They took off in search of treasure just like everyone else in the village. They both carried heavy ransacks on their shoulders. Their petite body seemed unable to withstand the weight making them look as if they were going to topple any moment. But they continued walking. He told her, “Let me know if you need to rest.” She simply smiled at him. The team of two had been good friends from young. And here they are pursuing treasure in the big unknown. For him, that treasure would certainly turn him into a noble, for her, it would change her wretched life into luxury. Both had promised to divide the grand prize equally, but of course, promises are bound to be broken.
Their destination was unknown for their only clue was ‘glittering crystals’. They searched deep caverns in the jungle, crossed endless desert and climbed every mountain but to no avail. All they had seen were either bland rocks and stones or clear crystals that were not glittering. It had been a week away from their comfort zone and hopelessness seemed had worn them out. But when they thought of the obstacles they had overcame, they saw no reason to go home empty handed for all their effort would be unfruitful.
As they crossed a deep valley, he asked her, “We may never find that treasure, so why are you still following me?” She replied, “After you saved me in that cave, I somehow feel secure around you. And who is going to cook dinner if I am not around?” Both laughed their hearts out and continued walking. They braved storms and heat together, had breakfast, lunch and dinner together but their relationship remained still as good friends. When they reached another plateau, it was already nightfall. They prepared their beds without realizing that something were watching them, waiting to strike when the time was ripe. As the flame soon died out, they crept out of their hideouts and approached their meal. They came in packs and their saliva began to drool out as they got nearer. Their empty stomachs were growling for they had not had a feast for quite a while. And when this opportunity arrived, they made no hesitation to satisfy their unbearable hunger for food.
Just when one of them began to prowl on him, he jumped out of his bed and with him was his trusted companion, a dagger. The fight for survival between man and beast had just begun. Meanwhile, she was sleeping soundly, safe from the pack of wolves. The following morning, she crawled out of her bed only to find him sitting on a giant rock. As she got closer, she could smell something was fishy. She found him, mending his wounds. There were bite marks, cuts and blood streamed down his arms and legs. His eyes seemed to have lost its luster. She did not know what had happened until she noticed a pile of dead wolves behind him. Astonished, she helped him mend his wounds hoping that it could ease his pain.
She nurtured him back to fitness. She fed him daily and removed his bandages when they got worn out. She showed much tenderness and concern that they slowly moved his heart. Never had he seen her in this way. She found him very brave to have protected her from the wolves putting his life on the line. He could have run away and hide but he did not. His courageous action had stolen her heart. Nevertheless, they tried not to show it. Perhaps, they felt that being good friends for ages, all that remained were childhood memories and nothing more.
It had been more than a month now and he had fully recovered from his injuries. They had arrived in a small town. They asked the town folks about the ‘glittering crystals’, hoping they could get more clue. They shook their heads. Finally, the two approached the town chief. He told them, “Come, let me provide you with a place to spend the night. It can be very chilling out here.” The hospitality they received was overwhelming. He served them with a hearty meal together with his family members. They sat down on the dinner table and for once in more than a month, they had a proper meal. It was after the wonderful dinner that he invited them to the basement. He showed them an underground tunnel and led them to a dead end. Their only guide was a small candle that barely lighted their path. When they arrived, he told them, “I believe this what you have been looking for.” He raised his hand and on the walls of the dead end were the ‘glittering crystals’. It radiance was magnificent. Finally, their dreams had come true. He continued, “You may take them if you like. These are worthless treasure I found a year ago.” They were shocked. He explained to them that rumours had spread far and wide, exaggerating the news of those glittering crystals. In fact, many who believed that these rocks were priceless risked their wealth and lives. And they came home torn, tattered and empty handed. Disappointed, they headed back to his house.
The following morning, they thanked the town chief and left his fine cottage. They arrived at a bridge and stopped for a while. They looked at the clear water of the stream and sighed, knowing that all their efforts had summed up to nothing. He began, “Well, I may never become a noble but I guess; I still have you around.” She turned to him and uttered softly, “Yeah, I feel the same way. Having you around is enough treasure for me.” They smiled fondly at each other, knowing that after all they had been through; they had finally found the ‘glittering crystals’. They were their eyes that sparkled with burning passion. He put his arms around her and she quickly replied him with a comforting hug. Perhaps, some treasures were not meant to be found in this world but they could be found in one’s eyes, smile or heart. To them, having each other’s companion is the greatest treasure they had ever found.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
The Scar...
He spent his days in the small, peaceful town by the sea after that incident. He lived alone in a comfortable house, just with enough warmth when winter arrived and had a decent job as an angler, something common among the town folks. His companions are his fishing rod, live baits and a box of lunch he prepared himself when he was out at the pier. He would usually return to town with a sufficient amount of catch and would be paid meagrely after all his effort however, he never complained. For an ex leader of the republican army, this life seems to be humiliating. But, from his eyes, one could tell how peaceful he was now compared to who he used to be then.
He was an orphan. Being the eldest in the orphanage, he often bullied the younger ones. There was one particular boy that he despised. Not because he opposed or challenged him, he just ignored his sarcasm and taunts. This made him irritated and he kept on telling him names and throwing harsh words. The boy could not care less and remained ignorant, treating him as if he was invisible. When he got rough and tempers flared, the matron would come in the nick of time to prevent such violence from occurring.
The two of them had not changed even when they were transferred to a military academy. He had grown up to be a respected leader of his unit while the boy had become a loner. His arrogance and predatory instincts made almost everyone in the academy fear him. While he had many followers, he only had two who he could call his posse, his assistants. They would stand by him whatever the cost, supporting him all the way. The three were named the leaders of the discipline committee who made every students obey their orders. But as usual, the loner would ignore them. He became a skilful combat specialist with exquisite abilities. Perhaps he was the only one who could match the head disciplinary committee in terms of fighting capabilities.
Somehow, the two could not remember anything about their past. Maybe it had happened far too long, but his heart would boil without any particular reason when he stumbled upon the loner. He would then start picking on him and often challenged him to a ‘training match’. Both were stubborn and refused to be branded quitters and indeed, they once had a match. Both swung their swords creating sparks and it was as if the titans had clashed. The loner had the upper hand, being cool despite the heated battle. While he was driven by hatred and frustration, making every swing of his sword seemed easy to be either dodged or parried. In the end, he resorted to cheating by using a blinding flash. He loner was down on his knees, he took the big opportunity to slash him and blood spurted out from the loner’s forehead down to his left cheek. Without much hesitation, he countered his blow with a swift uppercut slash that cut his opponent’s flesh from his right cheek up to his forehead. Both was not severely wounded, but those two slashes left a behind a scar. Both were reprimanded for their foolish actions but they never learnt the lesson.
Years flew by; he became the leader of the republican army while the loner became a mercenary for his academy. The loner’s popularity flourished when he took over the position of the academy’s co-ordinator despite his young age. When war broke out, both were fated to face each other again. This time, it was a battle for life or death. Both raised their swords and once again history repeated itself. Hatred contaminated his heart while he made every slash, every thrust, every strike and every blow. The loner eventually won the battle. Worn out and exhausted, he pleaded him to finish what he had to do. The loner lowered his sword and walked away. To him, his defeat was enough to settle the war. Humiliated, he regarded himself being an ultimate loser. He vanished after the war, so did his posse who had been beside him all these while.
He ended up in a small, peaceful town by the sea, away from the mainland. His two friends stayed in the same town as well. After his defeat, he became sane and repentful. He did not apologise to those who he had hurt, but he accepted all the mockery he received and turned more humane. During weekends, he and his friends would fish together, challenging one another to catch the most fish. At the end, of the day, they would have them for dinner. As he looked at his reflection on the mirror-like water surface, he noticed the scar. It reminded him of his past mistakes and how he wished he could turn back the time. The humiliation would soon be forgotten but the scar would remain carved on his face. It was not the mark that it left behind; it was the one who left the cut. It went the same for the loner; the scar would never be erased from their memories.
He was an orphan. Being the eldest in the orphanage, he often bullied the younger ones. There was one particular boy that he despised. Not because he opposed or challenged him, he just ignored his sarcasm and taunts. This made him irritated and he kept on telling him names and throwing harsh words. The boy could not care less and remained ignorant, treating him as if he was invisible. When he got rough and tempers flared, the matron would come in the nick of time to prevent such violence from occurring.
The two of them had not changed even when they were transferred to a military academy. He had grown up to be a respected leader of his unit while the boy had become a loner. His arrogance and predatory instincts made almost everyone in the academy fear him. While he had many followers, he only had two who he could call his posse, his assistants. They would stand by him whatever the cost, supporting him all the way. The three were named the leaders of the discipline committee who made every students obey their orders. But as usual, the loner would ignore them. He became a skilful combat specialist with exquisite abilities. Perhaps he was the only one who could match the head disciplinary committee in terms of fighting capabilities.
Somehow, the two could not remember anything about their past. Maybe it had happened far too long, but his heart would boil without any particular reason when he stumbled upon the loner. He would then start picking on him and often challenged him to a ‘training match’. Both were stubborn and refused to be branded quitters and indeed, they once had a match. Both swung their swords creating sparks and it was as if the titans had clashed. The loner had the upper hand, being cool despite the heated battle. While he was driven by hatred and frustration, making every swing of his sword seemed easy to be either dodged or parried. In the end, he resorted to cheating by using a blinding flash. He loner was down on his knees, he took the big opportunity to slash him and blood spurted out from the loner’s forehead down to his left cheek. Without much hesitation, he countered his blow with a swift uppercut slash that cut his opponent’s flesh from his right cheek up to his forehead. Both was not severely wounded, but those two slashes left a behind a scar. Both were reprimanded for their foolish actions but they never learnt the lesson.
Years flew by; he became the leader of the republican army while the loner became a mercenary for his academy. The loner’s popularity flourished when he took over the position of the academy’s co-ordinator despite his young age. When war broke out, both were fated to face each other again. This time, it was a battle for life or death. Both raised their swords and once again history repeated itself. Hatred contaminated his heart while he made every slash, every thrust, every strike and every blow. The loner eventually won the battle. Worn out and exhausted, he pleaded him to finish what he had to do. The loner lowered his sword and walked away. To him, his defeat was enough to settle the war. Humiliated, he regarded himself being an ultimate loser. He vanished after the war, so did his posse who had been beside him all these while.
He ended up in a small, peaceful town by the sea, away from the mainland. His two friends stayed in the same town as well. After his defeat, he became sane and repentful. He did not apologise to those who he had hurt, but he accepted all the mockery he received and turned more humane. During weekends, he and his friends would fish together, challenging one another to catch the most fish. At the end, of the day, they would have them for dinner. As he looked at his reflection on the mirror-like water surface, he noticed the scar. It reminded him of his past mistakes and how he wished he could turn back the time. The humiliation would soon be forgotten but the scar would remain carved on his face. It was not the mark that it left behind; it was the one who left the cut. It went the same for the loner; the scar would never be erased from their memories.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Piano...
He walked down the same staircase and would sit at the same corner of the tiny, little bar. He would order the same drink and waited for the star of the evening to show up. At eight o’clock sharp, she would turn up with beautiful gown and proceed to her nightly job. He would then look intently at her as she heads to the chair on the stage. The bartender would notice the same happenings again and again. Never had the two be late or absent at their usual places every night. Also, never had he seen them together to have a casual conversation. Perhaps, it was due to the different worlds they lived in. He was just a common soldier while she was from the middle class.
As she sat down, she breathed deeply before placing her fingers on the teeth of the grand piano. Then, when she was ready she would begin playing, creating a romantic atmosphere. He would listen to her piano tunes with each note leaving footprints in his heart. And when she was done playing, everyone would disperse from the bar. He too, left the bar with heavy heart even though he wanted to listen more or maybe got to know her a little better. One fine night, his two friends accompanied him to give moral support and encouragement. He was prepared to at least approach her to say ‘hi’ while she was playing.
And they sat together where he usually sat, ordered the same drink and waited patiently till she arrived. When the clock stuck eight, she turned up with a splendid maroon red dress and began playing the piano. He plucked up courage to approach her to the stage. His two friends watched him with proud look on their faces. When he reached the stage, he stood by the piano thinking that he was now so close to her. He thought if this was just a dream to be standing right in front of her. Perhaps he was just nervous. Suddenly, his leg got cramped up. It hurt him so bad that he could barely walk. He nodded his head to her and staggered back to the sofa. On his mind, he could only despise himself for being such a loser, to have a cramp when he was about to talk to her for the first time. Upon, reaching the sofa, his friends comforted him, “Mission accomplished.” He could only bend his back with his head facing the marble tiled floor. He kept regretting what he did but his friends remained in silence. Then, one of them replied, “Uh, I think we should go now.” He was shocked when he said that, “Where are you going guys?” And they went away.
All of a sudden, a soft voice called out, “May I sit here?” He turned his head and with a puzzled look on his face and allowed her to sit next to him. She began, “You are always here watching me playing from afar.” He said that he could see her from that angle. She giggled softly and asked him again, “How is your leg?” He replied, telling her that he felt much better now. In his mind again, he thought, “Man, this must be a dream.” She realized that he was rather nervous and told him, “You do not need to be nervous around me…Perhaps, we could talk in my room, there are people here.” He was astonished in the beginning but agreed to her suggestion.
They went to her room and continued with their little conversation. They discussed about their dreams. He mentioned how much he love travelling and write about places he have been to. She pointed out that she wished to be able to play the piano and sing at the same time. After a long discussion of encouraging each other, the room became still. She said to him, “There’s something about your eyes. It is as if that sparkle reflects peace and who you truly are.” He smiled fondly at her. Love is in the air. They just stood facing each other without uttering a single word. Words could not describe what they felt. All these while, she had noticed how he would be there at the corner of the bar, watching her with eyes that were so peaceful. She knew it all along and waited for him to make the first move. He might be just a common soldier but he had eyes of a true gentleman. He left the room after some time, thanking her for the conversation and promised her that he would visit her again someday. After all, he had to leave for war the following morning.
Ever since, he had not returned. It was known that she had patiently waited for his return but the wait proved to be too long. She grew to depression when rumours about his death descended. She ended up married to a local general who comforted her in her desperate times. However, she died in a fatal car accident soon after giving birth to a lovely daughter. During the war, he was mortally injured and was stranded in another continent. He survived thanks to a fine lady who found him and nurtured him back to fitness. He had never heard the news of her death and thinking that he would never see her again, he decided to spend his days at the small village. He did fall for the fine lady as time went by; his love for her was requited.
Tragedy struck twice, he was away in search of his kidnapped adopted niece when his wife passed away while giving birth. Neither the mother nor her child survived. And when he heard of the remorseful news, he could only build a tomb for his wife. It was plain but somehow gave a blissful feeling. It was the only tomb placed in the open lush grassland. Annually, he would visit her resting place and placed her favourite flowers. He would then glance at the engravings of his wife’s tomb, recalling those happier times when he plucked up courage to propose to her at the same place where the tomb stood. How he regretted that he could not be by her side when she drew her terminal breath. He left no tear behind because he knew she would always live in his heart and memories. For him, that would be enough.
As she sat down, she breathed deeply before placing her fingers on the teeth of the grand piano. Then, when she was ready she would begin playing, creating a romantic atmosphere. He would listen to her piano tunes with each note leaving footprints in his heart. And when she was done playing, everyone would disperse from the bar. He too, left the bar with heavy heart even though he wanted to listen more or maybe got to know her a little better. One fine night, his two friends accompanied him to give moral support and encouragement. He was prepared to at least approach her to say ‘hi’ while she was playing.
And they sat together where he usually sat, ordered the same drink and waited patiently till she arrived. When the clock stuck eight, she turned up with a splendid maroon red dress and began playing the piano. He plucked up courage to approach her to the stage. His two friends watched him with proud look on their faces. When he reached the stage, he stood by the piano thinking that he was now so close to her. He thought if this was just a dream to be standing right in front of her. Perhaps he was just nervous. Suddenly, his leg got cramped up. It hurt him so bad that he could barely walk. He nodded his head to her and staggered back to the sofa. On his mind, he could only despise himself for being such a loser, to have a cramp when he was about to talk to her for the first time. Upon, reaching the sofa, his friends comforted him, “Mission accomplished.” He could only bend his back with his head facing the marble tiled floor. He kept regretting what he did but his friends remained in silence. Then, one of them replied, “Uh, I think we should go now.” He was shocked when he said that, “Where are you going guys?” And they went away.
All of a sudden, a soft voice called out, “May I sit here?” He turned his head and with a puzzled look on his face and allowed her to sit next to him. She began, “You are always here watching me playing from afar.” He said that he could see her from that angle. She giggled softly and asked him again, “How is your leg?” He replied, telling her that he felt much better now. In his mind again, he thought, “Man, this must be a dream.” She realized that he was rather nervous and told him, “You do not need to be nervous around me…Perhaps, we could talk in my room, there are people here.” He was astonished in the beginning but agreed to her suggestion.
They went to her room and continued with their little conversation. They discussed about their dreams. He mentioned how much he love travelling and write about places he have been to. She pointed out that she wished to be able to play the piano and sing at the same time. After a long discussion of encouraging each other, the room became still. She said to him, “There’s something about your eyes. It is as if that sparkle reflects peace and who you truly are.” He smiled fondly at her. Love is in the air. They just stood facing each other without uttering a single word. Words could not describe what they felt. All these while, she had noticed how he would be there at the corner of the bar, watching her with eyes that were so peaceful. She knew it all along and waited for him to make the first move. He might be just a common soldier but he had eyes of a true gentleman. He left the room after some time, thanking her for the conversation and promised her that he would visit her again someday. After all, he had to leave for war the following morning.
Ever since, he had not returned. It was known that she had patiently waited for his return but the wait proved to be too long. She grew to depression when rumours about his death descended. She ended up married to a local general who comforted her in her desperate times. However, she died in a fatal car accident soon after giving birth to a lovely daughter. During the war, he was mortally injured and was stranded in another continent. He survived thanks to a fine lady who found him and nurtured him back to fitness. He had never heard the news of her death and thinking that he would never see her again, he decided to spend his days at the small village. He did fall for the fine lady as time went by; his love for her was requited.
Tragedy struck twice, he was away in search of his kidnapped adopted niece when his wife passed away while giving birth. Neither the mother nor her child survived. And when he heard of the remorseful news, he could only build a tomb for his wife. It was plain but somehow gave a blissful feeling. It was the only tomb placed in the open lush grassland. Annually, he would visit her resting place and placed her favourite flowers. He would then glance at the engravings of his wife’s tomb, recalling those happier times when he plucked up courage to propose to her at the same place where the tomb stood. How he regretted that he could not be by her side when she drew her terminal breath. He left no tear behind because he knew she would always live in his heart and memories. For him, that would be enough.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
