soulexplorer21

[soulexplorer21]

The Old Man and His Extraordinary Plant

Karen Williams is a forty year old woman who spent her whole life just experimenting with different kinds and tastes of foods. She loves making extra-ordinary and unfamiliar foods and posting them on her social media and blog sites. She has gained thousands of followers and fans from all over the world because of her recipes. She also accepts gifts and requests from fans.

One day, she was climbing up a mountain in search of some unordinary plants she can include as a new ingredient in her new recipe. While looking for a new plant, she met an old man who is also climbing up the mountain. The man was so thin but he’s kind of strong still since he climbed up the mountain alone.

The man asked Karen what she was doing there. Karen introduced herself as a blogger who experiments a lot of different foods. The man gave Karen an interesting look. The old man said he wants to give Karen a wild plant he has in his house. Karen felt happy and went with the old man into his house.

When they arrived at the old man’s house, Karen was amazed by what she saw. Extraordinary plants and vegetables were planted around the old man’s house. The old man gave Karen different kinds of plants for her to cook. The old man seems so fond of Karen and even gave her tips and told her stories about different plants.

Karen was so excited to go home because of the plants the old man gave to her. She planted the extra in her backyard. After planting and watering them, she headed to her kitchen to cook. She made three different dishes. After cooking, she took photos, previewed the videos, and even edited them. She ate the dishes she made. She was so shocked at the results. Knowing that the plants are new to her, it gave a very delicious and healthy taste to her. She quickly posted the video of herself cooking and eating her cooked food to show it to her fans.

Her fans were so amazed at how it looked so good. They're even interested in buying some. Karen thought of this as a new small business. Many of her fans have availed the said plant. In no time, she gained many customers and followers on all of her social media accounts. She was really thankful to that old man who gave her the plant. She has reached the fame she dreamed of before.

One day, Karen thought of thanking the old man by giving him lots of food she personally cooked. She climbed up to the same mountain where they first met. Unfortunately, she never saw the traces of the old man. She even forgot how to get to his house. Until the dusk came, there was still no old man showing up..She felt sad and headed home.

Months passed by and Karen was busier than ever. Her small business became a plantation and a farm. Her blog posts became a book, and all of her social media accounts are now verified. Her fame went higher than before. She even had guestings on different cooking shows and variety shows. Even if her career was now at its peak, she never forgot about thanking the old man anywhere she'd go. Her fans were just as curious as her about the existence of the old man. People have been spreading rumours that he's just a fairy trying to help Karen and such; but no one knows the truth.

The old man became one of the important people in Karen's life. She promised herself she'll never forget how he and his extraordinary plant helped her reach the fame. The old man will never be forgotten.

[soulexplorer21]

The Ginger Man

Cindy, an eighteen-year-old girl, loves to bake cookies and muffins. One day, she found a children's story book entitled "The Gingerbread Man". After reading the story, the gingerbread got her attention. Since she loves baking, she searched up on the internet on how to make one. She read all the ingredients and instructions. She then went to the grocery store to buy all the ingredients she needed for making the gingerbread. Coming home, she prepared all the ingredients and started kneading, forming, and putting them into the preheated oven at 180° for 30 minutes. She made a total of 10 cookies in a tray.

While the cookies start to bake, she cleans the kitchen and leaves no dirt and unclean dishes. She still had time to wait for the cookie to be finished so that she went to the living room and sat on the sofa. She felt so tired and decided to close her eyes for a while.

Thinking about the gingerbread cookie, she's really excited about the outcome. After a while, she heard a noise coming from the kitchen. Immediately, she ran as fast as she could to check what's wrong. She then realized that the noise comes from her oven. She wore her gloves and opened the oven. As soon as she opened her oven, she was surprised to see one of her cookies standing in the middle of her pan and even smiling at her. She was so shocked and was unable to move or even shout. The cookie jumped out of the oven and ran away from the house. Cindy is still there sitting and was unable to process what's really happening. After a minute of shock, Cindy chases after the gingerbread trying to return it to her house. Unfortunately, the gingerbread was quite faster than Cindy. They ran and ran all throughout the village. Since Cindy is too focused on chasing the gingerbread cookie, she was unable to notice the coming truck towards her. The truck was beeping loudly to draw Cindy's attention but unfortunately, it was all too late. Cindy got hit by a truck and everything on her sight turned white. A blinding white light.

She closed her eyes. After a minute, she opened it again. To her surprise, she was back in her house. She's so fine and doesn't look like she got hit by a truck. Her foot led her to the kitchen where the cookies are. She checked the oven to see the status of her cookies and to her surprise, they are still 10 of them! She's so confused on how all of that happened. From chasing the running cookie, to the truck that hit her, and how she went back to her home. For a short moment, she thought, "What if it is all just a dream?". She went back to her living room and sat on her sofa with a plate of cookies in her left hand and a glass of milk in her right hand. She shrugged everything off of her mind and believed that everything was just a dream. She turned on the television and just watched her favorite movie while eating the gingerbread cookie she made a while ago. Everything went back to Cindy's usual day.

Meanwhile, the gingerbread man was looking at her through the window, smiling widely.

#food

[soulexplorer21]

LOVE IS BLIND: A SELFISH LOVE

One chilly and cold night, a sound of a child crying out loud could be heard. She was desperate to run through the playground to hide, someone calling her "Ella, please hear us out first. Don't do this, my daughter." While crossing the road, she was hit by a taxi driver and then...

"Please, Doctor, do everything you can to save my daughter. I don't know what to do, help me Oh God!"

A serious situation happening at the emergency room, the child was in severe condition, the doctor was trying to save her. After how many minutes, she was saved, and her parents were restless while talking to the investigator to investigate the case of her child.

"Have you seen the plate number of the taxi, Ma'am?" the investigator said.

"No, things happened fast but I think the driver was under the influence of alcohol, his car was wiggling and luring to left and right," said her mother.

"We'll do everything to resolve the case, thank you for your cooperation." The investigators leave the hospital.

Unfortunate things happen the day that the child knew her parents decided to divorce. The doctor approach them and said:

"Ma'am, we did our best but the impact that was done was severe and it damages the veins in her eyes. Sorry to say, but she wouldn't be able to see again, she's now blind."

Her mother was left in awe. She resented herself for what happened to her daughter.

Time passes, 11 years after the accident. Ella and her mother were back at the hospital, they've been visiting once a month for a check-up and getting information about the eye donor who wants to donate eyes for Ella.

"Ma'am the donor kept on changing decisions; I will let you know once it's final. So far Ella was in a good condition and ready for an eye transplant." He gladly tells Ella and her mother.

"Thank you for your kindness, doctor."

Leaving the hospital, Ella held her mother's hand, upon the shining ray of sunlight her smile can be seen. She was happy upon hearing that any time soon, she would be able to see the world, again.

"Mom, are you bothered? You don't have to worry about me, it's alright I can still wait even after another 11 years. I will." They both headed home.

One afternoon, Judith, her mother prepared lunch for her children and to comfort Ella. She asked her older son, Cher to look after her dish as she was going to check if Ella's awake.

Judith was excitedly hopping her way upstairs to check Ella who was listening to jazz music. She knocked on her door and slightly opened it.

“I’m coming in, Ella”

She saw her lovely daughter and as the wind blew the curtain through the window of her room. Ella’s hair flips, and her beauty shows right through her pure soul. Judith reminds of her when she was a teenager like Ella, it made her emotional upon seeing Ella suffering from their mistakes.

Ella was into jazz music, listening to it once she woke up in the morning. It helped her clear her thoughts and put peace through her mind and soul.

"Oh, my lovely daughter! You have a heart for jazz music, just like your father. Prepare quickly for lunch, I have something to tell you." Judith was excited too.

"Yes, mom. I'll be there as fast as I can." They both giggled.

Abundant food serves in a rectangular shape table good for the whole family. All delighted to smell the aroma of freshly baked macaroni pasta, Ella's favorite dish.

"Sister, come here I'll guide you to your seat," said Cher who was excited to taste every dish served.

She replied: "Hmm... I can sense your excitement over the food, Cher thank you so much."

They are all together, laughing and chatting, catching up with each other. And then Judith suddenly remembers something she wants to tell them, especially Ella.

"Alright guys, can I interrupt for a minute? I have something to say to your sister, Ella finally... She now has a donor. The doctor confirmed it to me.

"Oh really, Mom! I am happy for you sister."

Ella was happy upon hearing the good news but can’t deny that she was worried.

"Mom what if he changes his mind, what if..."

"It's alright, I thought you said you can still wait until another 11 years?" she jokingly said.

"We have to strengthen our faith from now on. I believe, this time."

Ella replied to her: "Just to make sure I want to meet my donor mom." "I want to thank him and know what makes him decide to donate his eyes."

Judith was wondering whether she would let her daughter meet her donor. It would be hard for her if he changes his mind after they meet. She does not want Ella to lose hope.

Phone ringing, a man was disturbed by its sound, tossing, and turning around his bed while a ray of sunlight touches the skin that awakens him. He reached for his phone.

"Hello, this is Roel. Who's this? He answered the phone with a raspy voice.

" Ahm... Sorry for disturbing you, I am the Doctor from St. Teresa's eye hospital. I just wanted to inform you that we already contacted the mother of the donee. Do you want to meet them in person?"

Roel jumps out of his bed as he nervously replies to the Doctor. He stuttered and put down his phone.

Roel doesn't know what to do, he restlessly walks back and forth in his room. He seems worried and scared about his decision.

Back in time, Roel found out the truth.

His father went to his school to take him home after school hours.

"Oh, son here!" "Sorry for waiting, I just did something."

Roel smells the alcohol stinks from his father. He knew that he drinks before coming to his school. He questioned his father.

"Dad are you drunk; I can smell alcohol in you." He was a little irritated.

"I just sip a little, I wasn't drunk. I would've come here and got you a ride if I was drunk," said his father.

Roel continues to question him, "Dad how true that you killed someone by accident before because of your irresponsible drinking while driving?"

His father was surprised to hear that from him.

"Aren't you going to take responsibility for what happened? How long will you hide and face the consequences?"

"I never thought that way, I didn't run away from the accident. I was scared to be away from your mother. You know she was sick and up for eye surgery when that unfortunate thing happened. I don't know what to do, I can't help it."

There was a fast car approaching, Roel and his father got into an accident which caused his father’s death. It was another painful memory for him.

Roel decided to meet his donee's family. He's nervous to death thinking that he will meet the family of the victim of his Father's reckless driving. He sends a text message containing:

"I'm on my way, Mrs. Judith. I'm sorry it would take some time."

Mrs. Judith was busy early this morning preparing everything for their visitor. She's grinning and felt excited while humming as someone knocked on the door.

They warmly welcome him to their house, opening the door he sees the ever lovely, Ella who was then patiently waiting for him. Roel can't imagine that Ella would be this pretty. He suddenly felt guilt and sadness seeing her suffer what his father did. Time slowed down; he was stunned by her beauty as if she fell in love.

"No, stop it Roel. Think about what your father did to her." He quietly talks to himself.

Their lunch was full of conversation. They get to know each other well. Roel decided to not say anything about his father and the accident.

Roel visited Ella’s house to catch up with one another. He always assists Ella whenever she needs him. Their days and nights repeat. As another year unfolds right into their eyes. Slowly, step by step they develop feelings for one another.

As the calendar flashes in a blink of an eye, years and years have passed. In present years in 2021, Roel confessed his feelings toward Ella. They’ve known each other for a very long time. Somehow, they’ve forgotten about her eye surgery but Roel promised him that he would give her his eyes. It just turns out for good that she had fallen in love. How great it would be to have each other’s company.

Ella felt the assurance of having Roel by her side. But it can't be denied how worried she was if the time has come that Roel would be leaving and have his eyes, one that only remains a gift from the one he loved.

No one can’t break true love. Roel and Ella told Judith about it, and she gave them her blessings. She wasn't against their love, after all, Roel was a good man but he reminded him of his promise to Ella and her as well.

“Promise is a promise, Mom. I love Ella as much as you love her, I won't let you down. Think of it as another gift I could give to her. This was the only thing I could do to pay for...” He slips his tongue and forgets that he hasn't told everything yet, the truth about him and his father’s mistake many years ago.

They happily ended their conversation with a warm hug.

5 years passed. They have created a lovely family consisting of 2 children, a daughter, and a son. Despite Ella's condition, she is patiently and willing to wait for more years. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with Roel and her children.

They've been living peacefully for 5 years and things went a change. While rummaging through her husband's stuff, a recorder fell on the ground. Not knowing what it's, she reached for it and the recorder played. She heard a voice, recorded by her husband, Roel.

The message contains:

“Ella, by the time you are listening to this. I am sorry and to your family as well. I am too selfish; it is all my fault. I should've not let myself fall in love with you. My father wants to surrender himself by the time the accident happened. He just wanted to be on the day my mother's eye surgery was held. Now that they are both gone, I just wanted to pay for his sins. I indeed loved you, but I didn't know that this would be very hard. Please forgive, even though I didn't deserve your forgiveness for everything that I've done.”

Ella was surprised, she was left in awe and disbelief. She threw the voice recorder and began to cry out loud.

"No, this can't be true." It seems like the world has stopped and another bad news comes from his brother calling from the hospital.

"Ella, your husband was in the hospital. He was involved in an accident going to Mom's home." said his brother who was panicking now.

She was going to the hospital but suddenly told the driver to change direction.

While going away from the heartbreak, she called her mother.

"Mom, do you know... that Roel's father was the one responsible for the accident that happened to me?" she said it while containing herself from what happened.

"I just heard that he wanted to meet me before his accident happened and I guess he planned to tell me about that matter." said her Mother.

"This can't be true. I can't believe this was happening to me." She began to cry.

"Ella, as much as I wanted to give justice for what happened. Roel is gone, and the Doctor is asking me if you would still want to be Roel's eye donee." Judith sounds worried. She knew this would be hard for her daughter.

“Where are you? Let’s talk about this in person. You can’t do this alone.”

“He made a promise, Mom. I thought he loved me, but it seems like he didn't care about my feelings at all. He loves himself more than me.” Ella felt betrayed, they were both blinded by love.

Six months after the misery and traumatic situation, Ella’s children were in Judith’s care. She’s taking the kids for a shower when she receives a call. It was from her daughter, Ella who had been away for a long time.

“Mom, it’s me Ella. I’m coming home, I have a surprise for all of you. I’m sorry for leaving, I’m good and ready to face everything now.” She said while her voice was shaking, she teared up a bit.

“I’m glad you’re coming back. I’ve already prepared everything for your OB Foundation that you said.” Judith was delighted to hear her daughter happy, again.

In the airport, a place where either you would be separated and or reunited from your loved ones. The sound of airplanes landing through the runway, which excites the kids who are waiting for their mother to arrive. Kids hopping and giggling with each other, no words can't express how they’re longing for their Mother’s embrace.

“Children, Mom’s here!” Ella shouted with joy. “How nice to see your faces. Mommy can see now.” Ella’s voice cracked.

“Ella, I cannot believe this! Can you really see us now?” You’re now seeing the world. Judith was obviously surprised.

On the way home, Ella tells Judith exactly what happened after she left the country.

“Before I leave after the incident, I’ve been waiting for OB Foundation’s confirmation about my eye surgery. I left the country not just to move on to life, but the surgery was supposed to be done in the United States of America. After the recovery they want me to be part of the foundation and to serve as a living proof. I did, and I always wanted to give back to people and to the world. Even before, although I can’t see the world, I knew how painful it is to see the world and its people suffering. With the help of the foundation, I started a new whole life, again.” Ella reminisces about her hardships it was painful, indeed.

After a couple of days, Ella’s family decided to go to the church and to visit her husband's tomb.

Hand in hand walking the streets with her children grin ear to ear. She tightly holds their hands as she feels guilty and sorry for what happened and that at an early age they’re separated from their deceased father.

Ella parted ways with her husband, leaving with a heartfelt message that she always wanted to tell.

“We’re too selfish Roel, we were both blinded by love that leads our lives into miserable ones. I know how much you loved me, and you know how much I loved you. I’m sorry, it took a lot of time for me to accept all of this. I refused to have your eyes and I've already decided even before things happened; it is the only way I could think to repay your love to me. Until we see each other again, Roel.”

I hope that the story was able to touch your heart. 💚 -ASTER

[soulexplorer21]

#Travel #ShortStory

WHERE WAS I?

"What screws up the most in life is the picture in our head of how it's supposed to be."

A young lady, who is in her mid-20s, is blankly stare to the unpainted white wall, hands carrying her heavy face and having a sigh when she repeatedly pronouced words in the sentence as if remembering it. As she about to complete reciting the whole sentence, an unintentional noise of the person's movement laying in bed made her back to her conscious self. She look at her and immediately go to where she is with tears in her eyes.

In a spacious room, unpainted walls and ceiling, white curtains parted into sides, clear windows widely welcome a sunray, the girl who was named Aeriel gently open her eyes after a week of sleep. The morning feels so good but definitely not to her. She got a tightly embrace from a teary-eyed Sunshine. No words leaves from their mouth. It looks like they missed each other so much.

"This isn't my room. . . I knew it! . . . Again?" A deep sigh came out from Aeriel and tears begin to fall. Her body doesn't coordinate on what her mind wants to do. She wants to be out in the bed but trying to make a single move, she can't.

As sunshine and the nurse enter the room, Aeriel immediately wipe her tears, and she asked them desperately: "Can I have a walk for awhile?"

Her nurse promised to grant her request after doing some examination to her condition.

Aeriel sitting on a wheelchair with Sunshine behind, roam around to a tiny peaceful hallway. She remembered the last person her eyes saw before a familiar incident happened again.

"Where is he?" her mind unconsciously speak it out loud.

"You mean, Light?" Sunshine asked her in return.

Aeriel got confused and embarrassed. She just nodded in response.

"Our mom forced him to take a rest. She forced him because he doesn't really want to be away by your side," Sunshine explained.

Filled with emotions inside, Aeriel remains silent.

Too many doors are close and occupied. Aeriel decided to move the wheels on her own when she saw Sunshine needs some rest, too.

Her sight was glued to a slightly open door; a familiar face caught her attention. The room looks the same with hers.

"Why he is here? . . . What he is thinking? . . . He seems at peace but I feel he isn't," she started questioning herself in silence; scared that he might hear her from a far.

Her heart pounded faster, and questioned herself:

"Is it just a dream? . . . Where am I?"

Two weeks ago, Aeriel San Buenaventura was invited by Vergara family in a short Christmas vacation to Ilocos Norte.

She was an introvert person who doesn't want to be in a crowd. Choosing between staying at home or hanging out with friends or family and relatives, she will definitely choose the first one. But, Vergara family is as special as her biological family. She can't resist to reject them. So, Aeriel having no plans in Christmas will be out on a vacation.

The famous Patapat Viaduct road in Ilocos Norte was the first one that carried them in owe because of its beauty. Vergara family used two vehicles for this vacation: one is the classy black car owned by the eldest daughter, Sunshine Vergara and the other one is a family car which is more capacious than Sunshine's. Light Vergara, who is the youngest in the family, and Aeriel are with Sunshine in her car.

The Vergara siblings, who are sitting in front, scream in excitement:

"This will be a fun ride!"

Aeriel on the backseat agreed on what she have heard.

Full of tourist people, riders and parked vehicles on the road, impressive gigantic mountain and falls, a clear blue water on the side are the mesmerizing view that anyone could enjoy while on the way to their destination. Aeriel and the whole family were jealous on what they are witnessing so they had a quick stay on the road.

Taking pictures are mostly what they did.

Sunshine being the photographer-slash-photo editor-slash-photo director of the family, took lots of photo of them, and she was absolutely joyous doing it.

Strictly following their family car, they had a stop-over to the historical church in Ilocos: The Paoay Church.

This is their first time in Ilocos yet this church isn't new to them, it was featured in some media platforms but when they stepped in in front of it:

"Wooh! . . . Amazing," Sunshine said.

"Marvelous!. . . No doubt, it carried a Philippine history," Light stated.

Aeriel giggled and said, "Agree. Plus its well known three-story bell tower!" she pointed out, "and it looks great in person."

Hours have passed, and the whole family decided to have another ride.

With Light's playful glance to her sister, he asked eagerly:

"Can I drive? Please. . ."

Although hesitant, Sunshine gave him the approval:

"Fine. But Light, . . . drive safely. I will seat here in the back. Ae, would you mind sitting beside Light for the meantime?" she asked Aeriel.

In an instant Ae replied: "Ohh. . . No problem sis."

Aeriel already hop in inside the car. A teasing glare on her side waited her round beautiful eyes to motion towards him.

"What?" she asked curiously.

His smile couldn't hide from forming a half round shape in his now rosy cheeks. As he started the engine, he whispered carefully: "I'll stay by your side even the ride wouldn't last long."

She was surprised by the sudden choice of words. She felt something serious yet disregarded it in her thought, and just give him a genuine smile.

The relaxing songs played inside the car are joining to the surrounding outside; they chose to just embrace the endless cold breeze of the season.

Light, being a curious adventurous young man, previously checked some places here in Ilocos.

"Hey. Hey! Where are we heading? I couldn't see our family car," Sunshine noticed.

Calmly Light explained: "Relax sis. "We will just try this food. I'm sure you guys will love it," he said confidently, "and don't worry I searched this place. I will contact Mom as we arrive there."

While a deep sigh was done at the back, on the opposite seat in front was a abruptly sound of the stomach.

Light glance at her then turned back his eyes on the road, he controlling his mischievous smile but Ae saw it and blurted out: "I am not hungry. My stomach is!"

This moment, Sunshine joins Light in laughter. Ae didn't argue anymore.

"We are here!" Light announced.

He brought the two into the place where the iconic delicious empanada is. Looking on his side by side, the girls are already ordering and finding vacant seats. He immediately run towards to their direction.

They ate the empanada in the way they're comfortable: putting only vinegar sauce, filling with ketchup sauce, and a combination of the two.

Vergara family discovered a newly open hotel that has a homey ambiance. It offered different accomodations. Sunshine and Aeriel will share to a room while Light will join the other boys in the family.

The next day the Christmas season vibes wakes up Aeriel from her dreamland, her eyes were landed on her plain journal that was mixed on her already ruined bag.

A note was written on it: "What screws up the most in life is the picture in our head of how it's supposed to be."

Unexpectedly, she felt eyes staring from behind. Sunshine already woke up, do a morning stretching, and inhale fresh air. "Good morning, Ae! What are you doing there?" she asked.

"Good morning, sis! I'm about to fix my things," she answered.

Aeriel didn't let the third knock in the door when she move the doorknob: "Hey!" she greeted.

Grinning he pushed the door slowly: "Ae, I want to come in," he stated. "Only if you don't mind," he added sarcastically.

She turned her back in an instant and chose to ignore him, she just said: "Whatever!"

While waiting for the girls to be prepared, Light made himself busy by eating snacks while watching in television. He was interrupted and surprised by the girl in front of the mirror.

He was caught staring to Aeriel so he got a playful smirk from his sister. "Enjoying the view, bro?" she asked mischievously.

"Yes. Happy?" he simply yet sarcastically stated.

Sunshine can't help but to smile endlessly.

"I'm done," Aeriel said.

The Vergara family decided to visit the Berglick Restaurant near in the hotel. It was known for its Filipino-German dishes. They occupied a long wooden table at the terrace. The dancing tall coconut trees joined the cooling freshness of the air that touches everyone's skin.

Mrs. Vergara informed Aeriel about her phone ringing repeatedly: "Ae, I think someone's calling you."

"Ohh. I didn't notice. Thank you, Tita!"

"It's Dad," she added.

"Go ahead! Answer it first."

Aeriel nodded in response.

"Aeriel!" A delightful voice was heard from the other line. "How are you, Ae?"

"So far, so good, Dad! Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I'm with them.

"Okay, Ae. I'm at peace hearing your voice and knowing you're fine. Just take care of yourself."

Aeriel answered: "How about you, Dad? How's working there in Dubai? Rest if they'll give you time, okay? Don't be too workaholic."

"I'm having my free time today, Ae. I'll call you again."

Ae, Light and Sunshine were last to leave the restaurant. They went to Bangui Windmills Farm. A tall numerous Windmills are standing meters away from each other. Other tourists grab the chance to take pictures of them, so they also did.

Wandering on the seaside barefoot is what they did next. The tiny white sand on their foot felt as if massaging it. Having a thought that they might ruin this good moment of them enjoying the view and each other's company, no one talked for awhile.

After hours passed, one of Vergara siblings' cousins called Light because of an urgent phone call, Aeriel and Sunshine left on the other side of the beach.

Sunshine suddenly asked Ae: How are you, Ae? Are you having fun today?"

Ae smiles but didn't give a look at her. "I'm glad. . . knowing I have all of you in this vacation!" she sincerely let these words out.

"I'm glad to hear that, Ae." Sunshine holds her hand tightly.

Ae just give a glance to their hands yet satisfaction will witness in her eyes.

Aeriel didn't saw Light even until the night comes. When Sunshine finally went back to their room, Ae doesn't hesitate to asked her:

"Have you seen Light? Did he already went back after the phone call earlier?"

"I've been in their room, Ae. Everything's fine," she answered. "You take a rest, too," she suggested.

On the next day, Aeriel woke up late. She supposed to join on the family meal here in the hotel but unfortunately didn't happen. She was ready to go out of the bed when a sudden noise of the doorknob open that made her stop from moving, a dressed up young man entered the room.

Ae ran abruptly towards to Light and give him a hug; he jokingly act that he was choked. Ae blushed and playfully punch him instead.

"Where have you been?" she asked Light instantly.

"Do you missed me that much?" he asked her, too.

Ae nodded multiple times.

"Someone needs to talk to me yesterday. I didn't make to go here after because it was already late." Light explained.

"Will you join on a boat ride later?" he asked.

"Interesting! Where we will go?" Ae replied.

"It's a secret," he said.

Aeriel didn't know that they're just the two of them who will go to Makagutugut Rock.

"I'll tie your hair!" he doesn't asked, it just a plain statement. As Light finished making her hair looks nice, the old man was also done preparing the boat.

"Hop in," Light said.

While roaming around, an irresistibly attractive view on the sea made Light and Ae just appreciate it. A gigantic two formation of rocks are waiting for their boat to pass in between to go on the side of the place full of white small rocks instead of a sand.

The noise of the flashing small waves in the rocks made their inner spirit chill for awhile.

"Ae, I hope you're having fun," Light said it sincerely.

"I am!" she said assuring him through eye-contact.

"I am genuinely happy when you accept our invitation. How are you?"

"Before this vacation, we both knew what happened and might happen to me anytime. I thank you and the whole Vergara family for this getaway."

They talked while staring on the calm sea.

"Ae, I'm sorry for making you worry yesterday."

"Hmm, so this is your way of apologizing. Really?" she laughed.

He nodded. "How about your boutique, Ae?" he asked curiously.

"I don't have plans yet to open it," she simply said.

"What about Tito? Did he called you again?"

"Maybe tonight he will. . . I'm okay, Light." She glance at him and lean on his shoulder.

"Ae?. . . When was the last time you experience it?"

She's aware to the Vergara's reason why they invite her to this vacation; they understood and care for her.

She replied honestly: "The moment I closed my boutique. I was just tired back then. I am glad to have people supporting my business but when I have deadlines I couldn't meet. I doubt myself. I was suffocated."

"When things go wrong and you feel like giving up. Remember, you've got me." Light caress her hands and intertwined to his.

"Remember, you've got me, too!" said Ae in return. The atmosphere is not as heavy as their conversation is, the sailing was as smooth as the boat ride earlier.

Light prepared a picnic for them.

Minutes passed Light climb to the mountain of rocks and tries to do the cliff diving. Ae notice it late so that when Light is about to jump, she experienced that feeling again. She was scared, couldn't breathe properly, her chest was tight, her palms started sweating and her heart pounded faster. She found herself going to the water but ended up lying on the rocks because of the feeling of almost dying.

Light dive in into the water and immediately run towards her. Even he knows the things he must do, he can't control himself from worrying. He was composed when he gave air to Ae, he checked her pulse and doing the steps again. Light carried her and went back to the hotel.

A week after the incident happened, Aeriel found herself laying on the hospital bed waiting for Sunshine to return from calling her personal nurse.

After some examination to Aeriel's condition, her request to go out on her room was granted. Aeriel and Sunshine are silently roaming around on a tiny peaceful hallway. The last person she's with was her best friend, Light. Unfortunately, he wasn't there the moment Aeriel woke up from a week of sleep. Sunshine explained that Light was forced to take a rest, "But Ae, he really wants to be the first person you'll see after a week of sleep."

Ae was disappointed but chose to wait for his presence until he will visit her.

Aeriel had a me-time when she decided Sunshine to take some rest, too. "I will be okay," she said confidently.

She is recovering until she passed by a slightly open door. Aeriel saw that familiar face. A young man is looking outside, carrying his usual grin while humming endlessly, Light possesses a good aura as if there is nothing to be worried about.

She went back to her room crying.

Aeriel's dad visits her on the other day. They're having their brunch when Ae couldn't help but told him:

"Dad, I am sad. I don't know what is happening. I'm afraid of everything, to my anxiety that will be active anytime and to the fact that I saw Light here in the hospital," she bursts it all out to him. The vulnerability of Aeriel was shown to his father after a long time of not literally showing it.

Having her dad's presence and a tightly hug from him are all she needed right now.

She was suffering from anxiety in the form of Panic Attack. She has an agrophobia in which she was afraid that her feeling of almost dying might happen again, in her case, it will be inactive yet she felt it again in the season she just wanted o treasure every moment with the special people of her life.

She discovered that her long-time best friend, a genuine person, and a responsible son, lived his life possessing his name, be a light, to everyone that surrounds him and shared an everyday good vibes was diagnosed with brain tumor. Sadly, she never noticed any hint from him because of his bright personality whenever he's with her. She was devastated until Sunshine shared what Light wants her to do when she first woke up: it is to no longer dwell on sadness because of him or her anxiety.

She chose to be stronger and brave even in his last breath.

She questioned, "Where was I?"

[soulexplorer21]

SUMMER DREAM

It‘s dark.

The sky is painted with thousands of stars in bright small dots.

Cold wind breezes through my hair matched with the crashing waves of the sea.

Surrounding the tall coconut trees are fireflies dancing carelessly with each other.

On my feet is a little crab crawling and a shell I picked up to examine.

Suddenly, a strange man in pitch black of shadow approaches in my direction.

―You‘ve been sleeping for hours already. It‘s getting very unhealthy of you.‖

The room is suddenly lit after switching on the light source. Annoyed as I regain consciousness of the reality, I

realized I was having a dream, again. Scrambling through my side table in search of my eyeglasses, I opened my

eyes and see my mom standing at the door.

―Why are you here? I thought you we‘re on a vacation‖, I said, sounding like a whiny teenage who‘s ‗going through a

phase‘

―I‘m worried of you, it‘s why‖, her voice is a soothing lullaby I‘m very familiar with since childhood.

―And speaking of a vacation, I think it‘s you who needs the vacation, darling.‖

―Mom, I‘m okay. You don‘t need to worry about me. I‘m just –― I stop, thinking of words to mask what I‘m really going

through.

―Depressed.‖ Oops, okay here you go. The bomb is ticked. Yes, I am, in fact, has been very sad for the last few

weeks. I don‘t even know why. Or I know why, but just couldn‘t exactly pinpoint the ‗what’ exactly. Everything has just

been uninteresting and had me indisposed completely that I even have to resign from my job. Each time I wake up

from oversleeping, it‘s like I don‘t have any energy to start the day and just wish to sleep it off again.

―I know it‘s been very hard for you to absorb the breakup but please, you need to take care of yourself and maybe

unwind a little bit.‖ The worry in her voice is convincing.

―I mean, look at these takeout orders you‘ve been ordering. You don‘t see your friends anymore, too.‖

―I don‘t even have friends, Mom.‖ My ex was the only friend I got.

―Just go on a vacation, will you? Travel. Meet new people. Take on an adventure and have fun.‖

That sounds like an energy drainer to me. A fantasy that I don‘t ever want.

―Yes, mother. I will. Anyways, thanks for dropping by‖.

―I booked you a ticket‖

―What?‖ No!

―To Maldives,‖ with a big grin on her face.

―Exciting, mother.‖ As I roll my eyes in sarcasm.

Maybe I could really use a breather. This house is containing me and my thoughts in darkness. Maldives is perfect, I

think. I just hope the trip goes well.

The flight to Maldives was not as exhausting as it was expected. As soon as I arrived at the tropical paradise of

pristine blue waters and sparkling sand, what‘s left is to enjoy and relax the majestic scenery from the native hotel inn

I was checked in.

Vacation was going perfectly not until the boredom starts creeping in. The sun‘s scorching heat at 12pm is definitely

something that has urged me to wander around the front beach for some adventure.

As I walk the fine sand in no particular destination, I reached the area where beach lounge chairs and high umbrellas

were situated. Then I decided to sit and rest for a while, opening a book to read until I feel a little sleepy to take a nap

and kill off the time.

Across the beachfront where I rest is the banquet hall where Theo (my ex) is having their conference meeting. While

listening and exchanging comments, Theo gazes outside the beach and catches glimpse of me laying down. What a

coincidence that he‘s here! He must be thinking I‘m following him when I clearly am not!

The hours progressed swiftly and moments later, it was 6 o‘clock in the evening. A mini festival with bonfire and tribal

program stars to commence at the beachfront of the hotel. Curiosity has led me to observe the event as I‘ve never

witnessed one like this before. I sit on the sand and enjoy the sight of the stars and the sound coming from the beat

of drums from the event.

While all of a sudden, a waiter comes with a cold beer.

―Good evening, ma‘am. A drink is being sent to you by a man over there.‖

Looking at the pointed direction of the waiter, Celeste catches sight of Theo, waving and smiling shyly.

―Thanks. Tell him thank you for the drink. I appreciate the gesture.‖

Maybe he‘s just goofing around as a way to enjoy his trip here in Maldives, who knows.

Shortly thereafter, the Theo indeed joins me for a drink.

―Hello, can I join you?‖ Theo asks as he sits down beside Celeste.

―Yeah, sure. Thanks for the beer by the way. How‘s Maldives so far?‖ Celeste attempts to move along the

conversation, avoiding any silence.

―Well, it‘s been nice. I haven‘t been in a vacation for a while. I actually just came here for work. How about you?‖

―In a quest to find the meaning of life.‖

―That‘s interesting. How are you actually going to ‗find the meaning of life‘?‖ Theo wonders.

―I don‘t really know,‖ and I laugh timidly.

―I‘m just going with the flow. See where this trip takes me.‖

―You know what, I got an idea to make this trip an adventure to remember‖ said Theo, abruptly showing an intense

feeling of hope and eagerness.

―Spill. What do you have in mind?‖ as I reply in split second, arousing spark of enthusiasm.

―It‘s something that I‘ve thought randomly one day. We‘ll go on a little escapade, exploring the islands of Maldives,‖

Theo pauses, intensely assessing if I am actually interested with his idea of mini adventure. And to his surprise, I am

in fact is looking right at his eyes, it‘s as if I am trying to look at this man‘s soul, assessing the worthiness of this plan.

―-And then you can tell me anything. Everything. As I am with you, too. Like we‘re our own little vault of secrets,‖

―That‘s how we‘ll get to know each other. Because it‘ll make the trip more interesting,‖

―Okay, proceed.‖ Celeste utters with anticipation.

―But the catch here is that, we‘re not allowed to treat each other like we‘ve known each other before,‖

―This gets interesting, continue.‖ I am clearly starting to like this plan.

―Yeah, that‘s basically it.‖

―So how are we going to name each other then, do we make an alternative name or something?‖

―Yeah, we can do that! A word that actually represents who we are. Do you have anything in mind already?‖

―Hmm, well, I could go with Serenity, which means calmness and tranquility because I think that‘s what I would really

like to have for the rest of my life. While at the same time you can also call me Seren as a nickname,‖

―Why, does it have any meaning?‖ Theo asks.

―It means star.‖ Celeste says while looking up at the sky to refer for the stars.

―Woah. That one is so nice. I think you can call me chance,‖

―It kinda‘ means opportunity, you know, a possibility of something happening. I think that‘s what life is, taking chances

despite failure and mishaps,‖

―means good fortune as well.‖ Theo grins from ear to ear.

―Impressive, Chance.‖ Celeste voices out his name trying to get the hand of it.

It‘s 10 in the morning and the sun‘s up in Maldives. Theo and I have made plans to meet and discover interesting

places in Maldives together.

―Hello, Serenity. It‘s nice to see you‖ Theo beams as Serene sits down beside him on the sand

―I want to tell you something by the way,‖

―What is it?‖ Serene asks.

―It‘s like I‘m having a déjà vu right now‖ Chance says, with a confused face. It‘s as if he‘s trying to remember this

particular moment.

―I think I‘m experiencing déjà vu as well, I don‘t know‖

―I feel like this happened before.‖ Chad‘s brows furrows.

―Like a dream, huh?‖

―Exactly! That‘s it! I‘ve had this consistent dream whenever I sleep. It mostly is about the sea and a woman I can‘t

seem to remember‖

At this moment, Serenity is able to recall the man in her dreams as well.

―That‘s weird. I had dreams of the beach, too. And a man that usually is just covered in shadows. I think it was you or

something, haunting me‖ Serene chuckles.

―What a coincidence. Do you think our dreams were connected?‖

―I mean what are the odds, right?‖ Chance says.

―Dreams do not work that way, Chance.‖ Serene shuts off the idea, thinking that it is not likely of that happening in

reality.

But if it was indeed, deep down in their souls, Chance and Serenity might really have that connection. The question

is, for what reason? Have the stars aligned to make way of their destiny for Chance and Serene?

―What do you think of life, Serenity?‖ Chad questions out of the blue as they finish their lunch at a local fast food

restaurant they have stopped by.

―That question is hard. But I‘ll try to answer that,‖ I paused for a second and thinks of words to answer the question.

―I think the appropriate question would be, what is the purpose of life?‖

―But I think the question itself is the answer, you know.‖

―The purpose of life is to find the purpose of life?‖ Chad is a bit confused for a moment. Trying to figure out what I just said.

―It‘s kind of in the philosophical aspect. But yes, the purpose of life is for you to constantly search for its purpose and

eventually fulfill it, and it‘s a cycle.‖ Serenity doesn‘t even know where the words have come from, or let alone the idea.

―That‘s so deep‖ Chad finally understands the context and realizes how meaningful it is to apply in everyday life.

―By constantly searching for life‘s purpose, you‘re actually is living life.‖

―Yes, precisely. Amazing, huh‖ I say.

―It is, indeed.‖

―Okay, my turn. Do you know yourself?‖ I ask while sipping the cold milk tea.

―Or will a person even completely ever know its self, like in all aspects‖

―I think not‖ Chad says without hesitation.

―Because a person constantly is subject to changes as its environment does, also.‖

―So if you come to think of it, there can inevitably be times when an individual won‘t probably ever know thy self.‖

Chad continues.

―Example when someone is falling in love, or is head over heels with someone; there will be instances where you‘d

rather make adjustments just so both of the couple be able to compromise with each other‘s demands.‖

―Adjustments that you‘ve never thought of. Or even claimed once that it‘s not going to happen.‖

―I think that‘s it‖ Chad smiles.

―You‘re smart, aren‘t you‖ I blush.

After eating their lunch, Theo and I decided to wander off the streets of Maldives just to explore the area.

―You two look like a lovely couple‖ An old woman says.

―We‘re not couples‖ We both replied the same thing nervously and looked at each other for a second.

―Why don‘t you have a matching tattoo? It would make your vacation here more memorable‖ The old woman adds.

―You know what, let‘s do it‖ with a big grin on my face, and then I turn to Chad as if I‘m pleading to have matching

tattoos.

―Okay. What will we have?‖

―Sorry but my clients doesn‘t get the chance to pick a design. I‘m the one who chooses it. Based on the person‘s

aura‖ The old woman interrupts.

―That‘s fascinating‖ as I squeal.

I found out that the old woman‘s name is Whang-Od, and is famous for her tribal tattoos. She stars to ink the skin of

Serenity first. Whang-Od claims that the ink of her tribal tattoos is made up of charcoal and water. Once the tattoo ink

was mixed, it is tapped into the skin using a thorn from a citrus tree — choosing between calamansi or pomelo. The

thorn is then attached to a 12-inch long bamboo stick and from there, Whang-od starts tapping it deep into the skin.

The tattoo took hours to finish. After it was done, Whang-Od explains the meaning of their matching tattoos.

―There are three figures I tattooed; the fern symbolizes fertility, strength health, and safe passage to the land of the

dead. The python symbolizes protection, good fortune, and health. Lastly, the standing eagle symbolizes strength,

freedom, and guidance.‖

―Woah. This tattoo sure is going to be the most memorable.‖ Chance says.

―Thank you so much!‖ as I at the freshly inked tribal tattoos.

The time goes by so fast that the day was too short for us to spend more time. Afterwards we headed back to the

hotel inn after the long walk they had. Both of us went to our respective rooms and called it a night.

The vacation stay ends. Theo and I both said our last farewell before leaving the hotel and still clinging unto their

promise of not just staying as strangers with some memories.

Pretending to not know anything about each other‘s lives is something we‘ve never thought to be comforting enough

to get to know each other so deeply. This time, knowing someone was a whole different experience for me; because

it was not the cliché setup right from the start, and gradually, little by little, as I have gotten to discover each Theo‘s

deepest dreams and thoughts, I soon start to realize and understand a piece of myself, too.

My flight way back home made them realize a lot of things. But most of all, it sparked hope and understanding of the

world and myself. Our meeting was of no accident but was a destined circumstance, highlighting my trip as one of the

most unforgettable one.

Time passes by and Theo still remained as a stranger to me, but I do sure know and remember how pure our bare

minds are during the trip –that gave me a much better perspective.

[soulexplorer21]

Poppies from Normandy

Chapter One.

There are no flowers this time of the year. 

The merchants and vendors inform me spring had just ended, and the flowers are no longer in full bloom. They pick only the best of the best, they say to me in broken English. I had smiled and thank them despite the disappointment blooming in my chest. I really wanted to buy flowers for my room, and I had heard and researched so much about Normandy's beautiful poppy fields.

I had arrived a little too late to see them then—such a shame. 

The Honfleur Market is a lot less shaded than I thought. I mean, it is an open-air market, but I had thought there would be a bench under a tree somewhere or at least an area that's not directly under the scorching heat of the sun, but there's none of that. There's only St. Catherine's Bell Tower's towering structure that provides a bit of comfort.

The stalls are packed with customers and vendors, as I had expected on a Saturday morning. There is an array of food being cooked and displayed. Even though I just had a hearty breakfast at the inn, I can't help but water at the sight of the freshly caught mussels and sizzling in a large pan nearby or the scent of wild mushrooms being cut into pieces. 

I turn sharply on my heel and head straight towards the stall selling various seafood. The owner or the cook is a middle-aged man with a round potbelly and a gruff appearance. Still, he has a friendly smile, and his eyes sparkle when he sees me approaching him. 

"Voulez-vous quelque chose à manger, mademoiselle?"

I smile bitterly. I understood the only word was "manger" and "mademoiselle," but I can draw a rough guess of what the vendor said just from those two words. I point to the shellfishes on display. "Oui, une portion s'il vous plaît." 

It's only nine-thirty in the morning, but I have already bought my lunch. I place the wrapped food in my tote bag and walk down the rest of the path, eyeing something that I could pair my food with. Perhaps some champagne or even a light wine? 

But there no wine stalls around. I only see tables filled with local arts and crafts, a stall selling fishing nets, and a few ladies chattering over their display of vegetables and fruits. I walk till the end of the market and look back over my shoulder, disappointment creeping back up when I remember what I mainly came here for. It was for the flowers so I can place them in my room, but since they're out of season, I can only sigh and head back to my inn. 

Chapter Two. 

The room is lackluster. It's why I wanted to do some mild decorating with the flowers to brighten up my temporary living quarters. 

But I had gotten it for a reasonable price that barely scraped my budget, so I have to make do and stay here for the rest of my stay. It won't be that long anyway, so I can survive until then. 

The shellfish was incredible, and as someone from the countryside in a landlocked country, I savor the feeling of the sea on my taste buds. The meal had been delicious, and I managed to finish every last piece, so now my next problem concerns what I'll be having for dinner. 

I go down to the inn's mini bar to get a drink, something to wash the food down other than water. I order champagne when I sit down on one of the high chairs. There are only four high chairs near the bar and two tables with four chairs, each a few feet away.

I'm the only one here because it's still noon. But then suddenly, I'm not alone anymore. 

A man walks in and sits on the other end of the bar. I can feel his stare piercing through my side profile, prickling my skin just slightly. And when he looks away, I can feel that too. 

I half think I am imagining things when I hear the sound of chair scraping and the bartender refills my glass even when I didn't ask him to. And there's a faint smile on his lips before he turns away, but I guess I'm imagining that too.

"Comment allez-vous mademoiselle?"

His French resembles mine. Rough, forced, and imperfect. It doesn't melt in the ears like how a native or a local would use it no matter from which part of France they're from. 

"I'm not from here either," I say plainly, just to cut to the chase. 

He almost looks relieved. His face softens, and there's a boyish smile making its way up to his features. He looks European, but he's definitely not French. "Oh, I'm sorry, my lousy French gave it away, huh?" 

Oh. His accent is British. 

He combs his hand through his fiery orange hair, and when I look more closely, I can see the faint orange of his freckles too. He looks younger than I am, or perhaps we're the same age. "What brings you to Normandy?" 

I glance at the glasses of champagne in both of our hands. He has the same taste in drinks as I do. "I'm traveling to places in Europe I haven't been to yet. And you?"

"I'm here on vacation with some friends, but they're off boating at the moment, and I don't fair well in the seas." He smiles lightly. "Are you backpacking through Europe then?" 

"Not really," I say, taking a sip of the champagne and looking away from his brown eyes. It feels good to talk to someone in English, especially to someone who is English. "I just picked three places. Normandy is my first stop." 

He tells me his name is Henry, a classic Englishman name if I say so myself. And he's with his university buddies and that he wants to eat dinner with me. 

I tell him my name, Calypso. But I don't tell him I'm traveling alone, because even if his smile is quite friendly and his eyes are too pure, you can't be too careful. 

However, I say yes to his dinner invitation. 

I guess I know where I'm eating dinner later. 

Chapter Three.

Henry is polite and courteous when he picks me up outside the Inn and greets me with a grin. And I'm glad I agreed to eat dinner with him because he's paying. 

He takes me to a seaside restaurant, and even though I had just eaten seafood this lunch, I can never get tired of it, so I happily approve of his choice of menu. 

"She who conceals." He says, dropping the menu as the waiter scurries away after taking our orders. He's looking at me with a shadow of a smile.

I tilt my head to the side in confusion. "What?" 

"It's the meaning of your name in Greek." He explains briefly. "Your name is Calypso. It's derived from the Greek nymph who was detained on an island. I'm sure you know that story." 

I almost laugh. "Yes and no." 

It's his turn to be confused as he looks at me with furrowed eyebrows. But I shake my head and can't stop a smile from shining through. "Yes, I am aware of the Greek nymph's tale. But Calypso is also a genre of music in the Afro-Caribbean." 

"Oh," suddenly, he looks sheepish, and the points of his ears turn redder than his hair. "Are your parents' musicians?" 

"No," I shake my head again. "But they are fond of music. I'm named after the genre of music my father loves the most because he's from Jamaica. And I like that namesake better than the nymph." 

Henry recovers from his flustered state quickly, and his boyish smile is back. And I'm sure he's even younger than he looks, perhaps just above the legal age to drink here in France. But I won't ask him that, of course. "Really? Why? If you don't mind me asking." 

"Like you said, she was stuck on an island for the rest of her life alone and in solitude. Doomed to fall in love with heroes, only to have them leave her in the end. It's a tragic fate I would not wish on anyone." I tell him. "I don't like the fact that she can't travel." 

"She's the opposite of you then. Or you, the opposite of her." He says, still smiling. I smile back, and then our food is served. 

During our meal, Henry makes small talk to keep the atmosphere light and friendly. I appreciate him for that. Then he asks me what I'm doing here in Normandy.

"I wanted to see the poppy fields." It's only one reason, but it's also the best reason. Normandy's flowers are just divine. 

"But they're not in bloom anymore," Henry says, and I nod, frowning. 

"I know, the merchants in the market told me. I should have come earlier then." I down the glass of champagne in one go. "How long are you staying in Normandy?" 

"A few more days. And you?"

"A few more days as well." I watch him refill my glass with more champagne. "I leave for Florence, Italy in four days."  

Henry and I wrap up our evening. It had been a nice dinner, and by the end of it, I feel even happier that I accepted his invitation. It always gets a little lonely sometimes when you're traveling by yourself. 

"Calypso," he says my name as if we've known each other for a long, long time. "What color of poppy do you like best?"

"Red, the classic," I say without hesitation. 

Henry smiles at that. He seems to smile at everything I say. 

He walks me up to the entrance of the Inn, and he hugs me goodbye. I make a move to kiss him on the cheek, as is the French greeting of hello and farewell, but I stop myself because I remember he's not French and might find it weird. 

"Thank you, I had a lovely evening," I say, smiling back at him before.

Under the shy moonlight, Henry lifts up his hand and waves. 

Chapter Four. 

I don't see Henry for the last few days of my stay in Normandy. I think he mentioned going on a trip with his friends the day after our meeting. And because of his absence, I spend the rest of my journey alone, which doesn't quite bother me as it should. 

I visit other markets in the town, a different one each day, to indulge in the French's local culture as much as I possibly can. I also eat more seafood and drink more champagne because there's only grape wine and colas there when I arrive in Italy. 

On the last day, a few hours before my bus departs to Paris, I pack up my belongings, and they all fit into a single suitcase. Some of the trinkets I bought from the markets are stored in my carry-on bags since they can't be checked in on the airlines. 

There's a knock on my door, and I jump, startled. My hand flies to my chest, over my beating heart. 

The knocking comes again. 

I sigh and compose myself before walking over to the door and unlocking the deadbolt. It could be innkeeper or-

It's Henry. 

He has a smile on, and I wonder how his smile can seem so familiar when I've only met with him once, twice? But that's precisely what it feels like. 

My eyes travel down to the bouquet of red flowers in his hands. 

"Coquelicots de Normandie, ma chère."

I laugh at his attempt to charm in a language that is unfamiliar to him. But something spurs inside of me, a type of gratitude I can't quite place, and a feeling of warmth quickly spreads throughout the rest of my body. 

I take the flowers from his hands. They are fresh poppies that he says he picked from Giverny in upper Normandy while on a trip to one of his friend's villa. 

But his words and explanation are drowned out by the bouquet of red poppies in my hands. And I am filled to the brim with surprise and happiness. 

I look up at Henry and smile widely at this boy who picked red poppies in Normandy for me. 

[soulexplorer21]

•#Lifestyle •#Passion

Her Unpublished Thoughts

The sky was getting heavy and dark. In an instant, rushing drops of rain falls down in the small and empty street. The trees are dancing, the ground seems like a bed of leaves and no one is playing outside. The noise came from the roof is a music to my soul. My blanket and a forgotten hot chocolate coffee give me comfort in the middle of the night. I am staring in no particular part in our room, as if my soul was separated in my body, when I decided to grab my on-the-go companion and that is my phone. Because of today's digital era, I comfortably write my thoughts on a note application. That is the place my mind wanders. I visit and re read my written works, even if it is just a phrase, sentences and unfinished short story. It holds my hand and take me on the days that passed in my life. Hundreds of realization fuel my thoughts to begin in typing, in writing another piece. After closing the note app, I excitedly press a button to enter to a wall of enchanting place. People welcoming my presence through different languages with subtitles, they even exceed the expectation I already have towards them. I saw diversity in their spell. Magic, an in born talent they possess. Tick tock tick tock, the sound of the clock echoing to my ear. A hole swallowing my whole being to meet another group of people. The experience and challenges I witnessed in their life amazes me. I learned the importance of being in love to life. When I hear a click of switch and the ceiling shows light, I realize that I was lost in the beauty of stories I have read. The fire in my heart for writing is burning. It inspires and motivates my soul to published my thoughts. A fangirl of reading and watching series before writing, that is what she knew about herself. With a struggling thoughts 4 years ago, I met a girl. She was walking alone in the seaside. I clearly saw her face when she motion her head up. Her face illustrates a lonely painting left in an empty gallery, she is not everyone's favorite. Her footsteps mark in a crystal clear white sand. I wonder why she suddenly stop and examine the previous footsteps she had in the sand. There are two more footsteps beside her but she doesn't see any human figure. Her tears become a traitor for falling as strong and fast as the wind embraces her. That wind-like is Him. She looked up in the sky and utter the word "Thank You". This is a fiction short story I wrote 4 years ago for the activity in our class. It became my lifetime favorite story that stored in my mind. It is a result of me reading a lot of stories.

I will leave some writing tips that personally worked on me:

1. The time and place are important.

Know when and where to write. Choose a place that can be a home for your mind and soul; a place that is away from distraction and noise.

2. Determine what you want to write.

These are the list of genres you can choose in writing your own story: romance, triller or mystery, horror, historical, science fiction, literary fiction, non-fiction and more. Reading and watching series can fuel your driving thoughts and imagination. Just let your mind to be in an endless road; explore and discover things while enjoying the ride.

3. Have a mindset that you do writing not for anyone but for you to release the energy in your heart.

You will never perfect a piece in one sitting. You will revise and try again. You will feel unsatisfied for every words and efforts you put in. And sometime, you would dwell in the waves of laziness as I've had experienced. But be on a ship of courage that will sail and turn you back to the island of thoughts. Waking up to my senses, I grab my phone and begin to write again.

[soulexplorer21]

Why Ilocos Sur Should Be Your Next Travel Destination?

COVID-19 has brought every economy down all over the world but the places and tourists spots did not make a change even in a little. Drowning in workloads, stress due to the pandemic, or just wanted to have a fresh air and experience new things? If you are planning to have a fun, exciting, and adventurous vacation alone, a tour with the family, or just a quick weekend getaway, hang on your seatbelt cause we’re going on a trip in the ever-gorgeous province of Ilocos Sur!

Just a quick reminder, folks! As of this writing, according to the Philippine News Agency (PNA), the province of Ilocos Sur still requires a negative RT-PCR result, other documentary requirements such as identification card, travel order, travel itinerary will still be required for returning residents and locally-stranded individuals, tourists, and frequent border crossers. So, be sure to prepare these things in order to experience what Ilocos Sur can offer to you.

Get ready cause you’ll surely prepare for a trip to Ilocos Sur after seeing our list!

1.    Calle Crisologo

Calle Crisologo has been on the number list of numerous articles from magazines, newspapers, and online. It has been the top pick for most people because it captures the heart of the tourists because they felt like they are travelling back in time during the Spanish Period!

According to the World Heritage Convention (WHC) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organization (UNESCO), Vigan is the most intact example in Asia of a planned Spanish colonial town, established in the 16th century. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines and from China with those of Europe and Mexico to create a unique culture and townscape without parallels anywhere in East and South-East Asia. 

The ambience of the place at night is even more romantic because of the gorgeous two-story houses that was build in the Spanish Colonial combined with the lights and presence of tourists and vendors all over the place. Surely, anyone who will experience this will temporarily forget his/her problems and would just adore the beauty of the place.

2.    Baluarte and Mini Zoo

If you want to have an interaction with the animals and nature, Baluarte and Mini Zoo is the answer to your next destination!

According to a source, these are the things that you are allowed to do when you plan to visit place. Tourists can start the tour by visiting the row of cages where they can see lions, Bengal tigers, peacocks, civet cats, iguanas, pythons, and other reptiles and birds. They could see also the Philippine Cloud Rat which is a nocturnal animal endemic to the Philippine Cordillera region.

Tourists can feed the monkeys, swans, flamingos, parrots, hornbills, ostriches, albino and spotted deer, and the one-hump camel. Animals are usually placed in a more open area where visitors can approach them with bananas and seeds. Many other things about the endemic and non-endemic animals at the zoo could make your experience fun and knowledgeable that will surely make you want to go back to your next visit!

3.    Bantay Bell Tower

Build in 1531, Bantay Bell Tower is called as Bantay Belfry because it is located in the municipality of Bantay, Ilocos Sur, just 10 minutes away from Vigan City. Bantay in Tagalog means ‘guard’ and this is what the history of the bell tower is fore. Historical records said it is used as a watchtower during the two World Wars due to its strategic location.

The Bantay Bell tower is popular among tourists because it where the Filipino blockbuster movie “Ang Panday” was shot.

4.    Syquia Mansion Museum

The Syquia Mansion Musem belongs the late President Elpidio Quirino who helped the Philippines in its economic developments after the damages of World War II left.

        According to a source, in order to find the Syquia Mansion, visitors may walk through Crisologo Street towards Gordion Inn or the Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the two-store, blue and cream-painted mansion will be in the corner of Quirino Boulevard. The Syquia Mansion Museum tour is free but a donation will be highly appreciated.

5.    Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone

            If you are a free-spirited and adventurous type of person, then this one is for you. Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone offers adrenaline-pumping activities like a zip line ride, giant swing, kayaking, rock climbing, and rappelling at the rocky Banaoang mountains.

            Their famous route of zip line will let you experience an overlooking view the municipality of Santa and Bantay and will be mesmerized by the astonishing view of Abra River together with the old and new Quirino bridges.

Ilocos Sur has a lot of other tourist spots to go to such as falls and beaches. So, if you are already hooked and became more interested on what more the province has to offer, you might want to check it out yourself.

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TRAVEL: PAGBILAO

The chirping of the birds sang in complete harmony while the wind blew. This place is as beautiful as a pearl, precious as a diamond. Did a place come to mind when I said those things? Well, we all have our safe havens and homes but there are also places which have a special place in our hearts, not because it’s a tourist attraction but because we made it beautiful in our minds. This place will hold a special place in my heart. I literally have butterflies in my stomach whenever I think of going there! This is a place found in Quezon Province. Pagbilao is the name.

From our pick-up point, I felt weak in the knees thinking that I will be there any moment now! I’m excited to try the inclusions in the package deal that we got! We have 2 days and a night out in Pagbilao, Quezon! As our driver will pick us up, we will start our journey. After a 6-hour drive, we will arrive at a market to buy some supplies for the trip. By 8:00 AM, we will arrive at the port for registration. Then to the resort it is!! We will pitch our tent at around 8:30 AM. We will also go swimming and explore the island after that.

Puting Buhangin, a sliver of white sand tucked away in a corner of Pagbilao Grande Island, is one of the island's most popular beaches in recent years. Despite being hidden behind Pagbilao Power Station, it maintains a natural and pristine environment.

At last! Lunch is served! The host will provide our lunch. After that, we can go to the Biliran Sandbar! The Bilaran Sandbar in Pagbilao, Quezon, is a long stretch of white sand bar formed by the wave action of the meeting of Pagbilao Bay and the wider Tayabas Bay.

Next is Kwebang Lampas! Pagbilao Grande Island possesses Kwebang Lampas. It can be reached by boat from Padre Burgos or by land via Puting Buhangin from Pagbilao. The word kwebang lampas refers to the cave's protrusion into the ocean, which gives it the appearance of being "lampas na sa lupa" when the tide is high. There are two ways to get into the kwebang lampas. The first is by sea when the tide is high, and the second is by land when the tide is low. Tourists flock to Puting Buhangin in the summer, and the cave can be crowded. However, since there is a covid 19 pandemic, you should consider whether you want to mix with other tourists.

Next destination is Borawan Island! Borawan Island is a well-known beach in Pagbilao, Quezon, with a moniker that combines Boracay and Palawan. Borawan is part of Pagbilao Chica Island, as opposed to Pagbilao Grande Island's Kwebang Lampas and Puting Buhangin. The beach is on the mainland, but it can only be reached by ferry from Padre Burgos, which takes about 15 minutes. The island has electricity and bathrooms, which is important for visitors who are taking a day trip or camping overnight. Despite its name, the island's sands are not as fine as those of Boracay, and its rock formations pale in comparison to those of Palawan.

 

 

Woah! That was a lot! After these places, it’s time to go back to the resort and rest. We will have a bonfire outside and eat dinner at the same time. Ah! What a nice day! I’m so excited!

Day 2 will come! We will have free time for swimming on Day 2. Breakfast will be served but I guess it’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful place?

The time has come, we will pack our bags and say goodbye to this wonderful place. At 10:00 AM, we will leave Pagbilao, Quezon Province. I’m pretty sure that I will tear up once I ride the van! But before going home, we will stop by Girasoles Farm! Because it is a sunflower farm with thousands of sunflowers blooming all year, it was given the name "Girasoles," which means "sunflowers" in English. At Girasoles, they have a variety of year-round blooming sunflowers, as well as other annual flowering plants, high-value crops, and even various watermelon varieties. Visitors and visitors will even learn how to grow sunflowers from the husband-and-wife team, who are willing to pass on their agricultural experience. This transforms Girasoles Farm into more than just a tourist attraction; it can also serve as an outdoor farm school where visitors can learn something new.

I strolled leisurely along the shady paths, taking in the tranquil atmosphere. I felt entirely isolated from the crowds and traffic as I walked over the deep carpet of leaves, with only the melodies of birds for company. Oh, my goodness! I completely forgot about it! I haven't arrived yet! But the sun is shining brightly, promising a friendly rest of the day in Pagbilao, Quezon Province!

[soulexplorer21]

Life is a series of unexpected twists and turns.

[soulexplorer21]

LIFESTYLE: LOCKDOWN

A year had passed in a blink of an eye. I can still remember the situation we've all been through. I found myself staring at the window with misty eyes. It is tearing my heart into tiny pieces, seeing the world engulfed with the darkness that seems to be inevitable. Imprisoned in our own houses handcuffed by the new protocols, covered with a mask, loaded with despising the smell of sanitizers, anxiously waiting for the food ration to arrive. I thought it would be easy to adjust to the situation, but the whole year had worsened. God put us to a test on how strong and long we will last. Unfortunate calamities came through the threat of volcanic eruptions and intense typhoons which killed human lives, animals and destroyed millions of properties. Food in short supply, the societal classes between the rich and the poor had widened, chillin' like a villain and enjoying the luxury of life, abundant food served. Restless feet, voices that cannot be heard, taking chances, and other opportunities outside to ease thirst and hunger. Realizations have entered my conscious mind while sipping a cup of coffee and inhaling its aroma, living the same world and dilemma but a different lifestyle. Oh to be living on cloud nine, but this is the reality no one can avert. One sure thing to do is to cope up and always start the days fresh and new.

The farther and longer the pandemic would last, all that matters is our growing faith in God. Ever since it happened, there's something inside me feeling upset and annoyed because there's a point in my life that I want to change and achieve. Making the most out of my time during the pandemic, finding new hobbies and a good lifestyle to adapt to. To be active and healthy during the pandemic crisis, my second brother adopted a cute little puppy which helped me and my family as well to forget those times that we both had a hard time to spend almost our free time. This cute little white with a brown spot on his fur, a puppy named Kobi gave us a whole new world and colorful days to spend with. Taking him outside for a walk once in a while and abiding by protocols and taking lots of pictures to treasure the moment. The shuttering sound of the camera, for the reason why I love taking photos too and commemorate the day that had gone and a lingering emotion that I felt. Living in this life, picturing the calendar flashes right into my eyes, days have gone by and the night is still gloomy and dark. I've been staying back and forth in the small four corners of our house for so long, my home. Yet, finding ways to spend countless times and cooking has been my favorite thing to do. I love the prepping sound of cutting onions, garlic, and vegetables, the sizzling sound of meat, the sautéing pan, and my family members' lovely smile as a token of appreciation.

For now, I know most of us are having a hard time dealing with this dilemma and the pressure and burden of making a change for the country and the world. Change is in our hands whether we like it or not, it's like a superpower of a hero in famous marvel movies. But in reality, humans are the real heroes, and the superpower that we have can be and should be used from time to time. The pandemic crisis taught us to be tough and wonder why such things kept on happening over again, and have we learned the lesson that the pandemic had given? Part of many people's lifestyle is to check their phone and unconsciously spend most of their time on social media platforms sharing their concerns, agony towards the people in the higher position regarding their actions in the crisis and emerging problems in the country. Their voices can be heard but the actions cannot be seen, this doesn't make sense. Undeniably the gap had widened and worsened, they say no one should be left behind but how sure we are that no one was left behind. Whatever I do, all I can think of is the people left in this situation. Getting closer to the end of the darkness, all wanted to see the rainbow of hope, hearing people's laughter while stomping their feet and freely touching their friend's shoulder, eating outside without a plastic barrier, and hugging someone when it felt like the world turned its back. Hand and hand chasing for our dreams, choosing lifestyles and paths to walk through without leaving anyone behind. One day, waking up with wet eyes and a pillow, this was just a nightmare that I don't even want to remember. May the changes in our life begin now.

-ASTER

[soulexplorer21]

•#Lifestyle #Food #QuarantineEdition•

I am not into cooking but. . . that's one thing I learned during quarantine. At first, frying different dishes such as frying eggs, fish, chicken and pork is all I know; I am struggling to cook foods in another level. So, the story goes like this:

When the pandemic begun, our family have no differ to others being on each other side staying at home as what we need to do as a contribution in helping others not to spread the virus. Me, being at home with my sisters often, has a rollercoaster ride. Misunderstanding, arguments, fighting and many more happened inside our house. For me, that is all normal. Fast forward. . . Doing household chores is a much needed duty in our house. Setting cups of rice in the rice cooker, washing plates and cooking are the main duties we must accomplish everyday not to mention the other household chores in your mind that the family members should do. My sisters decided to make a schedule for daily home task. I, that has a fear in doing the least that I can do in our house which is cooking, started a discussion and ended to a little fight with them. Flash forward. . . I tried cooking for lunch and dinner. At first, it doesn't turned out as good as my youngest sibling recipe but whenever I choose to make a dish and I heard critics whether it's a compliment or not, it somewhat push me to keep learning and trying to challenge myself because truly that's the beginning of discovering new skills we have and it looks like, that skill was just sleeping for a long time. Also, this social media app is such a helping tool for us beginners to know the easiest recipe and step-by-step process on how to make it and that application is. . .youtube.

Today, I can cook ginataang gulay, my favorites: chicken and pork adobo and sinigang, pininyahang manok, tinola, sarsciadong tilapia, ginisang munggo and more.

These are my take away realizations:

1. POSITIVITY MUST BE GREATER THAN NEGATIVITY

We are fully aware that COVID-19 Pandemic is a huge problem happening to us right now. Slowly, it changes people's lives. We missed a lot of usual things we do especially things outdoor. It really brought negativity to anyone in all aspect of life. But, if we let negativity dwell in our system, we're gonna lose in this fight. It seemed no hope but remind yourself to always see good in any season. In my case, staying at home during quarantine gave me a chance to discover new skills and cooking is one of it. It might never be the same to others but in this season, positivity must be greater than negativity.

2. FEAR LIMITS YOUR CAPABILITY

Life without challenges is a life without a sense. Challenges made our story extraordinary. It might brought a painful start and unpredictable destination but the journey will always be a magical experience full of learnings and realizations. It might feel scary trying to do the things we thought we can't but the first try wouldn't define the capability we might discover along the process. Our fears will only limit our capabilities if we let them.

3. KEEP LEARNING

Learning is a decision. We can learn from anyone and anything. We should be reminded that not everything we need to know will be feed on us. It is exciting to discover things on our own. Just like what I did whenever I struggle to think of a dish for our lunch or dinner, I will visit youtube app to help me. Same goes to you, don't wait for a timing to learn new things. Keep feeding your mind. Keep learning.

I challenge you to think of one over hundreds of learnings you've got during quarantine and. . . Reflect.

[soulexplorer21]

Tips for Studying from Home

Tip No.1 Establish Daily Routine

Wake up early about 30 minutes before your upcoming class. Make sure to eat a healthy and filling breakfast after that, wear formal and suitable clothes for the class. Treat it as if we're in a face-to-face set-up, having a routine will surely help you to have a great day and it will organize your whole day's activities without having trouble with what you need to accomplish, and there's not much time to waste.

Tip No.2 Have a Dedicated Study Area

Each one of us has our own space in other areas of our home. For you to have a fun and exciting online class, it is much better to have a dedicated study area where you can stay there comfortably and decorate it according to your preference. A clean, organized and eye-pleasing study area will influence you for the rest of the day.

Tip No.3 Always Take a Note

Once the online class starts, it is much better to put aside your gadgets that are not needed either a cellphone, laptop, iPad, etc. Most especially your social media accounts. Avoid unnecessary movements and chores, make sure to know what you prioritize for the day. Every day is a great opportunity to learn so you should jot down the lessons that are being discussed because it would help and be a great source of information/review for an upcoming assessment.

Tip No.4 Make yourself Physically Active

Health is our number one priority. Include physical activities in your daily routine. Do some stretching, walking, and sightseeing, do it in between your classes with the permission of your professors, it is to keep you awake and attentive. Now you're ready for the next class.

Tip No. 5 Don't Forget Your Social Time

After classes, check your social media accounts if there's an important message. While spending your time socializing, making it sensible, and engaging yourself in something that could help you grow, social media can either be a distraction and or a good platform but most of the time it isn't like that, anymore. Always reconnect with your family and friends as part of enjoying your social time, having a conversation with them could help you recall the purpose of your life and feel motivated especially this time where we all suffer through the pandemic and education becomes more inaccessible.

Tip No. 6 Create a Study Plan

Creating a study plan is important, this will help to make the schoolwork easily accomplished. Listing down things that you need to accomplish in the next few days. You can easily find what, where, and when to start. You can also share it with others either your best friend, classmate, and your schoolmate, and encourage one another because achievements in life are much sweeter when you're with them from day one until graduation.

Tip No.7 Eat 3x & Sleep 8 hours a Day

After the whole exhausting day, refrain yourself from doing unplanned things(stick with the established routine) especially if it is not that important. Eat your dinner, wash up and then go to your bed for you to have long hours of sleep. Just a reminder, make sure that you only consume healthy foods that have a great benefit to the body to be physically and mentally active. After 8 hours of sleep, wake up and refresh yourself and start doing your routine.

Tip No. 8 Do Not Multitask

In doing household chores and fulfilling the responsibility as part of the household, choose the time and day that you don't have a class to do all of the chores. Let your parents know your schedules to avoid distractions, unnecessary movements, and chores while you are having an online class. Practice focusing on one thing at a time and handle your time properly.

-ASTER

[soulexplorer21]

Seeking happiness?

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Fight not flight.

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You are worthy and loved.

[soulexplorer21]

🤟