I almost renounced the procedure — For a few years, I wanted a hair transplant. Hair loss is hereditary in my family. My grandfather is bald. My dad is bald. It would’ve been great if male pattern baldness skipped a generation, but the gene lingered. I knew losing my hair wasn’t an option. Besides, I don’t…

Playing around with my brother ended in regret — My mother is decorating, and my father picks up the piñata. All set are the preparations so that I would have an excellent birthday party. Nothing would tarnish it. As my parents prepped, I watched my little brother. He and I were on the sofa watching TV. My brother would…

A story about revisiting a town — Escape. I need to escape. Every night, my dreams take me to exotic, far-away places I wish existed: the ever-expanding mall with its illuminating lights, with thousands of shopping and entertainment options, or travel to the abundant amusement park rich in insane coasters. Those dreams aren’t saying to visit such…

a technology poem — In life, I painted exquisitely Dying before fame In life, you’re making millions with images Dying before infamy Goldmine virtual art Cast millions of digital currency You buy by pounds, A blueberry muffin puppy How adorable the lifeless image It’s getting attention Then a virtual pet left nurtured and starved Feeling regret Don’t feed the pet It’s pointless It looks like the art degree is worth it

A short story of a mother and son outing — The sun hasn’t shone as bright since the day of early spring ’01. My mother and I were in the car, cruising through the freeway so that we may watch Shrek. Whenever my mom went on an outing or shopping, I was her traveling companion. If I’m lucky, she might…

Revenge gets severed — One by one, the guards went down on the stroke of the robotic weapon. Roberto hadn’t possessed such power. The lifeless limb in his body is no more. He is whole. Each blow of the weapon was a peace offering from torment. …

A short story about childhood — “I brought a towel and sunblock only”, is what I told the caretaker when I preferred not to go to the water park. For the rest of the day, I stayed with the steward, who lingered behind. I hoped I stayed with the one I liked. In the 2000s, during…

It felt so right — I settled on the alabaster ornate tile with a crack caused by my brother. Teenage hood has taken hold and made him reckless. Growing up, he must’ve viewed my teenage years as a disastrous omen. My brother planned not to do anything similar to me because it seemed pathetic. I…

What does a kid do with another child? — At least once a month, my mind reminds me of an embarrassing moment around bedtime. Given I’m recovering from Covid-19 and have acid reflux, remembering the time I was naked in front of people doesn’t help. Most of my embarrassing times occurred when I was a child. As a kid…

Flash fiction story of leaving the earth — “Daddy, I can’t keep going.” “Just keep going, son.” “Ahhhh!” “Son!” In a gasp, Tem returned to reality. His palm gripped tight to the spaceship window. He let go of the window, leaving behind condensation from the pores of his figures, his hand drenched in sweat. The memory of the…

You got to love submission hell

An elegy — Uncle Junior, I thought I knew you a reserved man, who kept his emotions interlocked to not appear vulnerable, the most Herculean displayed vulnerability made them feel powerful Uncle Junior, in my youth I can’t forget the times you cared for me I remember the showers where I despised putting on lubricated…

No love in listening to the same song again and again — 2008 was a momentous moment in my life. My family, brothers and I moved to Texas. I was twelve, so I didn’t know what to make of it. All I notice is my parents were ready for change, and since I was young, I had to tag along. In Texas…

A guy and his pets — Storming into the house, I couldn’t wait to play with my pet fish. One was white with a red stripe, and the other a vivid coral. Two small fish called Santa Claus because of its alabaster and red scales, and the other I named Spider-Man. At six, my parents took…

Caught in the middle of an unknown mall event — On a night during the early ‘00s, I was a wee lad accompanying my parents to one place I’m surprised is still around: the mall. I was about five or six when this occurred. It was a time when I was an only child, and the siblings I yearn for…

Putting them in the jacket of the one I love — It’s 2017, and my family and I settled in for the third time in my life in a rental home in an unfamiliar town. For the past two years, my folks and I have lived with my grandparents. Living there drove us mad, and we took the initiative in the…

Life’s grand

Survival of the fittest is the way of the game

A story based on a dream — “Make your move,” the lackey announced as he looked at his cards. “Straight flush,” said the opponent. “Alright, I’m out. You win. Let’s play again, we’re here all day,” said the lackey. The lackey’s right, we’re here all day. A predicament, me and the guy playing cards got ourselves wrapped…

Don’t write many listicles — It’s early dawn as I sit at my desk thinking of ideas to write articles about. As I pondered, the bird sang their morning ballad, and a neighbor weed whacked three blocks away. I sat there conquering up what on earth to write? …