sunday Scribblings. Read other Sunday Scribblings here.

What is this, oh, I knew I should have listen when my brothers told me to stay away. Why didn't I listen? Now I am here but where is here? It's dark and I feel wet all over. Liquid keeps coming into me but I am breathing, I think. My body feels like it's swimming in a pool of heavy sand. My mind, so unformed, seem to be unfolding thoughts I didn't know I have.

I bounce from time to time and always has this feeling of wanting to turn and move around but this place is so small, I cannot move anymore than a few turns here and there. Sometimes I strange rhythmic sounds coming from the outside. My eyes refuses to open as if afraid of what they will find. Somehow I knew it was music. The melodies soothes my body and they enter my dreams so easily. I enjoy listening even without any understanding. But then most of the time, I don't know what I am hearing anyway. The sounds, they sound so far away but once in a while a voice booms into my thoughts and awakes my mind, sounding very close by. I could not decipher them as they all sounded alien.

Am I growing along with the walls that surrounds me or maybe the walls are closing in? I cannot tell the difference. Either way, I cannot see where I am in this darkness. My mind refuses to let me know.

I hear a beating sound moving awfully fast. Feel a cold touch that I don't like but my eyes refuses to open as I am afraid all of a sudden. I will my brain to try to understand but it refuses as the beating sound keeps getting faster and faster and louder and louder. Its rhythm keeps going up and down, up and down. I have no idea where it's coming from but I am sure it's close by. Sleepiness takes over me.

A touch pulls me awake and out into a new place. A very bright place. I am now on something soft. I feel its softness and knew instantly I was outside somewhere else. The bright lights are there even when my eyes are shut tightly. I can feel its warmth beaming down me. Something wants to come out of me but when I open my mouth, no sound comes out. I do not know if I want to cry or if I want to speak as I soon feel too tired to even move. Something soft touch my hand and I try to wrap my finger around it.

The beating sound continues this time I know for sure it's coming from inside of me as I am not where I used to be. Still, I could not open my eyes. It's heaviness keeps falling down each time I try to open them. I feel coldness touching me as well as being insert into me. I soon fall asleep as I cannot keep my body awake.

I no longer feel tired. The coldness has faded. The coldness has been removed. The beating sound inside me is now at a steady pace. My mind now more focus as I now realize my eyes are not heavy. Seeing a blur at first but then it focus, showing me a face. A face, familiar and yet I have no memory of it. I am pick up gently into its arms and onto its soft shoulders. I open my mouth and it seem so natural to close them after a breathe escapes. My eyes falls downs and I am falling into a soft dream.

I open my eyes again and this time, there are many more faces, all round, bright and colorful with sounds coming from them that sounds so strange but comforting. "Hi, baby!" "Baby, look at me!" "Hello little baby!" Apparently, that's my name. I feel the warm touch of a finger on my head and then a soft kiss. I fall asleep to the beating of what I know now is my very own heart.

Collector Personality

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It was a rather large, pink object with shiny, smooth surfaces that reflected her small face as she stared into the toy store window. She pressed her face against the glass and place her hands against it as if to balance herself. At age five, Suzuki, didn't have many wants but when she saw that pink piggy bank, she knew at once she wanted it for her birthday. Her parents said it was too expensive for something so useless. She could have save her money in any old jar around the house. Instead, Suzuki got a color pencil set for her birthday. Suzuki felt very disappointed and took those color pencils and drew all over the livingroom's white walls. She was grounded for a week but that didn't stop her from wanting the piggy bank.

When she was six, Suzuki asked for the piggy bank again for her birthday but got a set of paint and brushes instead. Suzuki once again felt very disappointed. She painted her bedroom walls a bright purple. Then she proceed to painted her parents white bedroom walls with bright pink shapes of piggies in neat little patterns. She was grounded for a week and her bedroom walls were not repainted like her parents.

When she was seven, Suzuki, once again asked for the piggy bank for her birthday but all she got was a magic marker set. Suzuki, tired of her parent's ignorance, took those magic markers and drew all over the door of their white refrigerator. Her parents sent her to her purple bedroom to think about what she had done.

That same year, her brother, Porki, was born. Suzuki thought he looked like a piggy and gave him that nickname. Her parents just pretend not to notice as they were too occupied with their family's new addition. Suzuki's bedroom was half turned into a nursery with the purple walls repainted to bright blue. They moved her bed against the wall which means she can no longer see outside the window. Suzuki got mad and drew a white chalk line all the way toward the doorway - chalks which her parents gave her for her eighth birthday - dividing the room in half. The line was drawn over the dark blue carpet and could not be completely removed, leaving a faded white line. Her parents were furious and punished her by sending her to sleep in the downstairs guestroom which was almost the size of a closet. The very next week, Suzuki's parents decided to move Suzuki to that room. When Suzuki came home from school, she founded all her things in that room - her bed, her toy box, and all her clothes now in a tiny closet. The room has no windows and the walls were decorated with dark green paint. Suzuki felt isolated. She took her color chalks and drew her discontent all over the walls. Her parents simply let her be as they soon forgotten she was even there.

When Suzuki turned nine, she did not asked for the piggy bank nor anything else. She knew her parents wouldn't have heard her anyway. Suzuki decided she simply does not care and refused to speak with her voice. She ate her meals in silence and often would reply with shakes or nods to her head. Her parents were far too busy getting Poki into grade school to notice. Suzuki received a paper mache kit for her birthday. She decorated her brother's crib, covering most of the crib's white wooden panels with papers. She also painted his nickname, "Porki" all over it in various colors. All this while her brother was still in the crib. Porki was laughing the whole time and was half wrapped in paper. Her parents sent her to her new bedroom without dinner and she was not allowed in her brother's bedroom unless her parents were also present.

On the eve of her tenth birthday, Suzuki received a one hundred dollar bill from her grandparents from her father's side. She was so excited but her parents thought it was too much for a child her age and had taken it away from her and instead they gave her a typewriter which was so old, that the letters were get stuck when she typed. Suzuki took the typewriter and threw it out the livingroom window which landed on the neighbor's cat. The cat survived but Suzuki got sent away to school in Japan where she attended 14 hour classes each day for six days a week. There, Suzuki finally learned to filtered her mind onto paper. She also realized that piggy banks were silly things and she soon forgot about them as the grueling schedule forced her to concentrated on her school work. She went home every eight months but as usual Suzuki barely spoke at all, mostly staying in her little bedroom and daydream.

When Suzuki turned sixteen, her brother sent her a birthday gift with a note written by her parents as Porki was only eight years old. Suzuki didn't care what it was as she was glad someone remembered her birthday. In that brown box with brown wrapping paper, wrapped in plastic bubble wraps, was a big, shiny pink piggy bank with its little tail and tiny eyes. The exact one that she had wanted. Suzuki was so happy but when she took it out of the box, she found it was broken in half. One half fell and broke into pieces as she held the other half in her hand. Suzuki thought this was karma as she had not been behaving herself to received this gift. Suzuki was not disappointed because, at last, she got what she always wanted. She glued the pieces together and displayed it on her writing desk. Every birthday, her brother sent her a piggy bank of various sizes and colors. She would sent him hand-written letters and small tokens. Suzuki felt content every time she stared at her piggy bank collection. Every shiny one makes her smile knowing it was sent by her brother.

Writing

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It's Saturday afternoon and I am sitting here at my desk staring at the white computer screen, trying not to squint at the small thought that I had just typed out. The delete button is begging me to push it. Words disappear as I press gently at the button. Now still more blankness if that's possible. Out of the corner of my eyes, I see the email symbol bouncing up and down, announcing mail has arrived. I ignore it as I want to write and didn't want any distractions.

The phone rings, I hear it gets pick up and my husband's voice, talking in his silent vocals. He is discussing about computers with a client. After a long conversation about internet connection, he hangs up. I wait for him to knock at my door. He would often tell to me stories that he thought would make a good story. He was very generous and had converted his old office to a writing room for me. I was grateful for the space. I hear no knock. I wait again. Nothing. I did told him I was not to be disturb today as I am trying to write. How I wish for an excuse to leave this room. Silence's gathering in the room and the words wouldn't come. The screen still blank as my thoughts continue to follow his footsteps. He is now vacuuming as it is his turn to clean this week. I can hear the "rrrrooommm" sound that it makes. The sound comes close to my door then it's gone.

Back to the screen, I stare but still nothing comes. I check my email but it was all junk. I quit the program so that it wouldn't be a distraction. Once again I hear my husband wandering the halls, this time he was humming some 80's song about a needing a hero. I smile as his humming turns into singing. Now it's some song about blaze of glory. His voice fades as he walks downstairs.

Still I stare at the white screen hoping for some thoughts that might fire up my creativity. I hear a noise from the outside. I walk to the window, my husband's now mowing the lawn. In the bright sunlight, I can see him wearing his 80's concert t-shirt with an eagle, faded blue jeans and a white baseball cap covering his blond hair. Whistling, he seem to be enjoying himself. A squirrel sneaks near him. He pause to stare at it. It runs away to the neighbor's yard. He resumes mowing the lawn.

Our neighbor, old Mrs. Hanger stops to talk to him. She's wearing her faded pink bathrobe. He drops the lawn mower and walks off with her in a quick pace. Moments later, a knock is at my door. My husband, sweating from running in tells me Mr. Hanger had hurt his back and that he's going to take him to the hospital. He wants to know if I need anything from the store. Always the practical man, I laugh and shake my head no. He kisses my lips and walks off.

I watch him through the window, carrying old Mr. Hanger covered in white sheets and putting him in his car follow closely by Mrs. Hanger who is still wearing her bathrobe. They drive off to the hospital with the engine making it's clog-clog sound.

Back at my desk, the screen had fallen asleep and it's all black. I can see my reflection in it. My long brown hair is all piled up high and my pale skin shin. It's been four hours and still no writing. I wonder if maybe I should be doing something else. The phone rings. It's my husband, he wants to know if he should pick up some dinner. I said sure, anything he wants.

He brings home two chicken salads and two bottle of ginger ale with two small chocolate cupcakes. We chat about Mr. Hanger as we eat. It seem Mr and Mrs. Hanger were having sex when Mr. Hanger hurt himself falling out of bed. I laugh so hard, I spill ginger ale all over my pants and shirt. Then my husband says he hope we would be like them at their age. He smiles at me mischievously. I just laugh. I guess today's not a good day for writing.

The End

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Born into a family of darkness, Juniper was not an ordinary child. While her other two older sisters practice magic, she would stare out the window and watch the clouds go by. On sunny days she would run through the fields and chase the clouds above. Instead of turning people into frogs and pigs, Juniper turns them into sunflowers and daisies. Instead of greedily taking, she would ask for nothing.

Her parents, a witch and a warlock, couldn't understand her. They tried to steered her to their ways but it was no use. Juniper was not like them. There was no way of changing that. Each time they to tried to teach her dark magic, she would end up doing the opposite. It was not on purpose. Juniper never knew why she was that way or why she was so different from her family.

It was said she was like her aunt Agnes. No one knew what became of her. It was rumor that she had ran off with some mortal or that a spell had gone wrong ending up killing her. It's true Juniper was like her. She was reluctant to do harm to people.

As she grew older, her conscience became clearer. She understood her family was evil but still loved them. In secret, Juniper created spells to erased the bad deeds her family had concocted but since her powers was not as strong as theirs, she sometimes has to leave it be.

On her eighteenth birthday, it was decided she were be marry to another warlock's son. Snail was his name. A good looking guy but with such an big ego and arrogance, Juniper took to hating him every time she saw him. He tried to kiss her hand as they said hello and she'd make excuses to leave the room. He find her charming and thought she was his perfect mate. She rather throw herself into a well of knives than to be his mate which she told him. He just smiled arrogantly.

During times when she had to spent it with Snail, she tried to bring up subjects that he couldn't possibly know but he surprised her with his wit. Many times he had tried to kiss her but the thought was so revolting to her that she choose to eat garlic whenever she had to be alone with him. He didn't even seem to notice. One time he kissed her by surprise. The instants she felt his mouth on her, she turned his mouth full of daises. Of cause that didn't stop him from trying it again. In front of both of their parents, he pinch her behind. She was so humiliated, she slapped him on the cheeks and then put a spell on him which made him talk like a sheep. She was glad he doesn't have much power. Her parents dismissed Snail's behavior as normal. She was reprimanded for using her powers against him.

One time she was left with just Snail at home alone, with only one servant. At first he seem quiet and a total gentleman. But when the servant had leave to fetch water, he came around again. His slimly hand held hers tightly. He would not let go until she kiss him. She said, "as you wish." But make him promised to close his eyes. While his eyes were closed, she pull out a frog from her dress pocket and press it against his lips. He seem to enjoyed it somehow. She placed the frog back into her pocket just as the servant came back. He didn't seem to notice. She asked how was it and he said, it was great. He was beaming. Juniper smiled at him innocently.

Her father would not budge on the issue. Each time she asked him, he would gave her a stern look and said, "Enough! It's already been arranged. You will marry Snail in a fortnight. I will not speak of this anymore." Then he would storm out to a meeting - a gathering of warlocks of some kind.

Juniper wandered around in her room at night when the others had gone to bed. She will get out of this even if means she had to do bad magic, she thought. When it was all quiet, she sneaked into her father's laboratory and go through his books and potions. Many nights she went there but always came back with tears in her eyes.

Four nights before her wedding, she found a book of her aunt's hidden away in the bookshelf. It was a book of spells, good spells that get people out of trouble. She was ecstatic. She flip through the book but find no real solution. The one that really attracted her was the one turning Snail into a snail. On the last page, was a spell written by her aunt. A strange spell. There was no explanation on what it does. Only these words:

Dark as night
Turn this sprite into light

Juniper copied it down and went to bed. In the morning she tried again to talk to her father but it was no use. She told him Snail's been very ungentleman-like to her. But her father said it was expected, after all she was to be his wife. Juniper was so desperate she even went to her sisters for advice which she never did before. Her sisters who are already married, tried to convince her it was for the best. Their advice was the same as their father's. Juniper show them the spell and asked them if they knew what it does. Both of them acted surprise and said they have no idea. But Juniper knew they were lying. She had to find out. It will be three days before the wedding. What was she to do?

The wedding day came and Juniper was panicking. She hid in her room until she was called upon. As her hand was held by that slimy Snail, her whole body went cold. Her vision became cloudy. She shivered. The cold ran through her body bit by bit. She can feel her whole body becoming lighter and lighter. A feeling of weightlessness came over her. Soon she was looking down at everyone. She did not know what was happening. She felt her troubles lifted off her as if she was flying.

She screamed with joy but no sound came out. She felt odd and yet very happy. As she was ascending, she went straight through the ceiling and into the sky. In the clear blue sky, she felt free. She did not know what she had become until she tried looking at her hands but they would gone, in fact she has no body. Juniper had said the spell that very morning. Chills had ran through her body but she had forgotten about the spell when faced with Snail.

She saw clouds surrounding her, felt their presence, heard their voices. Hello, she said. Their respond was the same. She knew then what she was. A cloud. How wonderful she thought. She giggled with joy. It was the end of Juniper but the beginning of a new life.

I get that sinking feeling...

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Above the clouds, I see birds flying by me. I seem to glide through the clouds and with each motion of my wings, I fly faster. The wind blows my long locks away from my face, the air smell fresh like new laundry. It was still early in the morning, the sound of the new day has not begin yet.

The whole world below is still asleep, tuck under sweet, fluffy dreams. The only ones awake are the chickens and me. I fly as if is the most ordinary thing in the world. I can hear the music in the wind as it covers me. It's singing a song of longing, longing for a new day. I close my eyes, feeling the wind blowing into me.

As the music enters my ear and into my thoughts, filling up my mind to the brink, I touch metal before I realize I hit something. My whole body rock against its big metal frame, knocking me downward. I try to gather my mind together. But my head hurts and my whole body seem unable to move. My wings, they hurt like hell. It was my first flight on my own and yet even with all the practice and all those times flying with my parents, I have fail to pay attention again.

As I dip into the atmosphere, I get that sinking feeling that I am falling into a deep black hole. I try to flap my wings but they refuse to move a muscle and instead sends sharp pain up to my chest. Falling down in a faster speed, I close my eyes for a moment and then open them to see that I am falling directly into a body of water. I try to steer into another direction but my body refuses.

Into a small pond, I fall. A cold sensation fills my body making me drowsy. The sound of the splashing water awakes my senses but my eyes cannot see anything but darkness. As the water calms down, something big grabs me out. It was a hand, a very big hand. It shakes my body to remove some of the water in my lungs and on my body. I feel a soft cloth wrap around me, making me feel warm in the cool morning air. My left wing's broken. I know because I can feel the pain as I am being lay down onto a soft bed. Sleepiness fill my mind again. I close my eyes hoping the pain would subside but instead I fell asleep. I dreamt my wing had been sew up and bandaged and that I was sleeping in a bed of my mother's feathery arm.

I wake up to see a pair of big blue eyes staring down at me. She was dress in blue and has a pink ribbon around her head. Her eyes seem to be drooling in eagerness as her soft hand rubs my chest. A strange piece of food is being offer to me, being held by a different hand, much larger. This must be the little girl's father. I took the food out of his hand and taste the sweetest sensation on my tongue. Then the little girl begins to feed me. My wing has been fixed and white bandages are around it. I am glad to be around these nice folks.

A day later, they set me free to fly back into the sky. I feel like I should stay longer as the little girl's teardrops falls onto my head. She holds me up high and motions me to fly. I want to stay but knew this is not my path. I am to meet my family on the other side of the world, it would be selfish for me to stay. So I fly up into the air. I look back on the little girl and she's waving at me, smiling the biggest smile as she holds her daddy's hand. I leave with regret but this is something I will never forget.

Dear Diary

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Dear Diary,

It's been a good year. I haven't been writing much cause so much has been going on. Yesterday marks my 13th birthday. I got a bunch of books and a gift certificate to Book World from Mom and Dad. They knew I like to read. My whole room's filled with books. I've also got a one hundred dollar bill from Grandpa Jack. I promised not to tell Mom or Dad. They don't think it was a good idea to give money to kids. I also got a paint set with oil paints from my older brother Jack. Plus many, many get well cards from relatives, some even send me cash. I am lucky to have such a wonderful family.

For five weeks, I went to summer camp. I begged my parents not to send me but they said it will be good for me and that they have specially trained people there. I complained to them I want to stay home and that I really hate the outdoors. I refused to eat until they change their mind but on the second day of hunger strike, Jack came home from his hiking trip and convinced me to go. I have always listen to Jack. He always knew what I needed and what's good for me. I couldn't say no to him.

Almost three days before camping is over, I almost drowned. During swim lessons, I was standing on the edge of the pool and I felt a hand on my back pushed me. I was in the water for a few seconds but it felt like a lot longer. At first I was calm, peaceful, but then I started gasping for air. I was grabbed and pulled up out of the water. I opened my eyes to see Will, a volunteer helper. I wanted to say thanks but nothing came out. His beautiful face smiled at me. Then I threw up on him. My face must have turned tomato red. He just smile and said, "It's okay, no big deal." Then he helped me to my room.

I got to stay in bed until dinner time. It's a good thing my roommates, Lindsay and Lindy weren't there. I would not have been able to cope with them. I hope the lock on this diary is sturdy. I hate having people read what I wrote.

I've met a very nice girl named Barbara. She hates being call that and wants me to call her Bobbie. Bobbie and I got along very nicely. She has a great sense of humor and makes me feel welcome here. It was too bad she was not my roommate. She was two houses down from me. She doesn't like her roommates either. We have so much in common. We agreed to stick together until camp is over.

Bobbie played a prank on Lindsay and Lindy on the second to last day of camp. She switched their toothpaste with anti-itch cream and also put a frog in Lindsay's drawer. Everyone had a good laugh as Lindsay ran out of the house screaming with the frog in her hair with Lindy running after her.

I think that's when they stop teasing me even if it was just for one day. It was the best five weeks I ever had. I got to learn swimming, canoeing, basic camping skills, even learn how to build a boat from scratch.

Bobbie and I stayed in touch after summer camp even though she lives far away from me. We write each other letters with secret codes and little gifts almost every week. I've got a couple of pictures with Bobbie wearing colorful wigs. She also sent me a bright pink long wig which I wear whenever I feel down. I sent her a big box of books, some Jane Austen classics - those are her favorites and some of my favorites.

My hair had grew back like the doctors said. Mom was very proud that I didn't complained about the pain. I had threw up a couple of times but manage to stay healthy. I didn't have to stay at the hospital like other kids. I was glad I get to stay home for the rest of the summer.

I got a new bike for my fourteenth birthday. It has pink tassels and a white basket. I didn't might that it was a little too childish for me but I like riding it. School will start in a week. I was glad I was not so pale as I was a few months ago. I'm hoping to graduate next year so I can take an actual camping trip with Bobbie. We've made plans to go but that might change. I have a map on my wall with all the places we might visit marked with pick thumb tabs. This summer we'll get to spent it together. Bobbie's coming to stay with us. I am so excited to have my best friend here for the summer. Dad's helping me fix up the guest room. I can't wait for summer to come!

Goosebumps - part 2

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Read part 1 here.

For some reason I just had to do a part 2. I didn't think I would but here it is.

Gus got up his nerve on Wednesday afternoon and asked Zoey to lunch. He was almost grinning as walk to her. He took a breathe. Zoey was busy making copies of a huge report. Gus went into the copy room. Some small chitchat about the weather being so nice and cool. Then Gus went for it. He straighten his glasses and said,"Zoey, would you like to join me for lunch today?" He face was all flushed, but he forced himself to look at her. Goosebumps appeared on his arms. He was sweating but felt chilly. She was pulling out some papers from the copy machine. It was jammed. "Could you fix this?" she asked, holding ink-stain papers in her hand. Gus responded by checking out the machine. It was doing its usual business and sucking the paper inside without spitting anything out.

Gus shut the machine and open it up and pull out the rest of the paper that was stuck. He closed it and restart. "It works!" Zoey was grateful, smiled at Gus and went back to copying the files. Gus felt so embarrassed that she didn't reply to his question. He was about to give up and leave when she said, "Gus, how about lunch tomorrow? I can't do it today, my boss is really pissed today. He just got divorced papers and is taking out all his frustrations on everyone. I really don't have time today." She turned and face him, a smile on her face. Not one of those pitiful smile but a genuine sweet smile.

Gus was so excited, he nearly scream but held it in and said, "Sure, no problem."

"Okay then, see you at 1 tomorrow. I'll meet you at your desk." Zoey said and then went back to copying.

Gus said, "See you then." He went back to his desk and all day couldn't concentrate. All his thoughts lead to tomorrow.

The next day, Gus took Zoey to lunch at that new place where they serve health food. Gus knew Zoey's a vegetarian and this place was perfect. It was a small place, but it has places to sit and eat. The day was light and breezy. Gus wore his cleanest shirt that he could find and make sure his sneakers don't smell. Zoey wore a lovely blue dress.

There they were just eating and chatting. Things was going well, until Mick came by with his girlfriend, Sue. They said hi and make small talks but Gus fear Mick might make fun of him in front of Zoey. Sue went to pick up some food, leaving Mick with Gus and Zoey.

"Zoey, you look really pretty today. New dress? It really hides all the bumps doesn't it?" Mick was such a jerk, he pulled up a chair and sat next to them.

Zoey was not a particularly skinny girl and she knew it. Anger by his remarks, her eyebrows raised up and she was about to yell at him when Gus said," Mick, that's not very nice. How would you like it if I stop working on your computer? I don't know. I may have to stop, what's with so much work and all. I guess you don't want your files, then." Gus was not about to use insults against him. Whatever he can think up would be just too lame to use.

Mick apologized just as Sue came back with their food. Mick grabbed her arms and walk off. "Why aren't we staying?" Sue wanted to know.

"Thanks," Zoey mutter, a little embarrassed. Her face was flushed.

"Zoey, it's nothing. You're a beautiful lady and there's nothing to be ashamed of. I think you look wonderful in that blue dress. It brings out your eyes." Gus didn't realized what he had just said until he heard his own voice. He wanted to add something more but could not think of anything else. "Thanks, Gus." Zoey smiled at him, looking directly into his eyes. He knew then that she liked him.

Everyday, they had lunch together and sometimes even dinner. It wasn't long before Gus got the guts to tell her how he felt about her. They would taking a stroll on a Saturday afternoon. It had been a couple of months since their first lunch date. Gus knew if he doesn't confess now, he would never get another chance.

Apparently she knew. How he asked her. "Everyday you came by my cubicle to said hi. You've always made me laugh with your silly lines. And you always held the elevator for me even when the door was barely open. You often came by to check if my computer's okay. You've always been nice to me even if it inconvenient you." Gus never realized his actions were that loud. He was just trying his best to be nice. And she noticed. She just never thought he really like, that he was just being nice. Gus was overjoyed to hear this. He grabbed her and twirled her around. He nearly dropped her and they laughed happily.

Goosebumps - part 1

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On a Friday afternoon, locked in the ladies room, inside the last stall, was Gus. He was panicking, sweat dripping down his face. It's been half an hour but no one had came in yet. He stood there wondering how he got himself into this.

Gus knew his two male coworkers hated him but he never quite figure out why. He was just a geek who work as an IT guy. He was fixing his boss' laptop when they surprised him. Mr. Z had stuck a floppy disk into the cd drive. Gus thought the laptop was wasted on him. It took Gus a hour and a half explaining before he even knew how to use his email. Gus must have been in his office about a dozen times trying to show him this and that. How in the world did Mr. Z got to be boss of an internet company is beyond anyone's guess.

Just as he fished out the floppy disk, his coworkers, Mick and Todd grabbed his arms and dragged him down the hall. Gus tried to resisted but was no match for these two bigger guys. They took him to the ladies room, pull his glasses off and threw him into the last stall. Then they placed the trash can against the door. Gus heard their malicious laughter as they walked off.

Gus pressed his body against the stall door and tried to pushed but it open but it refused to budged. He tried to climb over the door but heard voices heading his way. Gus was silent as he listened to the two female voices. He knew them from accounting. It was Karen and her pal, Zoey. He was too ashamed to call out for help. What would they think of him with him in the ladies room? Gus said nothing as the ladies left without using the facility. Gus was glad of that.

Gus had a crush on Zoey for almost a year now. Each time he had tried to speak to her, Mick and Todd were always around making fun of him. Even when they were alone, Gus always had trouble speaking to her. His mouth would go dry and goosebumps would appear on his arms. When he does speak, he would blurt out things that would embarrasses him or her. She would laugh it off and walk away.

After Zoey and Karen were gone, Gus tried once again to climb over the stall door. Totally out of shape, Gus had barely any strength to even move. He had to catch his breathe. He managed to get over the door and use the trash as leverage. His hand slipped on the trash can and he fell down onto the tiled floor, landing on his elbow. Sharp pain shoot through his arm like a hurricane. Gus covered his mouth as he was about to scream. He dragged himself up and sneak out of the ladies room.

At his cubicle, his desk been trashed, mostly paper were scatter everywhere. Gus knew who did it by the image tagged to the fake cubicle wall - a guy with black rim glasses sitting on a toilet. Gus knew this joke was meant to anger him. Many times Mick and Todd had messed with him and many times, he refused to acknowledge that he was hurt. This time they had gone too far.

Gus stood there staring at his desk. He didn't he feel the pain in his arm. He checked his watch. It was almost five. He decided to go home. Took his bag from his desk drawer and left. Instead of the elevator, he walked the stairs. He went to see his brother, Joe, to get his arm fix.

Joe didn't asked questions, he just fixed him up. Joe knew Gus well enough not to say anything. It was no use. His brother was too old for him to protect. He will have to fight the battle himself. Gus left Joe's office and went home. No broken bones but Gus felt like a loser. He stayed indoor all weekend not speaking to anyone.

Early Monday morning, Gus got in three hours early. He went to Mick and Todd's computer and proceed to copied files and then trashed their harddrive. He renamed their user names - MIck's to Todd's secret lover. He then did the same to Todd's computer with Mick's name. H made sure it plays the song, "Secret lover" when they start their computer. Gus laughed to himself. It was the first time he felt comfortable at work since he started working there last year. Gus also created memos with Todd proclaiming his love for Mick and another one with Mick proclaiming his love for Todd. Gus wonders what their girlfriend's gonna think when they hears this. They worked at the office above. Gus sent emailed the memos to everyone in the office. Gus chuckled as imagined what their reaction would be when they come in.

Gus sat in his cubicle and pretended to work on his boss' laptop which he had already fixed. He heard laughter around the office. Mick's and Todd's angry voices raise and fall as they tried to get their computers to work. Gus tried not to laugh as their boss yelled at them for their incompetence.

"Have you heard? Someone messed with Mick and Todd's computers. And did you get that memo, oh wow!" It was Zoey staring down at him. He nodded his head. "I've got the memo,' he said trying not to look at her. Zoey laughed and said, "I wonder who did it." She smiled at him as if she knew. Gus turned his face away. He was turning beet red. Zoey doesn't seem to notice. She walked off smiling. Gus tried not to smile as Mick and Todd came over to asked him to fix their computers. Gus said he had a huge workload and couldn't possibly help them. Mick and Todd smiled nervously as they begged him. They even got down on their hands and knees and brought him coffee. Gus casually said he will try his best to help them as soon as he can. They thanked him profusely and left. That very day, Gus decided to ask Zoey out even if there's a chance she would say no. Gus smiled all day as he work.

Read part 2 here.

Decision

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It was a hard decision but it must be make. Her will to separate herself from this familiar place she had called home, did not make it easier. Her mind was make up as the sun rises, shinning a new light to this house that she had live for so many years. Through the cracked walls and wet floors, Rose walked through the place for one last time. All these years she still remembered. It seem like yesterday when they had first moved in. Four kids and five grandkids later, their lives was interrupted.

How she wished it was not true. How she hoped she could stayed but the decision was made. Not just hers alone but also her husband's. It was a harsh reality for both of them. Their beloved home deteriorating in from of their eyes. Never to rise again. It was just the two of them, Rose and her husband Jimmy. Their kids had long since moved to a different city.

The government had declared a state of emergency but only a few was willing to leave. Those who stayed behind had hope th