NO TITLE YET

By Michaela Paula Lopez

It was one of those days. Tired, but still strolling inside the mall. I was in one of my favorite places inside the mall: the bookstore. Whenever I see books, I feel like grabbing a copy of each and going to the counter to swipe my credit card, but sadly and thankfully I had none. All the books seemed to be talking to me. Those big highlighted letters, the author and the title, surely captures everyone’s attention. But not me. I always look at the title of the book and if I can predict its story, I won’t bother. But don’t get me wrong, I still look at the back part of the book and if it proves my theory, process of elimination: the book is removed from my TO BUY (IF I EVER HAVE THE MONEY) LIST.
As a frequent visitor of the bookstore, I know almost all the famous books. I also know where they were located. I also know which of the books were turned into movies. But I never go after them. I go after books whose title will leave me puzzled for a week, or even a month. I also go after books whose title will not let me go until I handed it over to the cashier.
It was on one of those days, when I was tired and strolling around the mall, I saw an odd-titled book. I wonder why this person thought of that title. I looked at the back part, and I only saw quotations from the book. I looked at who the author is, and it turned out to be someone I haven’t heard of. I also looked at the publishing house, and it is also not known. There are many “I wonder’s” that flowed through my mind. The next thing I knew is that the cashier is handing me a receipt and change. The bagger also handed me a bag, and there I saw the odd-titled book that has no big highlighted letters. With my hungry stomach, I looked for a place to eat, ordered a meal, and opened my new book. I started reading. The introduction, which is not written by the author, is actually good. Then comes chapter one, then chapter two, three, and boredom comes to settle in. It was one of those books. It was one of them. Until now, I haven’t finished that book. It was already gaining dust together with books with good titles; all have bookmarks half-way. I then picked up that particular book, got a seat, and stared at it for a long time.

Written April 17, 2011 12:43am

GLASS WINDOW

By Michaela Paula Lopez

I can see your troubled eyes and your wounded soul, but we are separated by this glass window.
You put your hands on the glass, and I put mine too, and we feel the warmth of each other despite the barrier between us.
I was about to get a pen and a paper when you wave your hand telling me not to.
It is because you think words aren’t necessary o express how you feel.
I strongly agree, but there’s something I want more.
I wanted to break this glass window.
We’ll do it together.
Right?

Written April 11, 2011 1:55am

FRESH AIR

By Michaela Paula Lopez

She has held her breath for so long.
She’s trying to make eye contact with everyone inside the court room before answering the questions directed to her, but everyone who looks deep into her eyes looked as if they are ready to devour her.
Yes, she is the victim, but no one wants to hear her side.
Nobody sees her as the victim, not even one person inside the torture chamber she’s in.
She then looked at the floor, the walls, and the ceiling.
She then let out a deep breath.

Written April 10, 2011 8:40pm