I am Mae German. 34 years old. Born in Mangatarem, province of Pangasinan. I was taught and trained by 
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The Writer Within An Abrupt Rush of Wind
The Writer Within An Abrupt Rush of Wind | An Abrupt Rush of Wind |
| Sunday, 30 August 2009 | |
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<< Previous Story "Hmmm... the church is surprisingly empty today," he thought. Except for the man who was trying to arrange the flowers and the candles at the altar, and who, he has lately realized was the priest because of his clerical collar, and an old lady dusting some furniture not far from where he was seated, there's no one else inside the church. Then he realized, yet again, that it's Saturday, almost noontime. He knelt on the pew, made the sign of the cross, closed his eyes, and heaved a deep sigh. He started a prayer. A prayer that he has been constantly saying each night and each waking hour. A prayer that he has been uttering when he's eating or drinking, walking or running, or at any time of the day, whenever he remembers. A prayer that would usually end with a sigh that meant full surrender and at times would start with one just like today. He knew the sigh, where it comes from and what it is -- a longing. He couldn't help that while having his usual conversation with God, his mind would sometimes wander. He's a lucky guy, he knew that. His business is just starting but already, the blessings are overflowing. He couldn't complain about his family. They are all right and has been supportive of his every endeavor. He's managed to keep up with his friends, too, hosting dinner at his place once a month to catch up on each other's lives. Barbecue party on summer. He works out on a gym and plays tennis and squash, and is a good swimmer, too. "My body and mind are in sync," he thought, "My spirit is soaring high just by the thought of how blessed my life is now, I know I shouldn't ask for more," he stopped for a few second there and continued, "but I still feel a pinch of emptiness inside." He looked around after saying that. Even in his thought, he felt embarrassed having said that but he's been holding those words for a long time now. Then he realized, "I am still human and I still belong to this world." "You know my heart's desire," in silence those words were uttered. "You know." These last two words were unintentionally expressed softly and it was in unison with a voice that he has never heard before. Only, the voice was louder than his. He looked for the priest and the old lady whose presence were visible before. They were gone. He did not mean to say those words aloud. If it was his echo then why did he hear it at exactly the same time that he's said it, he thought... and in a lady's voice. "That did not sound me," he was trying to argue with himself. He was trying to look from one side of the church to the other. "I am sorry," the voice said. He realized it was from someone behind. He finally turned his head and as if he was awakened from his sleep, his eyes brightened, but he just stared at the girl. "I am sorry," the girl repeated, "I did not mean to say that aloud," and continued, probably realizing that she has startled him. Well, she has startled herself, too, she thought. The girl was still kneeling but she has started gathering her things and getting up the pew, ready to leave the guy behind. She felt sorry and at the same time ashamed of what happened. The guy must thought she is insane. "I better run before my face clings to his memory," she said to herself, blushing as she strode out of the church. Then she stopped after closing the heavy door of the church. There's something in his eyes, she realized. Trying to recollect. She has seen those pair of eyes before. But she couldn't remember it. Where? When? "Ahh! It couldn't be!" she finally settled herself and walked away from the church and through a different street going to her small rented space in the city. This will be another one of those things that she will surely forget. She's never good at remembering faces. It is one skill, if one may call it, that she is so frustrated about. The boy. After realizing what has just happened, finally rubbed his eyes to make sure that he was not dreaming or hallucinating in the middle of the day, inside the church. The girl's voice came like a thunder that shocked him and like a lightning she left him stupefied. She was gone that fast, too. Her voice wasn't too loud for another soul to hear but she was behind him. And he wonders, "We said two words at exactly the same time..." and paused, "That's weird!" He let out a tiny chuckle then looked around, grateful that no one is around. He left the church a few minutes after the girl has left. He opened the heavy door of the church then held the door for a while. He was trying to remember, "Have I seen that pair of eyes before?" Convinced that it is not possible. He walked away from the church. It's almost lunchtime. He knows where he's heading. "Icebox," he whispered, reading the sign of the resto/bar in front of him, at the same time changing his mind. Smiled and walked away. "I am giving someone a surprise visit today!" ------------------------------ The chapters: [1] Probably Never [2] Probably Again [3] Icebox [4] The Setting Read also: Mervin [1] Chapter 1 [2] Chapter 2 |
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