bethgstories

“Dwight, I’m sorry. I know I am supposed to be there with you at this moment, but my dad is sick, and mom needs me here. I hope you understand. I’ll talk to you soon! I love you, baby.” He played Hanna’s voicemail again and again. She’s been out of town taking care of her mom and dad. It didn’t surprise him that hearing her voice, even a recorded one, soothed him. Still, it would be different if she was with him, actually holding him in her arms, whispering to him that everything is going to be alright. He took another swig from the bottle of beer he was holding as he thought of his own parents bitterly. His dad, having been galvanizing with another woman, finally left his mom. Their seemingly happy marriage came crashing down, and even though he couldn’t deny that he practically grew up in an environment where parents screaming and shouting at each other were perfectly normal, he just couldn’t bear the thought that he had just became a product of a broken family. He came to the realiz...

Five thirty in the morning. It was still dark and the bed was so inviting with the rain pouring outside, but I decided to get up and prepare early for work. I know it’s gonna be another tough day today, but I need to deal with it. It’s been a couple of years since the first morning I woke up without you. As usual, I made myself a cup of coffee and did my routine for everyday. It was almost seven when I walked into my car and tried to start it again. I drove for work, I didn’t anticipate what awaited ahead as I know perfectly what will happen. I needed to submit my Batanes photos to Mr. Flores before he fires me. He’s been bugging me the whole week so to finish the next month’s issue of our magazine. I parked my car quickly, and carried with me the manila file folder which held Mr. Flores’ precious photos. I saw Randy first, one of our colleagues and the closest among friends, filling his mug with coffee as he waved to me and greeted me good morning. I smiled and nodded in response, the...

The moment I was able to see the world again, all I saw was darkness. Funny just how this irony wrapped my whole life. My friends say that I am so lucky, because not many people are given another chance to see the wonder of this world. But they don't understand. And they never will. It's been more than two years since Clarence came into my life. He was this annoying prig who managed to capture my heart in just a glance. He gave meaning and color to my once dull and drab world. And I could say that I have been happier in the years that we were together compared to the years before he came into my life. Was it love? Maybe. Most probably. Yes. Clarence loved capturing things - literary. He had a vintage camera that he always brought with him wherever we go. He'd capture a couple of trees and make them look like they were declaring love for each other. He'd capture the flowers and make them look like they were celebrating a birthday. He'd capture me - smiling, brows fur...