The Tale of the Two Princes : Wheel and Deal | Part 3
The weather isn't cooperating with Prince Nathan and Princess Amelie's plan, and a storm's eye appears to be on its way. The rain was torrential, and the wind was shrieking, blowing dead leaves from the large tree where they were hunkered down.
Princess Amelie awakened to the frigid wind touching her face. She noticed a cloth wrapped around her. It's the prince's cape. She smiled and wondered where the prince had gone because he was no longer at her side.
Then, Prince Nathan entered the tree cave, bringing with him a variety of fruits. He also brought mint leaves, which he intended to use to prepare tea for them to sip in the chilly weather.
"Prince Nathan, you're completely soaked! Here's your cape. Uhm. Thanks for letting me use this." she said, smiling but worried the prince might get sick.
"Thank you, Princess." he smiled.
"A-uhm... It's nothing. Hehe. I-I'm going to make some tea."
After a couple of minutes...
"Here's our tea— P-Prince Nathan!" the princess panicked when the prince suddenly collapsed in front of her. She felt his face to examine him, and he's feverish.
"O-Oh no... What am I gonna do?" She looked down at her long gown and undoubtedly tore a piece of it. She soaked the cloth in water and tenderly wiped the prince's face.
Since it was uncomfortable for her to bend over, she lifted the prince's head and laid it on her lap. There she beheld the prince's lovely face. His eyebrows are thick, his eyelashes are lengthy, he has a pointed nose, and he has pinkish crimson heart-shaped lips.
"What have I done in my life to deserve this kind of view? He's quite handsome. A beautifully sculpted face. I'm wondering if she has a girlfriend or a fiancé." she said as she soaked the cloth once again.
"I don't have a girlfriend or a fiancé, just so you know." the prince said nonchalantly, his eyes closed.
The princess was startled and about to leave her seat when the prince grabbed her hand and stopped her.
"D-Don't leave," he shivered in the cold. The prince never let go of the princess's hand till they fell asleep.
It was a bright day the next morning. The birds are chirping merrily, and the forest seems peaceful. It does not look like a storm passed through that area last night. When Prince Nathan opened his eyes, he saw that the princess was still gripping his hand. She's still sleeping as she sits and leans against the tree cave's wall.
The prince smiled. He rose from his supine position on the princess' lap and approached her. He brushed the beautiful princess's hair away from her face and tenderly touched her face.
Princess Amelie was startled awake when she saw the prince's face close to hers. Prince Nathan has softly taken her chin in his hands and is going to kiss her.
Then suddenly...
*Boooggssh!* One of the tree's limbs falls to its trunk, shaking the tree in which they were staying. Perhaps as a result of the storm's impact last night.
"Seriously?..." Prince Nathan shook his head and bit his lower lip in frustration. He cast a glance towards the princess, and they burst out laughing.
"Ahem. You know what, let's go. The creatures are dormant as the sun rises. We're safe to wander the forest in search of a route out." the prince said out of embarrassment.
"Y-You're right. We must go now." The princess tries to cover her flushed cheeks as the prince helps her in leaving the tree cave.
The surroundings were so peaceful that you'd never guess there were so many terrifying beasts lurking within that forest. There are numerous fruit varieties found here, the water in the streams and rivers are clean and clear, and the air is fresh.
"I just wanted to thank you for looking after me last night when I was sick. I owe you my life." the prince said, breaking the silence as they walked through the woods while attempting to hold the princess' hand.
"Don't mention it. It's nothing compared to the several times you protected me from the beasts we faced here." she replied, taking the prince's hand without looking at him.
The prince was taken aback by what the princess did, but they eventually clasped hands and smiled as they continued to walk.
After approximately two hours of walking, they came across a little cottage in the middle of the woods. They promptly called outside the house to see if anyone was there, but no one replied. They cautiously opened the door and entered the cottage.
"Hello? Is there anyone here?"
"What brings you here, young man?" an old woman said. She is blind and sitting beside the window.
"Oh! Uhm... Ahem... Uhm... Sorry to intrude. I tried to call outside but... but... Sorry, ma'am, we're lost and we can't find our way out of this forest," he stammered, startled because he assumed no one was home.
"Outsiders. You are hasty in exploring a place where you are uncertain. Sorry to disappoint you, but there is no way out of this forest." the old lady replied.
"Is there another way? I'm willing to do anything just help us get out of this forest," Princess Amelie said.
"Anything?" the old lady asked.
"Anything." the princess answered.
"You can only get out of this place if you offer the part of the soul of your loved one in this bottle..."
"What do you mean? Is he going to die?" the princess asked.
"No, my child. No, not yet. Offer a portion of your loved one's soul in this bottle, and if you betrayed the one you love, his entire soul will be mine. That is the point at which your loved one will die." the old lady explained.
"That's unfair! I can't let you die. I love you, Nathan." Princess Amelie is sobbing and staring worriedly at Prince Nathan.
"I love you too, Princess Amelie. You have no idea how happy you made me."
"You don't have to be worried; I trust you with my whole life. I'm certain you won't betray me." he added.
"Hmm. Fascinating. So, what is your plan?" the old lady asked.
"Take my soul." Prince Nathan answered.
To be continued.
Hey-lo!
*My head hurts from writing dialogues, and as you can see, I'm no pro, but I feel like I need to challenge myself, so I tried writing in a non-POV manner, and now I'm stuck with it. Haha. The pain!*
*As always, I hope you enjoy and find this article interesting, and I appreciate you taking the time to read this all the way through. Let's catch up in the comments section!*
*xoxo.*
What to read next?
**The Tale of the Two Princes : Vying for the Throne │ Part 1** https://read.cash/@KirstenCassandra/the-tale-of-the-two-princes-vying-for-the-throne-part-1-eb1695cc
**The Tale of the Two Princes : Unshackled from the Forest | Part 4** https://noise.cash/post/l66qrp2w
The Tale of the Two Princes : Meeting the Princess │ Part 2
"Hey!" Prince Nathan came to his senses when the lady clapped her hands in front of his face to get his attention.
"Sorry, what?" He seemed to be hypnotized and bewitched by her beauty, and his mind was taken beyond space.
"Are you dumb?" she asked, her brow furrowed.
"Pardon me?"
"Tch. You're not just dumb. You're deaf as well." she mocked the prince.
"You know what, lady, you're right. I should just let that beast swallow you whole; I'm a dumb for saving you earlier." he sarcastically said.
"Did you just give me a sidelong glance? I was just keen to know who my bumbling hero was. Are you revealing your true colors, young man?" she yelled angrily.
The prince was about to speak when they suddenly heard the pounding footsteps of another large creature. It thundered all over the forest, causing the birds to fly in different directions. The prince drew his sword from his glittering sheath once again and listened to the loud footsteps of an opponent he was going to meet.
"I must go now. It's dangerous to stay here in this horrific forest with you." the prince said.
"W-Waaaiiiittt! I'm sorry. D-Don't leave me here alone. Please take me with you. I-I'm begging you." She's trembling with fear.
"Hurry up!" The prince couldn't resist the lady's weeping eyes, so he grabbed her arm and they ran together.
The night came, owls and wolves can be heard hooting and howling. Prince Nathan and his princess are still trying to find their way out of the forbidden forest. They came through a bunch of terrifying beasts on their journey, but fortunately they are still alive.
They're in luck since there are fireflies all over the place, brightening up the gloomy atmosphere. Both are hungry, bruised, wretched, exhausted, and powerless. They discovered a vast tree cave and slept there for a while.
"kroook-kruwuuuk∼"
"What's that?" He opened his eyes in fright and saw the lady clutching her stomach. Made him realized that he's hungry too.
"Wait for me here." He went out to the tree cave and sought for food to satisfy their hunger.
He noticed a banana tree by the lake not far from the tree cave where they are staying. He took a bunch of its fruit and also water to drink and use to cleanse their wounds.
"Banana? I extremely dislike that fruit; is there any fruit other than bananas in this forest?" she said as she noticed the banana he was carrying when he arrived.
"You don't want to eat this? You'll starve yourself to death for being so dramatic."
"Fine. Argh!" The lady had no option but to eat the bananas served by the prince.
"If we want to get out of this forest alive, we must be tough. Being dramatic and overly sensitive has no room in this place. Eat. I'll treat your wounds when you've finished eating." The prince said.
"Uhm, thank you very much for saving me so many times... And I-I apologize for what happened earlier. I insulted you despite the fact that I had no idea who you were." She said it sincerely as she bowed her head in shame.
"Don't mention it. Uhm, I am Prince Nathan of the Kingdom of Alveria. You are...?"
"I am Princess Amelie of the Kingdom of Maldonia."
"Maldonia... That is a bit far away. How did you get here?" he said.
"My friend in the Kingdom of Cyra invited me to a banquet, when we were on our way there, bandits stopped us and killed the soldiers and even the coachman. I was the only one who escaped unscathed. I ran as fast as I could and ended myself here in this forest." she explained.
"I'm sorry to hear that. That's traumatic for you. Don't worry, after we've escaped this forbidden forest, I'll take you back to your kingdom." he said assertively.
"Your wounds are cleansed; now rest, and we'll leave early tomorrow morning at sunrise." he added.
"Thank you. Good night, Prince Nathan."
"Good night, Princess Amelie."
To be continued.
Hey-lo!
It's been a while, char! I've been experiencing internet connection troubles recently, which is why I'm unable to upload consistently. *sigh*
I said I wasn't going to make this story much longer, but I don't know what happened. Haha! However, I hope you find this interesting and enjoyable to read. I'm glad to see you in the comments. xoxo.
Santé!
What to read next?
**The Tale of the Two Princes : Vying for the Throne │ Part 1** https://read.cash/@KirstenCassandra/the-tale-of-the-two-princes-vying-for-the-throne-part-1-eb1695cc
**The Tale of the Two Princes : Wheel and Deal | Part 3** https://read.cash/@KirstenCassandra/the-tale-of-the-two-princes-wheel-and-deal-part-3-ad4626db
The Tale of the Two Princes : Vying for the Throne │ Part 1
Once upon a time, in a distant castle, there lived a pair of handsome princes, Prince Nathan and Prince William. They're very close together. They share the same bedroom interior, outfits, jewelries, and even crowns. Their parents, the king and queen, love them so much.
As they got older, the king and queen noticed that Prince Nathan is strong, courteous, diligent, kind-hearted, and cheerful, which is a kingly attitude. Prince William, on the other hand, is diametrically opposite to his brother. He's obstinate, sluggish, arrogant, and boastful.
One day, the king invited his two princes to ride their horses around the courtyard of the castle. Before they could get very far, the king's horse became enraged, and the monarch fell on his horse. The king's servants approached him quickly and brought him to his bedroom.
According to the doctor, the king had just one month remaining in his life due to a brain complication caused by the accident. The king promptly summoned his two sons for a will-writing caucus.
"My dear sons, I'm sure you've heard that I'm about to die. Don't be sad because of it. I'm glad I've seen you two mature into fine men who will protect our kingdom in the future. Before I die, I want you to grant my final wish."
"What exactly is it, Father? You know I'll do anything for you, right?" Prince William said enthusiastically.
"Seriously, William?; Don't say that, father. There has to be another way for you to be treated. This kingdom needs you." Prince Nathan frowned at his brother.
"Oh, Nathan! Come on! I'm sure you're eagerly looking forward to receiving your inheritance as well. Let's not play games here, brother." William smirked.
"Enough of this nonsense! Can't you see? Your father is dying, and you're debating over your inheritance in front of him? What an imbecile!" The Queen exclaimed.
"Calm down, my queen. Let's get things settled so we can put this conversation to rest." the king whispered with his eyes closed and grasping his queen's hand.
"I hereby declare that whomever of you two marries first and has a kid will be crowned king of this kingdom." the king proclaimed.
"But, my king—" the queen attempts to defy his king's will.
"That is final. I ordered. Now you can go back to your rooms." the king said firmly.
Prince Nathan was confused as he walked out of his father's room. Many thoughts were racing through his head and he did not realize that he had reached the forbidden forest, which his father had warned them not to enter because of the ferocious creatures that live there.
He drew his sword and took a step back from the woods. He was about to leave the forest when he heard someone scream.
"HEEEEEELLLLLPPPPP!!"
Just like the usual fairytale, of course, it's a lady's voice. He searched every corner of the forest for the owner of that voice. He is concerned that she will be devoured by the forest's wild creatures.
He found a gigantic strange creature approaching the tree where the lady is hiding. He approached the monster's back with caution and sawed it in half.
"T-Thank you. I thought I was going to die," the lady said trembling without looking at him.
`KirstenCassandra: I wish I could write that Prince Nathan just leave you there to be devoured by that monster, but you, lady, are the key to making this article at least a 5-minute read so I have no choice but to keep you alive. Argh! Okay. Continue.`
"Don't mention it. You can come with me to the castle. It's a safer place—" He suddenly froze as the beautiful lady he was with finally showed her face.
They locked their gazes on one other. There are no words coming out of their mouths. As though they were communicating in a language that only the two of them could understand. That must be love at first sight.
*To be continued.*
Hey-lo!
Still remember me? Hehe.
This story is separated into two parts because it is too long to be included in a single article. I'm still adjusting a little bit in terms of creating stories since procrastination pops up from time to time. But I'll try to post an article at least four times a week. Hihi.
Thank you for visiting, and I hope you find this interesting. Let me know what you think in the comments; I'd love to hear them.
Santé!
What to read next?
**The Tale of the Two Princes : Meeting the Princess │ Part 2** https://read.cash/@KirstenCassandra/the-tale-of-the-two-princes-meeting-the-princess-part-2-aba6bd31
Prompt Factory: The Secrets Behind my Gallery
Hey-lo!
I haven't posted in this platform in over a month. Isn't this a lengthy hiatus? Well, I've lost my momentum to get back on track in these last few weeks, which I believe is normal. My dear fella encourages me to take on this challenge. Maybe he's inadvertently pressuring me to end my procrastination and resume writing. Hehe.
Isn't that a catchy title? Sounds dark. Lol. The fact is that there isn't much to see here, but let's see what I can do to spice it up a little.
Oldest Photo
This is the oldest photo in my camera roll, having been taken in 2011. It was snapped on a video as I was playing keyboard. I was probably in high school at the time, and working on a song titled "Go Back." I just have a hazy memory of it since I lost the recording copy of the lyrics.
Latest Photo
Oops! Face reveal? Lol. And yes, the sun is a paid actor. Hahaha! This photo was taken earlier this morning, and I had just finished drying my hair. I took another shower in the office because I was sweaty after jogging into the village where our workplace is located.
You probably don't want to show people your sweaty and haggard look, do you?
Working Under Pressure
That's what I promised to this company when they interviewed me for this job. Keeping in mind that I have three bosses here with me, imagine, how I can do it if those three bosses give me tasks at the same time. Well, I'm using three laptops tho. Haha!
I remember the HR manager asking me, "Can you work under pressure?"
And I said firmly, "Ma'am, I am the first grandchild of a Chinese businessman and the eldest daughter of a single mom (that time), my life is full of pressures and I'm used to it."
She smiled and voila! I'm hired.
The Food I Want to Eat Again
When was the last time I dined at Samgyupsalamat? I can't even remember. I was anxious about going out, taking off my facemask, and wolfing down at the Korean restaurant.
I usually eat alone, see movies in the cinema, go grocery shopping, or go for a walk in the park by myself, but due to the pandemic, I am limiting myself from wandering around if it is not absolutely necessary.
Maybe I'll order this at home next time and invite my cousin over for dinner. Hello, food coma.
My Last Tanning Getaway Photo
This place is in a hotel somewhere in Pasay City. Again, I can't recall the name of the hotel. I'm terrible at remembering stuff, I'm terribly sorry.
That tanning getaway is a hoax. I didn't get a chance to tan in the pool because it was that time of the month for me. Of course, you don't want to actually see the Red Sea, right?
So I'm just sitting there, pigging out while watching my relatives swim in the pool.
Someone I Admire
Without a doubt! My chinita mom is the person I really admire. Wait. My sister and I are not adopted kids. It's just that my dad's blood is stronger than my mom's.
I respect and admire my mom for being such a great mother to us. She sacrifices her dream career on the ship just to look after us. I'm very proud of her for taming those two lioness beside her and raising them to be nice people to the best of her ability. Mom, I love you!
One of the Best Gifts I've Ever Received
This is a gift from my future lawyer, Sislytherin, Ate Isabelle, for my birthday last year. I nearly fell into tears when she handed it to me. She never left me, even in my darkest times, and for that I will be forever grateful.
Also, I love this since I've been a Potterhead since second grade, when I received my first Harry Potter book from my grandfather, and I have loved Harry ever since.
A Photo With My Friends
When Ate Isabelle took this shot, I was cracking jokes, which is why my eyes are 'missing' as I'm smiling there. Hehe! We were attending an intimate wedding of a friend at the time, and it was the first time we had seen each other in four months due to the lockdown.
I miss these two! And, of course, our other friends too.
Kitty Cat Photo
Aren't they adorably cute? Take a look at those necklaces; I made it for them. Hihi. I'm more of a cat person than a dog person, like my bestie, Ms. Taylor Swift. Their names are Dahuu and Dasik, by the way. My sister found them near the bridge.
Sadly, Dahuu passed away last year. He was poisoned by our cat-hating neighbor. That is how cruel the world is to those creatures. They only want to survive, but some people want to harm them just because they are irritated.
Another Best Gift
Wendy, my loving boyfriend, gave me this a few years ago as an anniversary present. As far as I remember, that was a difficult year for both of us. It's all in the caption. Haha!
I'm impressed at how he's been able to handle the dragon within me for seven years, and I consider myself lucky and blessed to have this man by my side. Still wondering why his ex let him getaway just to reach out to him again. M'kay, enough tea. Next!
I Have an Old Soul
I enjoy spending my alone time reading books, letters, and poems. Others may think it is sad, strange, and dull, but it calms me and allows me to escape from the harsh reality of life.
I am grateful because someone does things like this for me all the time to help me manage my psychological distress. And I sincerely appreciate it. Hi, @alykavinsky
Bonjour!
Am I that generous enough to show this much? Haha! I'm having a lot of fun with this prompt. This is a brilliant way to get me back into the habit of writing stories, I think.
Special thanks to @meitanteikudo for doing this challenge. I've seen a lot of photos in different galleries today because of this. Lol.
If you wish to participate in this prompt, you might want to look at this one:
**Prompt: Gallery Raid****.** https://read.cash/@meitanteikudo/prompt-gallery-raid-c8105819
It's good to be back! Let's catch up in the comments. Santé!
Earth After Dark : Pointing Guns | Part 4
"W-what!? W-what n-now? Are you going to kill me or not?" I said boldly, as the humanoid robot I had mended earlier was still staring at me since I opened the cubicle door.
"Why did you left me? You activated me only to abandon me?" He asked, exasperatedly.
"Hey!" He snapped his fingers to catch my attention away from his blue eyes as he spoke fiercely. I am astounded. He seemed and functioned like a human.
"Oh, I-I just took a shower." I'm still clutching my towel over my body. I don't want him to see what's inside the burrito wrap, of course.
"All right, I have something for you to wear, so go to Chanel and get dressed. I'm only downstairs, and I'll cook us dinner." he said as he exited the shower room.
What just happened? Did I just get myself a boyfriend? Lol. I breathed a sigh of relief. I left the shower area and walked to the store where he said I had to go.
I entered the Chanel Store, which was located next to the mall's back office entrance. This is going to be my second walked-in closet. I am astounded by what I see, until I notice a black dress and a tiny piece of paper on the table.
***To the Most Beautiful Lady on the Planet,***
***Thank you for bringing my heart back to life after it had been dead for a long time.***
***For that reason, I want to make you happy tonight, tomorrow, and forever. I am all yours.***
***I'll see you later.***
***Elio***
I can't stop myself from smiling. My inner self is screaming. I can't breathe! My *kilig* has gotten out of my hand. I can't think of anything to say. What exactly am I feeling? Something strange is tickling my stomach; are these butterflies? Gosh! Alright, calm down, Luna.
I dressed up, put a light make-up, and left the Chanel Store. To my utmost happiness, I turned on all of the mall's lights as well as the spotlights outside. I also played my favorite playlist. You may vibe with me by just pressing the play button right there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVuyi-dPMIc
I was going to head down to where Elio was cooking when I realized my purse was in the gaming store. Elio, Elio, Elio. What a sweet name.
I wish I could fly... I'd—♫ ♬
I stopped singing when I noticed a swarm of cockroaches inside the gaming store. I'm terrified of cockroaches, especially the flying ones. Who isn't?
I entered the gaming store slowly to retrieve my purse, but it seemed that they noticed that I was about to enter their fort and they flew towards me.
"AaaaAAAAaaaaaAAAhhhhhhh!!!!" I screamed as I hurried out of the store. I can feel the chill running up the back of my neck. I faced the store once again, wondering how I was going to get my stuff inside when I sensed someone behind me.
"Uhm. Hello? Are you okay?" I heard an unfamiliar voice behind me. It was a man, but it wasn’t Elio.
As I cautiously turned around, I noticed a man aiming a gun at me. Seriously? While pointing his gun at me, he asks me if I'm okay. Of course I'm not okay! I'm terrified! Is he a cop? Will he charge me for everything I took at the mall? Am I going to die?
My heart felt like it was about to burst with fear. My only reaction to his query was a blink. Then, seemingly out of nowhere...
"Drop your gun, now!" Elio was furious. He appeared behind the guest and pointed his revolver at the back of his head.
The man threw down his gun and put his hands on his head.
"I didn't come here to raise a ruckus. Like you, I am a survivor, scouring the streets looking for other survivors, if there are any." He explained in a firm tone.
"Put your gun away, Elio." I said, and he immediately did so, placing the revolver in his gun belt.
"Uhm. Please accept my apologies for greeting you in this manner; my name is Luna Dominique Murphy, and that is Elio."
"It's alright. I'm James Anderson Smith." He answered.
"Would you mind me asking, uhm, are you a human or are you also a robot like him?" I asked.
"What? Of course I'm a human. Wait, did you just say he's a robot?" he said, astonished.
"Yeah, quiet fascinating right?" I said in a hushed tone.
We both chuckled. I'm glad since I've just lately had the chance to speak with someone other than my parents. It's weird, but I have a strong feeling that I knew this person a long time ago.
"I grilled a steak at a restaurant downstairs. You might want to join us for dinner, James." Elio said with a poker face.
"I'd love to, if that's okay with you." James said as he stared at me.
"Of course, please join us. I'm starving, so shall we?" I said cheerfully, walking ahead of them, unaware of what was going on behind my back.
To be continued.
Hey-Lo, Beautiful fellas!
This is my POV on @meitanteikudo 's recent article titled **At The Mall ( EAD )**, which is part of the Earth After Dark theme. https://read.cash/@meitanteikudo/at-the-mall-ead-51194d89
I hope you read this as well so that everything makes sense and you can keep up with what happens next. *wink-wink* Hi, @Ayane-chan and @Ellehcim Heheee!
How are you doing? I hope you're in good shape as you read this article. Again, I appreciate you taking the time to read this all the way through.
Let's catch up in the comments section!
Xoxo.
**Lead image from Wallpaperflare**
What to read next?
***Earth After Dark : Mutterseelenallein | Part 1*** https://read.cash/@KirstenCassandra/earth-after-dark-mutterseelenallein-part-1-5af9968a
***Earth After Dark : Lovers' Quarrel? | Part 5*** https://read.cash/@KirstenCassandra/earth-after-dark-lovers-quarrel-part-5-41901bc4
Parallel Lines [RRFB]
I woke up early. Today is the day I've been waiting for. I am about to leave the country. This place holds a lot of terrible memories for me, and I want to get away from them.
I booked a plane ticket to Los Angeles a week ago and waited for a sign or hint if I would stay, but there was none. Maybe this is the answer to all of my questions.
**Good luck and Von Voyage!** That was written on one of my suitcases. I am staring at it when a car horn smashes through my deep thoughts. When I checked my phone, I noticed a notification indicating the cab I had booked had arrived.
I pile my luggage and bags into the cab and get in.
Time flies like my thoughts. I hadn't realized I'd arrived at the airport until the cab driver finished unloading my luggage and placed them on the trolley. I pushed the trolley into the airport, checked in for my flight and handed over my belongings.
Suddenly, my eyes were drawn to a stunning lady dressed in a lovely rose-colored dress. I approached her despite my shyness.
"Hi, Miss, are you taken?" Because of my great anxiousness, these words spilled out of my mouth. You're a blithering idiot, Genesis.
"S-Sorry, what?" Luckily, she was wearing airpods while staring into space.
"I mean, is this seat taken?" I said, pointing to the seat next to her.
"No. It's alright, you may sit there.." She smiled as she talked, allowing me to see her gleaming white teeth.
"So, to which country are you traveling?" I was startled when she took off her airpods and spoke to me.
"Uhm, L.A., how about you?" I asked her.
"My flight had already taken off. I let my boyfriend, er, ex-boyfriend, leave on his own. I found out by accident that he had cheated on me." She explained.
"Such a jerk. It's his loss."
"I know." After she said it, she glanced at me and we both chuckled.
*"Good afternoon passengers. This is the pre-boarding announcement for flight 89B to Los Angeles, CA. We are now inviting those passengers with small children, and any passengers requiring special assistance, to begin boarding at this time. Please have your boarding pass and identification ready. Regular boarding will begin in approximately ten minutes time. Thank you."*
"It looks like you're leaving at any moment now." Her eyes were filled with sadness when she spoke those words.
"Wait... I'm Genesis.." I said.
"It's Cassidy Gabri..." She didn't finish what she was saying when the airport announced again.
*"This is the final boarding call for passenger* ***Genesis Gabriel Collins*** *booked on flight 89B to Los Angeles, CA. Please proceed to gate 3 immediately. The final checks are being completed and the captain will order for the doors of the aircraft to close in approximately five minutes time. I repeat. This is the final boarding call for* ***Genesis Gabriel Collins****. Thank you."*
"That's it. I suppose... See you when I see you, Cassidy?" I said as I looked into her sparkling hazel eyes. And I noticed that I could see myself in those.
"I guess... Good luck to your new journey. Von Voyage!" She said.
After we said our goodbyes, I turned around and proceeded to the boarding gate. When I was comfortably seated on the plane, I took my phone out of my pocket and began searching for Cassidy on social media.
"Oh, shooot!" I was annoyed with myself since I had forgotten to ask for her full name in order to find her on social media.
"Sir? Is there any problem?" The flight attendant asked me in a hushed tone.
"Oh, nothing. Thank you." I said.
"Also, Sir, you can use your phone in airplane mode in-flight, but please, it must be switched completely off during take-off and landing." She said.
"Okay. I'm sorry..." I am embarrassed by my stupidity. I shut off my phone and put it in my pocket.
That was seven years ago.
I picked up my luggage in the baggage reclaim area and head out of the airport. I am now eager to go looking for her on my own. I was enchanted to meet her. I spent a long time searching the internet for her, but I couldn't find her. I had no idea there were so many Cassidys out there, but she is the one I've been longing for.
"Ah! My nose!" I was struck by a running toddler. He's pinching his nose since that's what landed on my thigh before he fell down.
"Hey, kid. Are you okay?" I picked him up from the ground and shake the dust off his clothes.
"I apologize for what my son— Genesis? I-Is that you?"
"Cassidy." I am stunned. Just like when I first met her at this airport.
"Is he really your son?" I asked.
"Yes." She smiled at me again, but this time it was brighter than the last. I noticed a set of rings on her ring finger as she took her son from my arms.
"So you've married now.." All of the blood in my body seemed to have gone to my feet.
"Yes. Happily married. How about you?"
"Daddyyyyyy!!" The boy was overjoyed to see his father approaching us.
"Oh! My not so little boy... and my gorgeous wife." He took the kid from Cassidy's arms and kissed them both in front of me as if I didn't exist.
"Oh, Dear, here is my old friend Genesis, Genesis, my husband, Aiden..." She said.
"Cassidy used to tell me so much about you. It's nice to finally meet you." He said politely.
"We must get going. You must have been tired from the trip as well. It's really nice to meet you again, Genesis." She said while smiling genuinely.
I called her one last time as she was walking away.
"Cassidy. What is your name?" I asked her.
She turned to face me and said, "It's Cassidy Gabrielle Reyes-Smith."
I'm having a lot of "what ifs" going through my head right now. What if she was the sign I needed to keep me from leaving the country? What if I didn't leave? Who knows, maybe I'm the one she's with today, along with our son.
Six lanes of highway separate us, with no overpasses or underpasses to cross. I suppose we're analogous to parallel lines. We will never meet, no matter how hard we try.
What a tragic novel this is. But I am more than happy that you are happy right now. You are living the life you have always wanted. Maybe I'll just be here, loving you from afar while you don't even realize it.
**Hey-lo, beautiful fellas!**
*Time check! 2:21 a.m. (PHT)* I woke up again and lost my somnolence, so I decided to finish this article right now.
I feel sorry for Genesis. He'd have a girlfriend now if he'd only asked me to find Cassidy on social media. Lol.
Well, kidding aside, it just goes to show that not everything we want is ours to have, and that sometimes we don't know the person we're looking for is there in front of us.
Whaaat? I'm not sure if what I'm saying makes sense to you. Anyway, I appreciate you taking the time to read this all the way through.
Let's catch up in the comments section!
Xoxo.
Earth After Dark : The Surgery | Part 3
I entered the gaming store with caution, my gaze drawn to the severed head of the robot lying on the floor. I was astounded; I had only been unconscious for two months, yet our country had created something like this. I picked up the head from the floor like it was a basketball and stared at it. His face is beautifully sculpted. His face looked familiar, but I can't remember where I saw him.
"AaaaAAAaaaahhhhh!! What the fudge!!"
I screamed again, this time louder, and was on the verge of passing out from panic when I noticed the eye of the head I was holding open and I tossed the head away abruptly. My heartbeat was thumping because of terror, I was having difficulty breathing, and I ended up sitting on the floor due to severe chest pain.
I hastily opened my purse and took out the *nitroglycerin* to improve blood flow to the heart. If I were to die now, I would at least die dang gorgeous, right? In fact, if you placed me next to Aurora, you could be confused as to who the real Sleeping Beauty is. Lol.
And I passed out.
I woke up in the middle of the night. I was still sprawled on the floor in my enchanted gown. I'm trying to remember what happened when I noticed the humanoid robot's head for the second time. When I approached it and inspected it, I noticed that the right brow of its face had been scraped. Probably because I tossed him hardly earlier. I am sorry.
I grabbed the head once again and decided to walk closer to its body, which was merely obscured by the counter table. I tried to lift his body, but the weight of his Captain America-like body seemed to disintegrate my entire existence. Wait... His face looks exactly like Chris Evans too. I was stunned.
Okay, Luna. Stop it. Maybe I'll be able to repair this Chris Evans-like humanoid robot. Thank goodness, I studied Robotics and Automation, so I know how to fix this or maybe not. Perhaps it will help me find answers to my questions about what happened to this world and to my parents.
I started the "surgery" after gathering everything I needed from several stores here at the mall, such as food, water, tools, and equipment. I guess I am the only doctor that does surgery while wearing this. Lol.
I had no idea how many hours or days had gone; all I knew was that I smelled like garbage right now, so a few days had probably passed when I began repairing this. I plugged in the cable that connects the robot to the computer and start programming it. I can't stop and stand here because the number of thoughts rushing through my head causes me to lose focus of what I'm doing.
Finally, I'm almost done. I only need to press F5 to see if the code will run. I nervously pressed the F5 key. After minutes of waiting... compiling...
COMPILED SUCCESSFULLY.
Oh my gosh, are you serious? I finished it! I'm so proud of myself; I have no idea how I did it, but I did! What should be the next step? How can I get this thing to work? Maybe there's a switch somewhere.
I looked for a button on the neck, hand, and foot but couldn't find any. I guess I should unbutton his... I'm hesitant to do it since I haven't seen anything like "that", but I guess I should unbuckled his belt and removed his... Polo. His polo top is tucked into his slacks.
Only now, in my 18 years on earth, have I seen a man in topless. Although he is not a human but still, it is so awkward. It is quite embarrassing. Sorry about that, robot. I just have to get it done.
I noticed a device on his chest with a button and instructions at the bottom that stated "Press the red button and kiss the droid on the lips to activate." Whaaat? Kiss on the lips? Seriously? I waited a long time for my first kiss, and now just a robot will be my first kiss? Oh, why?
I suppose I can't do anything about it; I don't have a choice, and because I am the only person on the planet, my chances of kissing another guy are nil. I closed my eyes and leaned slowly just like in the movies, and kissed him.
I opened my eyes to see what happened but I guess it didn't work. Does the manufacturer pranking me? Does he really just want me to kiss a piece of metal? Maybe it didn't work because I was filthy. I don't know how many days I have gone without taking a shower. I think I'll take a cold bath to help me decide what to do next.
I was in the shower when I heard something strange outside the cubicle, so I rinsed the bubbles out of my body and wrapped the towel around me like a fresh burrito.
My eyes widened when I saw the humanoid robot standing in front of my cubicle. He's staring at me blankly. Is there a bug in the system on which I worked? He looks like a psychopath guy in the movies.
I'm hoping he doesn't cut the burrito in half.
To be continued.
Hey-lo, beautiful fellas!
First and foremost, I apologize if you find any typos or grammatical errors in this article.
I didn't get enough sleep today, and we're still on site finishing up our work.
Anyway, I appreciate you taking the time to read this all the way through.
Let's catch up in the comments section!
Xoxo.
What to read next?
***Earth After Dark : Mutterseelenallein | Part 1*** https://read.cash/@KirstenCassandra/earth-after-dark-mutterseelenallein-part-1-5af9968a
***Earth After Dark : Pointing Guns | Part 4*** https://read.cash/@KirstenCassandra/earth-after-dark-pointing-guns-part-4-674b527c
Earth After Dark : Princess Wannabe | Part 2
The sound of heavy rain awakened me up. I don't know if I will get out of this bed, my life doesn't matter anymore. I no longer have a desire to live because I have lost my family and loved ones. I am now alone. It's as if Thanos came while I was unconscious and snapped his fingers to obliterate the whole cosmos.
*Krook-krooooook*
That strange sound is coming from my stomach; the little dragon within is pleading with me to eat. Maybe when my stomach is full, I'll be able to think of anything decent. My body was still suffering from my protracted hibernation, so I got out of bed gingerly.
When I finally got to the kitchen, I opened the refrigerator right away; I'd gone a long way just to find rotting vegetables and fruits in the fridge. The cupboard is also empty. What a life! What am I supposed to do now?
Suddenly, something in my mind lit up, like some kind of a light bulb. Supermarket. I was still hesitant to leave the house, but battling starvation was more difficult than battling anxiousness. Is that? It beats me. All I know is I am starving to death.
It is a good thing there is a mall just a few blocks away from our house. I stepped out the door and started walking towards the mall. The surroundings are very quiet, this kind of thing is not new to me. I've spent much of my life alone.
Maybe if I hadn't been born with this illness, I would have been happy before these things happened. I would have experienced the same things that other young people my age have. Going to regular school, making friends and hanging out with them every weekend, partying, and perhaps having someone to love and be loved sounds wonderful too.
After about almost half an hour of zoning out and walked slowly like a corpse that had just been risen from the dead, I finally arrived to the mall. The glass door is open, yet it is dark inside. I walked through the door and sought for the electrical panel; thankfully, the mall's floor diagram near the security station helped me find it right away.
My feet led me to what I assumed was the mall's back office; I'd been here before. I fainted the first and last time I entered the mall, and I was rushed to the clinic in the mall's back office. The entire mall lit up when I flicked the main breaker.
My lips parted. This mall is huge, yet no one is in it, but me. If there is a zombie apocalypse, this mall will most likely be the first stop for people to gather necessities and maybe a hiding place. I am ecstatic right now. I am living everyone's fantasy. To live in a mall and grab anything I want.
*Krook-krooooook*
Oh, dragon, stop! Alright, I'm going to feed you bu— wait— is that a radio room? It seems to be a studio. I can see it through the acrylic pane. And why am I again talking to myself aloud? Well, I'm alone, and no one will suspect that I am insane. Why bother?
I entered the room that appears to be a mini-studio. So this is where the sound comes from when someone speaks into the mall speaker. I booted up the computer and searched for Taylor Swift’s playlist. I was thrilled when I found Message In A Bottle on the playlist. I put it on right away. I switched on the microphone and said,
"This is for the people who are far away from the people they love and there is no way for them to see again. Message in a bottle is all we can do. Standing here, hoping it gets to them."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVaG6adE2mA
I left the radio room and began dancing to the music as I walked towards the supermarket.
Luckily, I came upon an electric wheelchair at the supermarket. I'm getting tired of walking. I dashed to the ready-to-eat goods area and rummaged through the shelves like a dancing raccoon.
When I was done eating, I roamed around until I came upon a boutique that sold gowns and cocktail dresses. I donned a gown that was nearly identical to Cinderella's. This gown is exquisite, and it is the perfect fit for me. But why do I look more like Cinderella's rag than a princess? Maybe I should put on some make-up.
I took the electric wheelchair again and went on my merry way, looking for make-up stores until I came to Dior—a French luxury fashion house. I only see these things on TV in my room, and it is hard to believe it is right before my eyes. I started messing with the makeup, trying to find the perfect shade for me. I put them to my face while watching a makeup tutorial on YouTube, and it turned out nicely. Also, I picked some stunning shoes and a sophisticated purse to match my outfit. I am so dang pretty!
I suddenly missed playing games, so I decided to go to a gaming store to see if any new games for the Nintendo Switch had been released.
"AaaaaaAAAHHhhhhh!!!"
I screamed in horror as I was about to enter the gaming store and saw a severed head by the glass door. But wait a second, it is not a human head. It is a robot's head that looks exactly like a human. What?
To be continued.
*Hi, beautiful fellas! It's me again.*
I've just returned from a quite lengthy hiatus due to being really busy in recent days, and I've missed writing articles, so here you go. I hope you enjoyed it. The next part will be published tomorrow, I hope. Heheesxc
*As always, it's a pleasure to have you here. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. xoxo*
**Lead image from Wallpaperflare**
What to read next?
**Earth After Dark : Mutterseelenallein | Part 1** https://read.cash/@KirstenCassandra/earth-after-dark-mutterseelenallein-part-1-5af9968a
***Earth After Dark : The Surgery | Part 3*** https://read.cash/@KirstenCassandra/earth-after-dark-the-surgery-part-3-25132672
Heartbreak Szn [RRFB]
“It's not you, it's me.”
“Maybe it’s not yet the right time for us.”
“I think we're better off as friends.”
“You’re just too good for me.”
Exactly! You are too good, you are perfect as you are, so why settle for less? Oh, I am sorry for interrupting your heartbreaking thoughts. It makes me *gigil* e. I want to punch that person in the face for breaking such a good heart as yours.
For them, it is just a few lines with a few words, but those lines will linger with you as you ride the subway home, the words that will cause you to doubt your self-worth and feel that no one can ever love you.
The words that kept repeating in your thoughts when you listened to your breakup songs like "All too well," "Come back... Be Here" and "I Almost Do" (hey, **Swifties**!) and sobbed yourself to sleep.
It's officially Heartbreak Season! Thank you, Taylor Swift and Adele, for being the sad girl autumn of all time. Which makes me wonder, when was the last time I felt heartbroken? I think this calls for a story time. Lol.
My first boyfriend and I broke up when the **All Too Well** released in 2012. Coincidence? Fate? Beats me. We've been dating for two years. We're happy, everything is perfect (at least for me), yet he wants us to split ways one day. Of course, it hurts. I am both bewildered and devastated; I believed he loved me, yet he left me.
A week later, I saw him at the mall with another girl, whom he identified as "just a friend." ***He kept her like a secret but I kept him like an oath***. (Nakakaiyak 'tong part na 'to ng 10-minute All Too Well eh.). I am so mad at him. I want to slap him in the face, curse him, and confront him and her right there and then, but I don't want to humiliate myself. Besides, we'd already broken up, so I simply stood there staring at them as they walked blissfully like we used to.
Months passed and I still love him. He doesn't update on Facebook, so I don't know what's going on with him; he is never been a fan of social media. I only know he is okay because his mom tells me whenever we meet somewhere. His parents still asking me, how I am doing, maybe that is why I can't move on. I still believe there is yet hope for us. Silly me.
Fate is a traitor sometimes. When I have finally moved on from the person who has hurt me, when my world has finally regained its serenity, a terrible news comes like a storm that will shatter my entire existence.
His mom called me on the day of our midterm exam and asked how I was; I told her it was my exam day, and she said maybe I could go to their house after my exam.Of course, I said yes. *Marupok.* I am excited, yet I am having an odd feeling. Something isn't quite right.
I was walking down the street near their house when I noticed a tent with several people outside. My chest was pounding, I felt like I was standing there like a statue. When my friends saw me, they hugged me. What exactly is going on? They're saying they're sorry. I am befuddled.
When I saw the tarpaulin outside their house with the words "In loving memory of..." I became dumb. Are these people playing a prank on me? No. I saw his body lying in the casket. What happened? How did this happened? I lost him again. I lost myself again.
My entire existence was further shattered when I discovered that he has Leukemia and he intended to show me that he had someone else so that I would be infuriated with him and only remember him in hatred until the day he died. I really hate myself. Instead of making the most of the time he was still here to make him happy, I didn't even pay him a visit and instead felt a deep hatred for him.
What is the takeaway here? Tell the truth to the person you love even though you know it will hurt them, because they will be affected no matter what you do. They may lose themselves and their will to live if they discover the truth. Better tell them sooner for them to be more receptive to all of this without condemning themselves.
I've already moved on. I am happy, too, but every time I hear that song, it makes me wonder. Is he aware that I am not mad at him? Is he aware that I hate myself because I didn't get the chance to be with him in his last breath? Does he know?
Lead Image via Unsplash
Can't Help Myself - Sun Yuan & Peng Yu
https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/34812
Sun Yuan and Peng Yu use an industrial robot, visual-recognition sensors, and software systems in this work commissioned for the Guggenheim Museum to investigate our increasingly automated global reality, one in which territories are mechanically controlled and the relationship between people and machines is rapidly changing. Their robot, which is hidden behind transparent acrylic walls, has one job: to keep a viscous, deep-red liquid inside a predefined region. When the sensors indicate that the fluid has travelled too far, the arm scoops it back into position, creating smudges on the floor and splashes on the surrounding walls. *(This was referenced on* ***Guggenheim.org****, and I summarized it.)*
I was watching this on YouTube last night and didn't realize I was crying while watching it move. I know it is odd because it is just a machine, but if you are a close friend of mine, you'll know I am an emotional and sentimental person.
Even videos of newborns smiling, photos of a duck and a puppy that close to each other, or an old couple who are sweet and adorable, I'm telling you, I'll cry over it.
I love visiting art museums because gazing at paintings, especially abstract ones, calms me down. My Grandfather influenced me since he is so passionate about arts; we share almost all of our hobbies, favorites, beliefs and skills. Now you already know who the favorite Sūnnǚ is. (Sorry, cousins!)
I have the impression that I can sense the artist's emotions while they work on their masterpiece. I also like to add theory to the paintings I see and put them down in my journal along with a photo of it.
But this art is different. I can see my past self. That machine was me back then. It seems to be constantly cleaning up the bits of itself as it falls apart alone, an endless loop of misery while everyone watches it for entertainment. That's what I was thinking at the time.
I used to isolate myself from people because I thought no one understood me anymore. I am trying to keep all my problems to myself, despite the fact that they're already overflowing; I'd rather keep them than include others in my own mess. I thought I had everything under control, but I was wrong.
As time goes by, I've learned that suppressing on something hurts more than letting go. Just like this machine, it is like picking up the pieces into your pocket, but your pocket has a hole in it.
It is okay to be fragile. It is okay to not be okay. Trying to be fine can be tiring sometimes. Most of the times. It is a constant battle of doing meaningless tasks to make it in life while being stuck there, behind the transparent acrylic walls.
Just stay where you are for the time being. Rest is necessary. Don't rush things, and everything will become clear to you as time passes.
*Hello, beautiful fellas!*
*I was just trying to put my sentiments into words so I could get them out of my head. I'm not sure whether this makes any sense. I'm completely drowsy right now.*
*Again, I'm grateful that you've stopped by to read my article. Let's catch up in the comments below. xoxo*
Lead image via Guggenheim.org https://www.guggenheim.org/
She is Hunted [RRFB]
Howard and I just got married. He works as a restaurant manager, while I am a customer service representative. We decided to live in his parents' house "temporarily" because it was spacious and we were still saving for our own home.
But the truth is, Howard is the only one who wants us to live here; I want us to have our own home, even if it means renting an apartment. However, in relationships, a compromise must be made for the two to reconcile, and I suppose I will be the one to make that sacrifice in this case.
Because of the pandemic, I am now working from home. Our company encourages us to stay at home in order to be safe while doing our tasks. Because Howard and his father were leaving to work, just my mother-in-law and I were left at home.
At first, it was a smooth sailing. My mother-in-law even brings me food to our room because I don't have time to walk downstairs. I merely fix my look when I get up in the morning, and I am already dealing with the plethora of complaints that our clients hurl at me. But, as time went on, she began to treat me differently.
Dinnertime came, we're in the dining room, four of us. I was anxious since I had nothing to do at home, so I helped my mother-in-law prepare the table as I normally do. What she said startled me.
"Darling, you don't have to act in front of Howard; we all know you're just trying to do something because he's watching." and she gave me a sly grin.
I am really offended. This is the sixth time she has done something like this to me. I am done with this. I rushed into our bedroom and shut the door behind me. Yes. I am upset.
When Howard enters the room, I am packing my things. He wrapped his arms around me and rested his head on my shoulder.
"Dear, I am so sorry for what mom did to you. I know you're pressured at work and coping with this is too much for you, but don't do it; don't leave me..." he begged me, his eyes welling up with tears.
"Howard, this is the sixth time, and I know you're aware of it. I'm sick of dealing with your mother, and if you don't go with me, I will leave alone." I've made up my mind to escape this hellhole. This isn't a place for me.
"Just calm down, dear, okay? I'll take the day off tomorrow and we will look for a place we can move to." He said this as he wiped away my tears. He pulled me in and kissed me, and the rest is history.
He took the day off the next day, as promised, and we drove to the apartment he found on the internet. The apartment is nice, clean, and peaceful, and the size is ideal for a couple.
"I think this is the one," I said smiling.
And the same day, we moved in to our new home. We're exhausted but happy. Finally, we've already left my evil mother-in-law's place. Fortunately, we only had a few things, so we were able to complete organizing everything in the house right away.
A month has passed and everything seems to be in place until I notice a man in a tuxedo with a sack on his head waving at me in our yard. Of course, it is strange... It is weird... Scary.
My heart was racing, and I was shaking with terror. I have a feeling something horrible is about to happen to me. I am alone now because Howard is at work. I tried calling him, but he didn't answer, so I immediately call 911.
"Hello, this is 911, what's your emergency?"
"Help me! Help me, please. Someone is outside our house. I-I'm in danger." I panicked as I talked to the person on the other line.
"Okay, ma'am calm down. Where are you right now? What is your address?" the person on the other line is trying to calm me down.
I told her my address, and thankfully, a police officer arrived at our house after about 20 minutes. My husband also came while I was telling the police officer about what happened, maybe because he saw my multiple missed calls to him so he rushed all over here.
"The man in a tuxedo with a sack on his head, he is now banging on the door and trying to enter our home." I said to Howard while still quivering with fear.
"We must get going, Sir, Ma'am. We'll keep looking for any possible leads in this case. We will keep you updated." The cop seemed annoyed and didn't seem to believe what I was saying.
"Look at me, what is happening? I can't tell you how many times this has happened, and no one has ever seen the person you are talking about." He said in a serious tone.
"Perhaps you can rest now, and tomorrow we will go see Auntie Anne." He added.
Auntie Anne is a Psychiatrist and Therapist. She has been a family friend of mine for more than a decade.
"Dear, I am telling the truth. Do you not believe in me? I am not insane!!" My eyes welled up with tears. That person almost hurt me, yet no one believed me. What I saw is real.
"I believe in you..." Those were the last words I heard before collapsing in his arms from tiredness.
Ding... Dong...
The doorbell rang, and I was startled awake. Howard took the day off because we had been awake all night. Even in my nightmares, I was followed by a man wearing in a tuxedo, and when I open my eyes, I have the feeling that someone is watching my every move.
I peeked through our door's peephole and saw Auntie Anne standing on the other side of the door. I assumed I had figured out what she was up to here. I opened the door and let her in.
"Hiii, how are you my dear pumpkin?" She said, as well as the smile on her face, expressed her joy at seeing me.
"Let's get to the point, Auntie Anne. I know why you are here. Howard told you, right?" I replied.
"Well, I— what's that smell? It smells like something is burning." Auntie Anne's words came to a halt as she smelled that unpleasant odor.
"Of course. It is winter, and the fireplace is lighted. Don't be ridiculous." I said. I really feel that our conversation is pointless, and I need to end it before I become annoyed.
"There is no proper ventilation here in your apartment. When was the last time you had your chimney cleaned?" She said. You can see the seriousness on her face, as if she knew what she was saying.
"Ever since—", I couldn't finish what I was saying because I fainted.
I woke up in the hospital room. Howard and Auntie Anne's expressions were filled with worry, as if I were going to die in my current state. I stare at my husband, I am puzzled. He held my hand in his and looked across to the doctor next to my bed, as if he was giving him permission to explain everything.
The doctor understood and began to discuss my current situation, "We took a blood sample from Mrs. Smith earlier and detected more than 150 ppm of CO levels in her blood. I will go straight to the point, Sir, Ma'am. Mrs. Smith is not insane, she has been poisoned by **carbon monoxide**, which may originate from any source that consumes fuel, such as cars, fireplaces, leaking chimneys, heaters, and more; this is also why it is not a good idea to sleep in a car with the engine running. Its symptoms include dizziness, hallucination, vomiting, trouble breathing, and others.."
"How can that poison be removed from my wife's body?" Howard asks the doctor.
"Mrs. Smith has to be treated by inhaling pure oxygen. This treatment raises blood oxygen levels and helps in the removal of carbon monoxide (CO)." the doctor explains.
The night has come, and I am about to fall asleep. Auntie Anne has already left, and Howard is currently napping on the hospital couch in my room. When I closed my eyes, I felt something chilly brush over my skin. When I opened my eyes, I saw the tuxedo man standing near me, brushing the cold ax on my skin.
Is this still a hallucination, or what I'm seeing right now is real?
*Hello, beautiful fellas!*
*I'm just taking a break from the series because it's hell week for me again. I hope you enjoyed my (not-so) short article.*
*I'm glad to see you here. I'd appreciate it if you could leave a comment down below. xoxo*
***Lead image via Depositphotos***
Earth After Dark : Mutterseelenallein | Part 1
I woke up this morning with my head spinning, my body throbbing and my vision is blurry. I can't count how many heart attacks I've had this year. Fortunately, my parents have set up my room seem to be a hospital room, the medical equipment is ready, and I don't need to pay a doctor because my parents are physicians.
Because of the spread of the disease, confinement in the hospital is becoming increasingly difficult, considering I am so vulnerable and have a very uncommon disease.
I am suffering from **Progeria**. If you're unfamiliar with the condition, it is an extremely uncommon genetic disorder that causes young individuals to mature fast. I am now 18 years old, yet I look like a lady in her 50s. It's not that bad; I still seem young, but with a few wrinkles and gray hairs coming through. In comparison to those born with this disease, my situation is not that severe.
There is no treatment for progeria, but frequent monitoring for heart and blood vessel problems may aid in my condition's management. At this age, I am already taking medication for high blood pressure, and my muscles frequently hurt as a result of my body's rapid aging. It's strange to believe, but my parents and I both take the same brand of medication.
Speaking of my parents, where are they? In my current state, I can't afford to call them loudly; thankfully, there is an intercom in my room.
"Mom? Dad?" I pressed the button and called them.
I called them multiple times, but no one ever answered. What is happening? Is there an emergency at the hospital? But it is impossible for them to leave me here alone.
Despite my body ache and backpain, I grabbed my glasses from the bedside table and pushed myself to stand up. I walked carefully since I was still woozy and worried I was going to fall down the stairs. Well, it is better to trip and fall on the wrong person than to trip and tumble down the stairs. Just kidding.
Some of you are probably wondering if I've ever been in love. Yes. No. Maybe. I don't know. Maybe I'm in love with the fictitious guys in the books I read. I've spent my entire life at home. Also, I am a homeschooler, I haven't met anyone outside of our house, so I don't know what a cute guy looks like in person.
Finally, the stairwell's last step. I moved like a sloth until I reached the final phase. I take a look around the living room; it's quite dusty. Are my parents' schedules so hectic that they don't have time to clean or hire a housekeeper?
"Mom? Dad?" I called them and no one else was home except for myself.
I am worried about what's going on. I reached the front door and opened it. The glimpse of the view from my bedroom window is currently right in front of my eyes, and I can feel the breeze from outside like I've never felt before.
But something is missing. Everything is strange. The road, which was filled with children playing and passing vehicles, was turned into a desert in a horror film. It is so silent that even my gentlest whisper can be heard.
Did they declared a lockdown again because of the spike in cases? Or martial law, which prohibited anybody from leaving the house? Or because of Pacquiao's boxing match? I don't know.
As I approached our front porch, I noticed a pile of newspapers on the stairs. I pulled out a newspaper from two months ago and bawled my eyes out as I read the front page. My parents died two months ago as a result of the disease that is sweeping the planet.
I can't believe this, am I dreaming? This is a nightmare! I've been in a coma for more than two months and had no idea my parents had died? Am I now the only person on this planet? Am I going to die too? How am I going to make it in this world by myself?
To be continued.
*Hi, beautiful fellas. It's me again!*
*I saw this topic in* @meitanteikudo *'s article two days ago. I choose the prompt Earth after dark. It was somewhat challenging, but it was a fascinating prompt, so I tried it. Hehee.*
*As always, it's a pleasure to have you here. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. xoxo*
**Lead image from Wallpaperflare**
What to read next?
***Earth After Dark : Princess Wannabe | Part 2*** https://read.cash/@KirstenCassandra/earth-after-dark-princess-wannabe-part-2-2af087a3
Is This The End? │ YES
I am currently driving erratically in the rain; just as it would in a typical K-drama scene when someone is in sorrow. I turned on the stereo. Despite my rage, I still have time to turn this thing on. It helps me in analyzing, liberating my mind, releasing stress and anger, and sorting things out.
I came to a complete halt on the side of the road when this unexpected music came on the radio.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UWO4V_Ao_s
I unbuckle my seat belt because I am afraid I won't be able to breathe due to the flood of emotions coursing through me. Some realizations came into my mind. What is the reason behind this? Deep down, I knew I hadn't done anything wrong. He's been terrible his entire life, but why do I feel guilty and end up being awful because I am not that easy to forgive?
I may be a demon, a demon with a heart, because I am now overthinking and tortured by my conscience after committing a heinous act. Why did I say that to him? He was already counting down the days till the end of his life. I am a complete imbecile. I am a colossal failure. I am not only a terrible son; I am a terrible human being. Is this how I intend to teach my child as he grows up?
Maybe I am awful because my heart is hard, but that's not my fault; it is just the sadness I've been dealing with for years. My father was the only person I'd ever considered to be my best friend. Some say that your best friend is often the one who betrays you, and I believe this to be true.
My father was compassionate back then, and he was a dependable cornerstone of our home. He always tried his best to provide for the necessities of the family, he is hardworking, he had many words of wisdom and life lessons to offer me, and most significantly, he loved my mother very much.
He even put his life on the line for me by donating blood when I was a kid, despite the fact that he was incapable and may die. He didn't think about himself since all he wanted was for me to live.
Perhaps it is a human default to remember one mistake even if a person does nine good things. It's sucks. I hope that life is like an exam, even if you have made a lot of mistakes in your life, your correct answers will still be counted in the end.
Noah looked in his rear view mirror, he saw an unusual movement of a truck behind him. Unfortunately, it crashed with the back end of his car. His torso collided with the steering wheel, and he passed out.
So that is what happened. Thank you, Kirsten Cassandra.
My brain is already buffering, and I've lost a lot of memories. Perhaps a few minutes of my brain's life will come to an end. There is no more blood flowing here. It's amusing to believe I'm dead yet still thinking.
Unfortunately, I died before I could offer my father the forgiveness he wanted. I am only angry because I love him very much. Maybe we will meet again at the end of this tunnel eventually. When that time comes, I'll have a seat ready for him, as well as a bottle of whiskey, because we have a lot to talk about.
Mom, I know you will be devastated by my death. Well, who is the parent who would be willing to bury her son if, by definition, the parent would die first before her child? None. Thank you for everything you've done to shower me with love that I don't deserve. I don't always say this but I love you very much. I am glad you became my mother.
I am so frustrated about this death. I was never able to see my son. I've been waiting a long time for this child.
I can no longer see how handsome you are, son, since you look just like me, I am certain of it. I didn't get the chance to teach you any life lessons, such as how to properly court a girl and how to play a prank on her to irritate her, like I did to your mom all the time.
I am just kidding, but sometimes I'm not. May you love your mother as much as I do. Despite the fact that I haven't seen you, I already know I love you, my son. You are a blessing to us.
And lastly, to my Rebecca, the love of my life. Thank you for your unconditional love. I am very sorry I didn't get the chance to give you the ring in my pocket; I've held it for a long time. I am just waiting for the ideal moment to propose to you. Always remember that even though I didn't get to give you my last name, you will always in my heart till my final breath. **I love you to the andromeda galaxy and back**.
In my next life, if there is, I will not stop looking for you, my Rebecca.
But, is death probably the end? Or is it just the beginning?
*Hello there, beautiful fellas! How is it? Haha!*
*Tears flowed down my xiaolongbao cheeks as I penned each letter of Noah's farewell, yet it feels so good, I must say.*
*Maybe Rebecca's POV will be next. What do you think?*
*Again, it's great to have you here. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. xoxo*
<**Previous**> https://read.cash/@KirstenCassandra/is-this-the-end-part-2-d4b00e5d
Is This The End? │ Part 2
"Noah! I am disgusted by the way you breathe, so don't do it! And what kind of perfume are you wearing? Get out of here, you smell like onions. You might... Urg— I'm going to throw up. Urrrrgggkkk!"
Did she give me the command to stop breathing? I can't believe this. I am not sure if she is constantly irritated and bipolar because she is pregnant or because she doesn't love me anymore. I wouldn't be shocked if my child looked like me. Every new day that God sends me brings her a new reason to be angry, and of course, I was the only one to blame. Who else could it be?
Just like yesterday, I forgot to put our toilet seat back in place. She became furious, as if I were on a battlefield, and the brutality of her assault rifle-like mouth deafened me.
Rebecca has never been like this before; she is a dainty woman, but now that she is pregnant, when she curses me, I am telling you, she's even more terrifying than Maleficent. She will not use her hypnotic powers to prick your finger in the spindle wheel. She will stab you with a spindle, buddy. She is a monster! A lovely monster.
Also, she is a weirdo. Want to know why? At 3:00 a.m. in April, she has a yearning for dragon fruit. Are you serious? Where in the world I could ever get that? I had no choice but to grant her request, even if I just close my eyes to sleep because I just came home from work. I grabbed the keys and drove off to find that stupid dragon fruit.
After two hours of desperately looking for that damn fruit, I found someone selling it near downtown. I felt like an overjoyed kid on the way home. When I got home and handed her the dragon fruit, she grimaced and said, "I don't want that anymore, I want mangoes," which made my head spin.
So, instead of hurting her, I just sang **True Love by P!nk** with lyrics:
At the same time, I wanna hug you
I wanna wrap my hands around your neck
You're an asshole but I love you
And you make me so mad, I ask myself
Why I'm still here, or where could I go
You're the only love I've ever known
But I hate you, I really hate you
So much I think it must be
True love, true love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6vsHF3E9NU
Time flies so fast, our boy was eight months old in the womb of his mommy monster, yes. He is a boy. I suppose she lost the bet. The long wait will soon be over. I will finally get to see my little boy.
Also, today is our graduation. Rebecca and I are overjoyed. Finally! We made great strides toward becoming fully-fledged EC Engineers. This is our dream. I just thought it was more rewarding to accomplish success when you're with the person you love the most and have your loved ones rooting for you all the way through.
When we came home from the ceremony, I noticed a familiar figure standing outside the door. "Congratulations, Noah, my son. I am so proud of you." he said in a raspy voice. On what continent does this person get the audacity to come here and call me son after abandoning me and my mother for so long?
I dashed into the house and went straight to my room. In my anger, I want to destroy everything I see, and all the feelings I've suppressed for so long seem to want to come rushing out now.
"He asked me if he could come here so you could talk.", my mother followed me into my room.
"Why is it so simple for you to let him come here?", I asked my mother exasperatedly.
"It's been years, and I've forgiven him long ago. I am hoping you can at least talk to him for me. Please, son."
I suppose I'll have to do it just once to stop my mother from pleading with me. I went down to the living room and sighed heavily since seeing that person again irritated me.
"Now, talk." I said while staring at him blankly.
"I'm not sure where to begin; I'm embarrassed of what I did to you and your mother. I've been regretful about that my entire life.", he uttered this while wiping away tears from his eyes.
"Did you just say, your 'entire life'? If that's the case, why just now? Why did you come back? Is it because you are now alone? Is it because your mistress has abandoned you? Or are you seeking for someone to look after you because you are already sick?"
I don't know what comes out of my mouth anymore; these are the words that my heart has been harboring for a long time.
"Noah! Stop it! He has barely two months left to live. Please forgive him." My mother stopped me from speaking because I was overdoing it.
"Are you going to die soon? Hah! It is a reward for you, not a punishment. You must endure pain. Two months is insufficient time to atone for all of your sins. It is unfair.", After saying those hurtful words, I grabbed the keys and drove away.
I don't know where to go; all I know is that I want to get away from here. From everyone. From everything.
**-To be continued-**
*Hello there, dear fellas! I overdid it again. Hehe. I said yesterday that this story had just two parts, but I was swept away by the pace and didn't notice that my writing was getting longer than it should be.*
*It's great to have you here. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. xoxo*
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Is This The End? │ Part 1
Wiu-Wiiiiuu-Wiiiuuu...
"Nooaaaahhhh!!"
R-Rebecca? Where are you? Where am I? Why can't I move? Why can't I open my eyes? Am I dead? My mind is awake, and I can hear ambulance sirens and people around me yelling and shouting. I can hear her scream. Why can't I feel my body? The only thing I remember is that someone bumped into my car, and this was most likely the end of my life.
Why life isn't fair? I am now finally happy and contented; I've forgiven the person I've hated my entire life, but this accident has ruined everything. I am starting to live my dream life, but I never got a chance to enjoy it.
During my adolescence, I was full of mischief and madness. Maybe I am an attention seeker because I came from a broken family; my father abandoned us and went to live with a girl he found on the internet. I am aware that not all youngsters in my situation share my perspective, but this is the path I have chosen.
I don't want to be like my dumbass father. I understand that nature and nurture both play a role in child's personality, however it seems like parental habits are truly inherited. I became a philanderer. I changed girlfriends more frequently than I changed clothes. It's easy for me to leave them when I'm bored. A *Notorious Playboy*, they say.
But everything changed when I met Rebecca. Everything went slowmo. I'm not kidding, bro. Seems like **Magic In The Hamptons by Social House** is playing in my head. You may vibe with me too if you click the play button below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp0vq1ARnz0
She is stunning, attractive, tall, and fragrant. She was not like the other ladies I had met; she was kind, considerate, sweet, intelligent, clever, tactical, responsible, and charming. My skin seems to be too thick to merit such a woman, but I am willing to take a chance.
I courted her for almost three months and she said 'yes'. I can't remember how since I have no idea on how to court a girl and everyone who becomes my girlfriend just ends up on my bed. Even if you don't normally do crazy things, you will do them out of love. It's trite and cliché, but it's true.
Rebecca and I are still happy after all these years. She helped me in maturing and becoming a better person. Even my mother was startled to know that I am a Dean's lister at my school. Everything is fine and steady, until one day...
"Noah, I'm Pregnant..."
You didn't see that coming, right? *Ako 'rin eh*, lol. I felt a mixture of fear and happiness; I want to become a dad, but how could I give a decent life for a child if I knew I was just starting to manage my own? It's really tough when emotions, lust, and the heart take precedence over the mind.
Rebecca and I are both graduating seniors. We don't have any savings or a job; we even live with our parents. How can I easily find a high-paying job to support my 'family'? It is significantly difficult to find a corporate job in our country if you have not yet graduated from college. It's nearly impossible, just like winning the lottery jackpot.
Well, these days, even if you have a college diploma, finding job will be also tough since ignorant companies prefer employees with work experiences, even if you included in your curriculum vitae that you are capable and knowledgeable. How ironic. You will apply to gain work experience, but you will be denied because you don't have any yet.
I had no choice but to work and study at the same time. I applied for a job at a well-known fast-food restaurant with a huge bee mascot that looks like a magician, *Alam n'yo na 'yan*, and I was fortunate enough to get hired.
Rebecca, on the other hand, had already moved into our house. My mother lives with us, so I knew she'd be taken care of while I was on night shift. At first, we were happy. We were always together; I'd wake up to find her next to me, and we'd eat and do other things together. Everything seemed OK at first, and I assumed everything would be easy.
Believe them when they say you can't really get to know someone unless you've had them under one roof.
I thought having your own family was as exciting as playing in the sand in Boracay. Don't get me wrong: it still feels like playing in the sand, but it's a QUICKSAND, bro. It is really tough to escape once you are trapped, So just accept your fate since there is nothing more you can do but reminisce on your life when you were still free.
**-To be continued-**
**Hello there, my dear friend. It was supposed to be a short story, but I got carried away with the writing and my article ended up being far too long.**
**We're halfway through the story, and I hope you've read it all the way through.**
**Thank you for taking the time to read this. xoxo**
<**Next**> https://read.cash/@KirstenCassandra/is-this-the-end-part-2-d4b00e5d
Introduction: Just Like the Earth
"This planet—the world—and I have a lot in common; we both have a crust, mantle and core. If you think you know me well, my dear, you are still in the crust. Everything you know about me is just the tip of the iceberg. I am far deeper and darker than that. The little girl you're looking for is tucked away deep within the core."
I wrote this a long time ago, maybe when I was in high school. I noticed this in my journal lately, and it reminded me how much I used to enjoy writing. It is not that literature is not my strong suit; I just want to express my sentiments in order to let them all out and liberate my mind.
Now let's see if this is one of the creative or unusual ways I can introduce myself.
Crust
In science, the crust is said to be the outermost shell of a terrestrial planet. The Earth's crust is made up of solid rocks and minerals, just as I am. I surround myself with walls, rocks, and everything else I can think of to keep myself as stable as possible in front of other people.
This part of me, I believe is really fun to be with. I am silly, I am loud, I laugh easily, I am a drama queen and I am literally a crackhead. I guess I can be a little flirtatious at times, and you might even think that I am hitting on you when I am not. Don't get me wrong I am not faking it; it is me, or should I say one of my hundred personalities. Just kidding! (or not)
If I feel at ease with you, I will tell you almost everything. You'll know that *Hogwarts* is my home, but a *Shinobi* by heart and a *Swiftie* by soul. You'll know how I love chocolates, coffee, ice cream, chicken etc. (Drools!), and how much I love reading novels and watching crime and murder shows to relax. I know that seems strange, but I can say that I sleep well at night. If you ask me who my favorite authors are and what mystery films I enjoy, we could spend a month or two going over them all.
You will know how crafty and artsy I am, how much I enjoy calligraphy, painting, creating miniature houses and furniture, and how much I enjoy singing and playing instruments. (Even if these things don't like me. lol)
Mantle
According to experts, when you go closer to the Mantle, you will feel extremely heated. You will be burned to death. No one will ever be able to live there in seconds due to the extreme heat and suffocation.
When you get to this point, I consider you to be a very close friend, family member, someone I care about or a person I can trust. You can now see how vulnerable, sensitive and complicated I am, how my mood changes from time to time, how I have isolated myself from people, how I have broken down when those episodes creep in; and how I have suffered from panic attacks, anxiety attacks, and all that shit.
It takes a lot of work to get to this place. Some people are challenged to be in here, but I lose the majority of those people in the blink of an eye, once they realize how strict my boundaries are and how wide my world is for them to lose themselves in. It hurts, but I believe that if those people love me, they would embrace me for who I am and what I have.
The Core
The extremely hot part and very dense center of our planet. The core contains information regarding the earliest history of accretion of the planet. For me, this is where it all starts. This is where the little girl is imprisoned.
This is the root of all pain, suffering, disappointment, and trauma—the feeling of being the first pancake because I believe I am a failure eldest child, the experimental child, the neglected child, the one who was expected to be strong and fearless at all times. My parents' therapist and the one who has to notice things that no one else does.
I have to lock this kid because she is a monster within me. She wants to take my life in order to end all of my pain. She is so horrible that I'm scared to face her. The wolf has seen this side of me, and despite the toxicity it may bring, he stayed. He has never abandoned me, and he knows what I'm going through even if I don't say anything. He still loves each and every part of me. Every part of my existence. Every fiber of my being. Every part of the world that I created, and I am beyond grateful.
I am still trying to heal from the past catastrophic events in my life up until this present time. This is not simple. Healing is messy, chaotic and time-consuming process. It takes a long time to build, but it's much easier to destroy. It is unfair, right? That's how life is, I suppose. But one thing is certain, I can get through this. Not immediately, but I trust the process. I'll get there someday.
@KirstenCassandra
