Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Story #365 - The end

"Ah...the wind is beating down upon my head, the dew upon my body, and my eyes want to close right away.
The ledge of the London Bridge isn't as scary as I thought it would be, or as cold, and I picked the right time, as the river Thames is at its highest point.
I always thought it would end like this, even if not this bridge, I always pictured myself going down under water. I don't know why, but it felt the most relaxing way, the least painful, and the most serene. I mean, we came up from the water, might as well return to it, right?
I know you are probably wondering why I'm here, writing this story, when I'm about to jump, well, I figured I'd try to do something other than walk when I'm depressed. Having that shit 9 months out of the year, with the other 3 just pretending to feel fine before I relapse isn't what I call living.
I just get bored of everything at some point, and although I look for help at times, it's still pointless.
I'm better off not being. Nobody's gonna miss me.
Typing that made me even sadder.
I feel a cold's about to come soon. I'd rather not catch it.
Well, it's been fun.

Tuesday, 23 August 2016

Story #364 - Stand, maggot

Somewhere in a park, on a sunny day, where four *Ouch* five men. One of them was pure evil, hitting me, the narrator, with his helmet, for not taking him into consideration.
"And jump outta this page and deck ya, boy."
I have no idea how he's talking, but I'll let it slide.
Moving on, the four men are standing straight, wearing tan outfits that are changing colours as I speak. They aren't allowed to have caps, sunglasses, or water bottles. In fact, there are no trees in that particular area for at least 2 square kilometers. Apparently, according to the boss-
"Whoa, whoa, whoa... Lemme say this, you good for nothing twerp. Now, see here, being in a shade shows your weakness. Shows you're a pussy. One who can't do anything without going back to their mommy."
Right. So you read. These guys are here for training. Mental and physical. Whoever cracks will be forced to stay an hour longer. And then do push-ups until they puke themselves to sleep.
Blimey. I'm starting to sound like the Corporal over there.
"Sounds to me like you're improving, boy."
I wish I'd improve your-

Monday, 22 August 2016

Story #363 - The two birds I hate

"In life, like in many other areas, there are stuff you just want to stamp on. These two birds is what I'd like to stamp on.
The first one is the pigeon, or as I'd like to call it, the flirty bird.
It goes around, goo-goo, goo-goo, tilting its head in front, like a fuckin' clockwork cuckoo bird, coming at you, making those crooning noises, basically saying 'Gimme some bread, gimme some sugar, gimme some honey, gimme something, you cheap bastard,' and if you don't, it'll fly away thinking 'Ya didn't wanna give me something, huh? I'll give you something on your shoulder, just in case, goo-goo-goo.'
The second one is the seagull. Now, despite it looking a bit prehistoric with that big beak and those beady eyes, the seagull is guilty of laughing at you. Not in the way the hyena does it, though. That critter laughs at you like it's your mate. 'Aw, you drank too much and now you're on the floor? Idiot. Let's drink some more and get the both of us fucked up.' The seagull, however, is more like 'Aw, you drank too much like the idiot you are, huh? I told you to stop it after the third pint. Now I have to call your girlfriend and tell her what an embarrassment you are. Maybe she'll get sad and I'll have to get together with her. Know what I mean.'
I just want to punch that idiotic bird in its beak every time I hear it laugh like that.

Sunday, 21 August 2016

Story #362 - Pub crawl costume

"What in Sam Hill are you doing?"
"Huh? What? Can't you tell?"
"I didn't know you liked to wear drag."
"This is an Ancient Roman robe-a-like. Me and a few of my mates are going out. And it's that time of the month."
"Just like with the drag, I thought you were a guy. Didn't realize you were a girl, and your period was starting. The things I miss when I'm at work, man..."
"Idiot. Don't you know that there's a monthly bar crawl thing where you dress differently?"
"Don't fancy them, so no."
"Well, it's a great thing."
"You drink wearing stupid outfits. Nothing different from the usual, apart from you looking stupid, not just acting."
"Your fun at parties."
"I am. Now go on your period."

Saturday, 20 August 2016

Story #361 - Get your free item

"Good evening, folks. We've got a special promotion for you this evening, and it will all happen at aisle 20 in just a few moments, so make your way there if you would like a free gift."
'Free, huh? I wonder what's the catch. I'm sure there's something.'
"Alright, folks. In just a few more seconds we will start the procedure, so if you haven't already, make your way to aisle 20 to receive your free gift on our special promotion."
'I've made my way here. Where are you, mate? There are at least twenty of us around. Impressive, considering the store is somewhat dead right now. Ah, there he is, wearing an apron from some weirdly named promotions company. Mid '40s, a bit chubby around the waist, a slither of grey hairs popping on the sides of his hair. Let's see what you can do.'
"Okay, folks. If you could all leave your trolleys on the left side of the aisle, and come over to me, so we can all get started.
Come on, squeeze, so everybody can see. Everybody? Good.
Alright, we are doing this promotion that is strictly in this store, and as a thank you for leaving everything in order to come here, I will give this free gift to everyone present. If you could all spread these around, so that we can do it faster, in a teamwork fashion, and after you've received it, could you please raise it in the air, because it's important for the ending. Alright? Does everyone have it?"
'Oh, grand. A cooking thing. A round slicer that I will never use. Well, there goes five minutes of trying to be sold something. I'm gonna go before he fills my head with other junk.'

Friday, 19 August 2016

Story #360 - It was supposed to be a nice day #final #part

'That daughter of mine is getting on my nerves every time. But I'm sure I do the same to her,' she thought. 'My brother and our mom are driving me off the edge, and I just can't take it anymore. I need a break, a vacation, a something away from my motherly duties. I need to go away.'
Tracy placed the hard part of her palms over her eyes and rubbed them, as if she wanted to put them out of her sockets.
The phone started buzzing again. She smiled. She took it out, and dropped it beside her feet, listening to it shaking on the concrete slab.
'Yeah, that's what I need. That's exactly what I need.'
She stood up, looked around for her child, but couldn't see Maria, then left. Without glancing back.

Thursday, 18 August 2016

Story #359 - It was supposed to be a nice day #part 3

Tracy turned around to see her daughter dangling like a chimp, minus the vine swinging, from a branch not too high up.
"You sure do like your attention, missy."
"But I'm stuck."
"No, you're not. Lower your feet and let go."
"I'm afraid."
"You destroyed that spider web with a jagged rock, but you're afraid of coming down?"
"I'm not in the mood for this, hun."
"Fine..." Maria says, letting herself go, smacking the ground with her behind, shrieking once that impact happened.
"I hope you're not going to cry now."
"Maybe," her voice changed from the mischievous one from earlier.
"Where are you going now?"
"I don't know. Leave me alone."
The mom shook her head as her child went away, scratching at her right buttocks. She let out a sigh.

Wednesday, 17 August 2016

Story #358 - It was supposed to be a nice day #part 2

She let the phone vibrate in her hand once more before pressing the green button.
"Tracy! Where are you?"
"In the park. What's wrong?"
"Your mom just keeled over."
"No. Nothing like that."
"Then don't say keeled over, you fuckin' imbecile. Say she fell or something. Goddammit. I almost turned white." She placed her free hand the side of her face, covering her eye and part of the mouth.
"She's still feeling the effects, you know."
"Why was she up, anyway? Doctor's told us not to let her move from the bed."
"I took my eye off of her."
"Hey, I fell asleep. You know how hard this shit is."
"I do. This is my first day out of the house in a month."
"Oh. I'm not gonna nag you, then. Enjoy your time."
"I will. Let me know if something changes."
"Yeah. Bye."
Tracy put the device back in her pocket.
'Jesus. Can't get a solitary moment out of there.'
"Mommy, I can't get down. Help." Maria's voice came from behind her mother.

Tuesday, 16 August 2016

Story #357 - It was supposed to be a nice day #part 1

Upon approaching the park bench, Maria noticed a spider web between the cracks of the old wood at the bottom. She looked around for something, but shook her head, then grabbed a sharp-edged rock and proceeded to stick it in the webbing. First she was beside the bench, until she realized it would be safer from the top. She jumped on top, sitting on her knees, leaning down, grabbing a wooden part to sustain herself.
"Maria!" came from the same left side. "Stop playing around with rocks. It's dangerous."
"I'm killing a spider, mom. I'm making it safer for others."
"Fine. Do what you will," she said, letting out a sigh.
The mother put her rose-tinted sunglasses on, a baseball cap, and crossed over to the grassy patch of the area.
"I should've brought a blanket," she muttered to herself. "I miss picnics." She sat down, on the grass, with an indirect view of her daughter, who was still troubling the edge of the bench.
Her phone started buzzing. She took it out and checked the name.
"For Pete's sake."

Monday, 15 August 2016

Story #356 - In demand friend

"Yo, Max, we haven't seen each other in a while. What're you doing tomorrow night?"
"Going out of town, man."
"You're always going out of town."
"Can't help it. My job wants me travel-"
"Get a different one."
"I can't find anything that'll pay me so well."
"I hear you, but I wanna see you, you know?"
"Hey, I wanna see you, too. There's nothing I can do about this, though."
"When are you free, then?"
"Tonight. How about tonight?"
"Well, I...think I can work something out, actually."
"Great. We can go get smashed and party like before."
"Hell, yeah. That's what I'm talking about."
"In an hour?"
"Sounds good. Same place?"
"See ya then."

Sunday, 14 August 2016

Story #355 - Junkfood needs

It is interesting how one needs junk food in their life in order to enjoy something.
Whether it be a movie, or a get-together, or a simple night out, one has to ravish their body in order to appease someone.
According to the media, we can't be healthy at nights, only during the day, and mostly when we're alone, otherwise we'll be frowned upon, which is a big no-no.
And this is the kind of bullshit that makes one notice why most people don't live the life they want.
The social stereotype of party hard, work hard, be brainless, is in abundance right now.
After all, you can be famous for sleeping with someone, if you know how to market yourself.

Saturday, 13 August 2016

Story #354 - Running bond

Whenever I run, and I pass by people who seem to meet together to go for a dash, I can't help but feel out of touch.
Sure, it's nice to talk to folks when you're out for a jog, yet my competitive nature comes up and I crank my speed a little.
It's nice to talk. It's nicer to be faster for a proper workout. I get how that can slight others, who simply see running as something fun, light-hearted, and relaxing, except for me. I want to give it my all. I like doing that, even if I end up short.
If only there'd be more like-minded peeps around...

Friday, 12 August 2016

Story #353 - Bar chat

Sitting at this corner table in a bar, at the fabulous hour of 1 p.m., when almost nobody is around, can't help but wonder what the hell is wrong with me.
Why do I have a double whisky on the rocks when I'm not even that sad?
Why am doing in this kind of place at this time of day when I could easily be home? Better yet, I could be out shopping, or in the park, or doing something other than wasting money on alcohol.
I don't need this crap in my life. I don't-
"-I'd like to do to them what they did to me, you know? I have eight scars, I have a hard time finding a job, I have... Well, if you want to go call the police on me saying that I'm going to commit murder, be my guest."
What the fuck is that all about? A not so drunk guy talking to the bartender about his problems? Do they know each other? Don't reckon it.
I may be miserable, but I think that bloke is out of his mind.
"I get home smashed every day, but I'm gonna surprise my mum and be sober. This is my third one. That's as good as I can be."
It's these kinds of people that drive me away from places like these. Actually, they're the ones that can scare customers off.
I feel bad for the bartender.

Thursday, 11 August 2016

Story #352 - The stress of moving

After we've lived in a place for a while, we feel like it's our home, more or less. But then something happens, either job dissatisfaction, or life discomfort, and the decision is made to move away.
Hours upon hours are spent on websites, scouring for a new flat, for a safe area, for something nice.
Simultaneously, on different website, the searches are ongoing for jobs.
Lastly, searches are also on clubs and other fun areas. Because you have to have a place where you spend your neurons and cash on, too.
I know, there's a spot I'm missing, which is the cultural part. I am surprised at how many people don't really care about this part. I guess it's the same ones that don't view it as a way to make a living.
Stress can get bigger than this, but those other factors are best left for a different conversation.

Wednesday, 10 August 2016

Story #351 - Cheat day

"Alright. As your fitness coach, I'm giving you a cheat day today. Because you've been putting in 3-4 hours of workout every day for the past six, you can eat junk food if you want."
"Great, coach. Thanks."
"But make sure you stay away from bread."
"I want a pizza, coach. That's bread."
"Yes. Stay away from it."
"No. I want it."
"If you're gonna eat that, then don't bother coming here tomorrow. Come the day after."
"You'll be bloated and won't be able to do your regular workout."
"Then what kind of junk food do you recommend?"
"Nothing, but if you must, potatoes, or sorbet, or white rice."
"Guess I'll be seeing you in two days, then."
"Get ready to have your ass kicked."

Tuesday, 9 August 2016

Story #350 - Throwing away stuff

"Hey, Sally, now that the old man's dead, what do you want to do with his stuff?"
"How can you talk like that about dad?"
"What? He's dead. It doesn't matter much."
"It matters to me, dammit. It's still real."
"Two months have passed."
"Yeah. Just two months. I need more time to feel like he's gone."
"I see. But anyway, what do you want to do with his things?"
"Do we really have to do something right now?"
"No. We should sort them out, at least. I'm sure he has nice things around here, and maybe we can give some to charity."
"I'm not ready for that, either. You can do it alone."
"Fine... I hope that when I die, people will just throw my shit away."

Monday, 8 August 2016

Story #349 - The paranoid tenant


Sunday, 7 August 2016

Story #348 - The silent beach

Not every city has a beach. Heck, not every country has one. But when you go to a capital, a popular one that has plenty of sights to see and no other reason to think about something else, you discover that it also has a beach.
Armed with a gleeful smile, the giddiness of a child, as well as the hope that it would not suck, I embarked on the journey to the outskirts; it was boring, yet necessary.
When I reached the sandy shores, I discovered a small, serene slice of heaven.
Nobody was there. And that was fine. I had it all to myself. And that was great.  
The people who help keep the area clean had placed three volleyball nets, made mounds to hide behind, in their attempt to offer something special in such a small place.
Every sand-filled area by the sea has shells, algae covering rocks, or your leg, depending on how long you stay there, and great water, but not every place has that homely feeling of "I feel like I want to spend my years here."
Amsterdam, the city that keeps making you come back. It is, definitely, one of those perfect places around the globe.

Saturday, 6 August 2016

Story #347 - The window girl

It's one of those nights.

Friday, 5 August 2016

Story #346 - The crying kiss

"Darling, I have to go or I'll miss my bus."
"I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you, too, but I have to go."
"Just five more minutes, babe."
"I can only do one. Look at the driver, he's going mad, yelling at everyone to hop on or they'll be left here."
"The asshole. Doesn't he know I won't get to see you for a month?"
"I have to go. Gimme a kiss."

'Good thing she didn't look back after that, or she would've seen my tears flowing. Man, I feel sad. Don't think I'm getting out of bed tomorrow.'

Thursday, 4 August 2016

Story #345 - The Crow and the Rat

This particular instance had two crows and a rat.

Wednesday, 3 August 2016

Story #344 - Dutch traffic

Tick, tock, tick, tock, goes the crossing pole after you press the button to make it green.
A sound like an ancient clock, going back and forth into this modern world, before it releases more ants that want to go to the other side.
Went that light switches, and gives them a go, an uzzi-like sound comes forth, spilling that rattattatta into the wilderness of the street.
As civilians rush to get across, the tram waits, patiently, grinding the engine.
When it comes time, a gong strikes, letting everyone know that the big boy colored in white and blue is starting its stroll.
Cars? Nobody cares. Their revving is enough.

Tuesday, 2 August 2016

Story #343 - Dutch bicycles

"I'm sorry," she says. "What more do you want me to do?"
To her side, on the ground, an old man. He was trying to get up after being toppled over by this foreign girl who didn't know the Dutch rules of biking. Look everywhere.
She caused the guy's accident, and there he was, in probably his first ever collapse, all due to a ditzy blonde with glasses, and an American accent.
He was spewing something in his nature tongue, his face turned from pasty white to flushed red, as the insults kept coming in his native tongue.
The front wheel was off a bit, enough to make the steering a chore.
She went inside the bus that had arriving. He carried on somehow.

Monday, 1 August 2016

Story #342 - Let's grab a vegan pizza

It's pizza time. It gets to me at times, too. More so when I'm walking around and all I see are pizza places.
Haven't had one in a while.
Let's see what they-
"Hello, sir."
"Hi. I've been looking at your menu and I see you don't have anything vegan."
"We have bread..."
I gave him such a big smile that he stopped, ogled his eyes at me, then changed the menu page.
"We also have some focaccia and-"
"Not a big fan of that, but thanks."
At least he didn't say grass. People are advancing.

Sunday, 31 July 2016

Story #341 - The wrong bed

"I said I was sleeping there."
"Don't worry, I'll move."

Saturday, 30 July 2016

Story #340 - The World (poem)

Rolls Royce's and Benzes
Parked outside, looking
Prim and proper.
Also outside, people
Sleeping on the ground,
Covered in a musky, old duvet,
Using rocks as pillows,
Unable to get a break.

The ninety percent of the population
Goes about its day,
Doing the same things
Over and over and over,
Without progress,
Without change,
Without regret.

Some don't want anything
Out of life, apart from
A child, or a job,
And after they achieve that,
They can die,
Vanishing from the planet
As fast as they inhabited it.

Friday, 29 July 2016

Story #339 - Not everything has a catch

What happened to that freebie where no questions were asked?

Thursday, 28 July 2016



Wednesday, 27 July 2016

Story #337 - Pokemon go-ing

"Bye, mom. Be back later."
"Obviously. Where are you going?"
"To catch them all."
"I'm sure there's a girl out there somewhere."
"Maybe, but not right now."
"You still haven't told me what you're catching."
"Haven't you heard of Pokemon Go?"
"What age is that?"
"Okay. Bye."
"Make sure you don't get lost."

Tuesday, 26 July 2016

Story #336 - Homeless man


Monday, 25 July 2016

Story #335 - Shining star

What do you say, Matt?
"Can't a guy watch the night sky peacefully?"
"Be my guest."
"Say, have you seen Matt anywhere?"

Sunday, 24 July 2016

Story #334 - Reaching the top

Looking around, he found steps that made a path.

Saturday, 23 July 2016

Story #333 - How to not pick up a girl

"I wanted to tell you something."
"Just complimenting you."

Friday, 22 July 2016

Story #332 - How the meeting happened

"Uh-huh. And after that?"

Thursday, 21 July 2016

Story #331 - Odd casting audition

"Okay. I want you to blow."
"Oh, okay."

Wednesday, 20 July 2016

Story #330 - The unusual comedian

"Hi. Jack."
All I could do was smile.

Tuesday, 19 July 2016

Story #329 - Girl with the missing shoe

I go past to wait for my bus.

Monday, 18 July 2016

Story #328 - Getting choked out

"Yo, Louie, you're all smiles. Whaddup?"
"You haven't told me anythin'."
"Right, right..."
"And then?"
"What then?"
"He die?"
"Nah. He was moving a little bit afterwards."

Sunday, 17 July 2016

Story #327 - The funeral guy #final #part

Then she gave me the ticket.

"Dear Ma'am,
Thank you for your hospitality."

Saturday, 16 July 2016

Story #326 - The funeral guy #part 8


Friday, 15 July 2016

Story #325 - The funeral guy #part 7

"Mom, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. A simple slip."
"Fine. I'm not saying anything anymore."
"Good. Now off you go."

Thursday, 14 July 2016

Story #324 - The funeral guy #part 6

I raised my hands to my shoulders as my irises widened.
She carried on to unlock the door.
'She's clearly upset.'

Wednesday, 13 July 2016

Story #323 - The funeral guy #part 5


Tuesday, 12 July 2016

Story #322 - The funeral guy #part 4

"Home, to make funeral arrangements."
Whaaat? "Can't we do them here?"
"Aren't you a little bit sad about George?"

Monday, 11 July 2016

Story #321 - The funeral guy #part 3


Sunday, 10 July 2016

Story #320 - The funeral guy #part 2

'To hell with that woman. I'm not opening.'
I won't say anything.
Stay home and suffer, then.
Oh, boy.

Saturday, 9 July 2016

Story #319 - The funeral guy #part 1


Friday, 8 July 2016

Story #318 - The French Girl


Thursday, 7 July 2016

Story #317 - Accident on the road






Wednesday, 6 July 2016

Story #316 - The springy tyke

A shame no one enjoys his excitement.

Tuesday, 5 July 2016

Story #315 - Where's my phone? final part

I'll take the plunge.

"Doctor, his vitals have gone."
"What time is it?"

Monday, 4 July 2016

Story #314 - Where's my phone? part 14

'Must've went to find food.'
'Was that guy a mirage, too?'

Sunday, 3 July 2016

Story #313 - Where's my phone? part 13

"I can't give you water. Couldn't find any."
"What do you think happened? Aliens?"
"Why would they do that?"
"Why did all the dictators did what they wanted?"

Saturday, 2 July 2016

Story #312 - Where's my phone? Part 12

"At least you're safe, idiot."
Huh? Does he know me?

Friday, 1 July 2016

Story #311 - Where's my phone? part 11

I steadily stand up, supporting myself through a lamppost.
So I close them as I lower myself again.

Thursday, 30 June 2016

Story #310 - Where's my phone? part 10

I didn't even know what to think when he said that. I felt my hands trembling and my eyes grow, filling all the whiteness with chestnut brown.
"So, mate?" James spoke as he stood up with blood covering his bearded mouth. 'I'm gonna be sick if he comes closer.'
"I don't have a problem with that, but you should be aware of the stench. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't have been here."
"The only way to make it go away is to eat it." My stomach growls. "How's about you join us?"
Yeah, it growled for a different reason. "I don't think I'm ready for this. Not right now. I will come back, though. I need some fresh air."
"Listen, mate," one of the other guys said. "If you blab about it-"
"I know, I know. I don't want to be like the one on the ground, don't worry."
I turned around and walked back in the shop, then out of the shop. The zombies were still wandering aimlessly, touching shoulders and elbows with one another. I was hit, too. I was bounced back and forth, side to side, like a billiards ball on the edge. And I had had enough.
I managed to get out and the ball fell in the hole.

Wednesday, 29 June 2016

Story #309 - Where's my phone? part 9

"You fuckin' cannibals," is something I never thought I'd say, not even as a joke or to take the mick. "You're eating him up. What's wrong with you?"
In the back of the store, outside, hidden behind a concrete wall with no way to get out other than to jump out.
Doesn't anyone smell this stuff? The half-empty carcass with guts and intestines spilling out? Blood's flowing from everywhere, including their hands and mouths.
These guys, these three guys, armed with two kitchen knives that they probably used to use to carve and clean fish, are gutting up that poor man like they're in the jungle.
"You want to be next, mate? Huh? There's no food in this place. Whatever happened took away everything. We waited an hour for the delivery guy to arrive. We obviously couldn't call him. We had nothing, and we were starving."
"And this bastard? He started swearing at us to bring him the fish. First time I've laid eyes on him and he's this violent. Fuck's sake. So I tells him come in the back with me, you know, because we keep stuff in here, but he attacked me half-way through. James here kicked him in the face and knocked him out. Turns out it killed him. We've been wondering what to do with the body, and since we were pretty hungry, we..."
"Look, mate," says the first guy. "I know it's wrong, but we couldn't do anything about it. What, did you want us to tell the coppers about it? Screw that. We'd be in jail with a lot of guys, and everybody's killin' everybody right now. I don't want none of that."
"There's this one thing, though," James said. The sturdiest of them all. He looks like he could break through the wall. "We told you all this, and you can either keep yer mouth shut, or you can die right now. What'll it be, eh?"

Tuesday, 28 June 2016

Story #308 - Where's my phone? part 8

Here I was, making my way through the vastness of the people, following an invisible, but distinct trail of foul smell.
I elbowed my way past a small shop called "Fishmongers", and managed to get in unscathed. The lights were out, yet there was a glimmer from the back, hidden behind the closed door.
'I blend in well with the darkness,' I thought, praising my colours as I ninja-ed myself through the unopened metal door.
The stench grew profusely with each step.
'This is unbearable. Can you pass out from such an odor? I hope not.'
I had to clasp my nostrils shut with my fingers and breathe through my mouth, and even that made it unbearable.
But I managed to make it out. And when I saw the light, I wish I hadn't.

Monday, 27 June 2016

Story #307 - Where's my phone? part 7

'Dressed in black, only eyes popping out, I'm sure I won't attract attention. Right? Then again, I've told this myself before and I haven't. Am I an attention-seeking whore? I'll have to think about it later.'
Somehow, I'm the only person inside that smells the stench, or is bothered by it. The shops that once were brimming with people, with mouthy salesmen, coquettish girls, and food as the eye could see, are now empty.
This is not good.
Yet the riot hasn't started. The buzzing disbanded group of zombies aren't doing anything about it. Aren't they hungry? I am famished. I could eat a couple of bowls of anything appealing. Is this how-
"There's a fight broken out outside."
It starts.
And yet, where's that stench coming from?
I'm getting to the bottom of that before I end up in the scuttle.

Sunday, 26 June 2016

Story #306 - Where's my phone? part 6

I'm staring at this big pavilion where people roam in and out of.
'It's working, isn't it?' I mutter to myself with a finger on my chin. 'I bloody well hope so.'
Advancing, I look at peoples faces. I wish I didn't. I wish I had headphones and music, too. There's only so much swearing one can take before they would squirm to a cubbyhole for solitude.
I'm not easily swayed by bad language, but when I hear "fuck" and other variations every four words, I want some solace. I wasn't born in the docks or in the stands.
Still, I force myself to carry on.
The doors are wide open, held by rocks. Once in a while, some idiot trips on one. They don't look distressed, but simply careless. I'm surprised they don't want to strike it or yell and blame the bloodless thing.
Regardless, I go through these doors and a stench comes at me full throttle, making me tuck my nose under my black t-shirt.

Saturday, 25 June 2016

Story #305 - Where's my phone? part 5

When that guy, who I assume is the Mayor, said that we can travel, almost everybody raised their hands or created murmur.
"Now, now, I know you all want to get out and see what is happening in the country right now, but we don't have that many vehicles. We need strong, young, men that can function without much sleep. We need vigorous people, and most of you are. Therefore, I will pick and choose."
Great. That means I'm out of it. The guy's far away, he doesn't see me, and not like I'm bulky or anything, either. I'm going home.
The commotion is still going on, and I think he chose a few guys since the cheers have started shuffling.
What to do now? I need food. Any shops open?
...nope. Not even pubs. Actually, they're not here anymore. Are we going to starve to death? Crap.
I never considered the dearth of this thing. Cannibalism? I hope not. I'd better check out the markets.

Friday, 24 June 2016

Story #304 - Where's my phone? part 4

I carried on, contemplating the facts of technology, along with a dozens and dozens of quiet zombies.
As we neared town hall, we noticed quite the big crowd.
"Could I have your attention, please?"
I heard it from afar, from a megaphone probably, yet I couldn't see the source.
"Alright, people. Please, calm down, so we can figure out the problems."
Buzzing and pushing were a constant. I don't understand people like that. Why must you be so restless instead of staying calm and hearing what the person has to say? Nothing good ever came from continuous stress, you pillocks.
"Can I talk now?" I still don't see him. "Thank you. Now, as you've probably noticed, all our technological devices, as well as our electricity and transport has disappeared. I don't know why it happened as we cannot communicate with other places to find out. However, our printing press can function through manual labor, whereas our shops can no longer function without power." Oh, dear. I sense a riot ensuing. "What? ... Oh, it appears that we have our old automobiles and phones still present. Therefore we can travel to find out what has happened."

Thursday, 23 June 2016

Story #303 - Where's my phone? part 3

After leaving that geezer behind, I walked. Weird saying that. I walked. I always take the bus or some other form of transport, yet now I see myself going on my two feet for longer than 500 metres. Feels like a chore that I don't necessarily want to take, yet I have to.
Come to think of it, I didn't check to see if I still had a fridge in the house. Have the shops evaporated, too?

A lot of people are taking my direction it seems. Nobody looks pleased.
However, I find it strange that most of them are quite calm. Finding your technological stuff missing one morning and not knowing why must come as a shock to everybody. I'm pretty sure some cowered away in their blankets. Those that don't care as much are laughing at us. They ought to be. Humanity has started to walk hunchbacked. Who knew involution would take this route?
But enough about philosophy. Come to think of it, I used to like it before I plugged headphones whenever I left the house.
Why did I change so much?

Wednesday, 22 June 2016

Story #302 - Where's my phone? part 2

"There, that's better," I said to the mirror as I looked ready to go out and check the happenings.

Clothed with my regular black, no logo, t-shirt, assorted with the equally black, but skinny, trousers, going alongside a pair black shoes, I looked like I was going to a funeral. I'm sure someone will point out at me and say weird stuff. Hmm... If I'm thinking about that, it means I know something'll go down in the town. Should I change clothes? Nah! I'll be fine.

Stepped out my front door and saw people arguing. Stepped out my porch and clouds started gathering. Stepped out into the street and heard derogatory terms shouted in my direction. 'Blimey,' I thought. 'What did I do?'
I turned around and there was this old man of about 55-60, with hair barely standing between his ears and skull, wearing those round-shaped hippy-like glasses from decades ago, dressed in a suit.
"Oy, you fuckin' asshole."
I turned around to see if it was at me or not.
"Yeah. You!"
"Me, what? Why am I an asshole?"
"You stole my car."
I froze as my eyelids went to the sky and my forehead looked like sand dunes.
"Haha. Are you crazy? Look around you. Everybody lost their car. There are cables or telephone poles. Shit. I don't have my cell or my laptop in the home, but no, I stole your car, even though I just woke up."
"I don't have time for this, mate. I wanna see what's going on, and my guess is that the Mayor might know something."
Of course, he might not know anything, yet I bet that a lot of people are there. Worth a try.

Tuesday, 21 June 2016

Story #301 - Where's my phone? part 1

Laptop? Gone. Tablet? Vanished.

Monday, 20 June 2016

Story #300 - The serenity of travel

Ah, travelling... That place where you spend time in a not so comfortable entrapment filled with strangers, who usually, out of respect for others, tend to be calm and quiet. In other words, considerate and proper.

As it happened, my headphones went kaput and I was left tending to the silence of the road, the occasional bump in the road, and the flush of the loo.
Things were okay, until I heard this fly-like murmur from the back. I kept turning my head, trying to find the problem, always missing it. Then, I pretended to go to the loo with hopes. They were fulfilled.

Two girls occupied four chairs while others sat like sardines. They were friends,  and were talking quite loudly to one another, making everybody hear their conversation, unless they had working ear mufflers.
I wanted to go over and tell them to shut up, but they stopped buzzing.
When it happened, the serenity returned. I enjoyed the rest of my trip afterwards.

Sunday, 19 June 2016

Story #299 - So much bread

Just imagine being in a room locked up with the freshest and nicest bread the world has to offer, and you can't indulge yourself too much or your trousers won't fit you any longer.
But is it really worthwhile to consider your waist when you have gooey goodness slithering in front of your irises, growing the hair follicles on your body, and making your jaw drop with spit like you've seen the tastiest thing ever?
Pretzels, croissants, bagels, donuts, pizza...oh, that's not exactly a bread. Doesn't matter. Like they have bread filled with cheese, olives, jalapenos, and who knows what else, so is pizza a bread. It's like an open calzone, without closure.
Breads make the world go around, at least in the western part of Earth, and wheat is the base for 95% of them, with the five percent coming from the last five or so years, after they, the powers that be, decided to give something to the gluten intolerant people, too. How kind.

Saturday, 18 June 2016

Story #298 - Cracked my trousers

"What happened?"
"I bent with these heavy stacks, and my trousers cracked open just there."
"Oh...right. So what you gonna do now?"
"I don't know. Can you see it?"
"Umm, no, not really,, it's fine. Maybe if you squat... Yeah, you can see a bit there, but that's it. Not much. You'll be fine."
"Jesus. This is the literal way of helping and then getting hit by something. Must be what some people feel later in life when they regret giving a hand."
"You regret it? They're simply trousers."
"They are, but I still have to spend money to buy new ones."
"True. It is a pain in the backside. I think you can sow them up. Won't look the same, yet it might work."
"I'll see. For now, let's pretend nothing happened."

Friday, 17 June 2016

Story #297 - Slimming camp

"Do you reckon this guy will make us slim down?"
"Nothing will make me lose weight. I don't have the will for it anymore."
"Yeah, I feel the same."
A short pause as the Bootcamp guy steps in front of the self-confessed overweight fellows.
"Alright. Are you ready for that beach body?"
"Good. I know you love to eat. I do, too. But there's a difference between what I eat, and what you eat."
"Next thing you'll tell us to is to eat fruit."
"I'm quitting."
"You're not getting a refund."
"Okay, I'll stick around."
That would make people laugh anywhere, apart from here, where crickets were still given.
For every ten push-up that you do, you're allowed a piece of regular fruit, and by regular, I don't dipped in yogurt, caramelized, fried, or some other fancy schmancy thing you guys got going on. I mean a regular one. And, if you really crave that horse manure junk food, you can have some...once you give me one hundred push-ups."
"That's just not fair."
"It's your money. Shouldn't have entered if you think that. Now start pushing and stop flapping."

Thursday, 16 June 2016

Story #296 - Aliens amongst us

Plenty of people go on saying that if aliens were to invade us, we'd show them who's boss.
While that is debatable, we are aliens amongst ourselves.
Everybody has a different belief, different vision, different perception regarding the well-being of life.

If you go by religion and religious people, men and women have to be straight, women have to obedient to the man, and they are not allowed to go over his word. Also, everybody that happens and will happen, it'll be because of a deity, depending on which religion you follow. That's the cool thing about it. The indoctrination differs from continent to continent, and country to country. Heck, from area to area. And some countries want to be blessed by that deity more than others. Probably why they're losing their minds.

If you go by race, white people think they can rule everyone by virtue of... Europe? Because they have the most documented things whereas Africans don't, and Asians are in the East, so they don't matter as much. As they speak that weird language, too. That is, until the last twenty odd years, when some of them have gained some clout. Or have been allowed to gain it. Hispanics haven't gained much of it, unless they were born in specific white countries.

If you go by politics, you have right and left wing, and then you have extremists, who, some of them, are still led by religious beliefs. Others believe in certain regimes, like communism, stalinism, or nazism...

The Earth is round, but there are plenty who still believe it's flat.
People are homosexual, transexual, and a few other sexual, yet the general population thinks they're defective, mentally ill, and some think they deserve to die.
Society wants you to look good, have a toned body, and work like a robot, but then it created fast food, junk food, bad food, and it pushes it to the point where you don't know what to do anymore. Perceived flavour versus actual taste and actual nutrients. Hard decisions that make your tire before you end up doing more worthwhile things.

Before we conquer planets, we should find peace between us.

Wednesday, 15 June 2016


"Oh, I hope they're being sorted."
"So, umm, what would you like?"
"A cider is fine today."
"That was fast."
"It flows well. Four pounds, please."

Tuesday, 14 June 2016

Story #294 - The baker and the narrator

There was once this girl that loved to bake.
And like any other girl that loved to bake, she made pretzels that looked like half-open bananas, donuts that were half ring, half full, if that makes any sense.
But most of all, she enjoyed making scones. Dinky ones, plump ones, oddly-shaped ones, burnt ones-
"Hey, you're making me look bad."
"It's not my problem that you have a weird sense."
"You can omit stuff, you know. You're the narrator."
After hearing that, she stormed off, slamming the kitchen door after her.
"I'll make something even you'll enjoy."
"Like I care what you make. I'm just telling the story."

Time passed, two days to be precise, and she wounded up curled on the sofa, under a blanket, TV set to white fuzz as she forgot to pay the cable.
I should feel guilty for how I told her story, yet I'm not. Does that make me, the narrator, a bad guy?

Monday, 13 June 2016

Story #293 - Apologize, dammit

"Hey, mate."
"How's about you apologize?"
"Never seen you in my life. What's there to apologize about."
"You bumped into me and spilled my drink."
"Oh, that it? If you wouldn't be all over the place, I wouldn't have touched you. Look around. Everybody's standing chill, grouped, while you and your lot are spread everywhere. Why do you make it harder for people to move around, huh?"
"Apologize, mate."
"Apologize. Now!"
"Haha. How's about you take a hike before you embarrass yourself?"
"Apologize, mate."
"Bye bye."
"Let go of my shoulder."
"I said let go."
"Say you're sorry."
"Fine. I'm sorry I couldn't avoid you."
"That's not good enough."
"Best you're gonna get from me."
"Do we have a problem here, gents?"
"Now the bouncer's here because of your hand on my shoulder. This guy was moving all over the place, and I had to go to the other side. There was no evading him, as much as I tried, and I bumped into him a little. Now his drink's spilled a little."
"A little? More like half."
"Alright, alright. I'll talk to the bartender, while you two break it up, okay?"
"Fine by me."

Sunday, 12 June 2016

Story #292 - That moment

It was at that exact point in time that Sean realized he fucked up.
"Well?" Marie said with her sassy, resting bitch face voice.
"What?" The culprit kept his firm and cocky nature.
"Nah. I'm fine, thanks."
"That's not a request."
"Is it a plea?" A big smile rises on the male's face as he shoves it into the woman's.
"Do you have a death wish?"
"If I do, who will make it come true?"
She held her silence.
"What I thought so. I'm a bad, bad, man, and there's nothing you can do about it."
Seeing him strut around, her switch flicked.
She grabbed him by the collar and whacked over the chin.
"What's that, champ?"
"I'm sorry." Sean's cheeks moved like a river about to meet the waterfall.

Saturday, 11 June 2016

Story #291 - Cafe Blaggers

Lurking about on the streets, not knowing what to do with myself, if I'm hungry or simply bored, I pass by this dinky little corner shop. Well, more like a cafe than a shop. Four tables and ten chairs outside, a couple of umbrellas, and an advert on every piece. "Blaggers, because we're honest." Knowing some basic slang, I couldn't help but laugh.
I approach the window to glance at the menu. Stuff that everyone has, like chicken, beef, pork, and the newer veggie sandwich. The only difference between them is the meat or lack thereof, which is a tad shocking considering you're paying five pounds (three for the simpler one) for a mini baguette cut in half, spread around with salad, a couple slices of tomatoes, pickles, and the occasional sauce like salsa, mayo, mustard, ketchup, or guacamole. Yep, only one. At least they're honest about it.
Next down the menu is the mains. "Fishin' chips," which I'm guessing is a new take on the classic, alongside the "Coleslawed chicken breasts." That definitely costs more than the drumsticks or wings.
And their third main is salad with croutons. They're really taking the piss; makes me smile.
Of course, there's the desert, chocolate ice cream.
As I keep staring at this thing, a hand is waving from behind it. I blink and turn my eyes towards the moving skin. It's a girl inviting me in. "Huh?" I go in my head.
I'm thinking about it for a second or two, then I shake my head and walk away. Weirdo!

Friday, 10 June 2016

Story #290 - Back in the day #transport

Back in the day, when you didn't have these technological advancements where you can make money through various online ways, people, especially those in more remote places, had to take the train every time they went to work. And that train ride took them at least a couple of hours. Not that their home was that far from the respective location, but the speed with which the transport moved made one grow old and sick.
The hinges could be felt, going "clunk-clunk-clunk" after it started rolling the engine.
More often than not, there was a particular question going on. "Will I survive the trip? Will it break in half? Will my children be alright?" A particular long one, okay. But that's how it blurted within the passenger's cranium.
Back in the day, when you had bigger chances of not coming home from a failed engine than being hit by a car or shot by a gun.

Thursday, 9 June 2016

Story #289 - Playing video games

Often times, people will question those that spend their time playing a game instead of doing something productive.
In some aspect, that is true, as not everyone can make money off of a game if they don't use streaming sites and such, but, playing them improves the player.
They learn that patience is a virtue.
They learn how to play in a team, how to command, how to take a bullet.
They learn how to get frustrated and come back for more.
They learn how to think differently. Like in chess.
They also learn how to have fun in a different way, with strangers (or alone).
Video games, while some shun them, some say they're for children, or for those who don't have their heads on their shoulders, but spending time watching a sports match, watching the flavour of the month in movies, reading drivel magazine and boring social media posts that add nothing to your life, is definitely more worth it, right?

Wednesday, 8 June 2016

Story #288 - An eating man's workout

One push-up, two push-ups, three...hghghgh...barely did it.
I can already feel the muscles tingling. My biceps are twitching, my lower back is burning, and my knees are pretty much rock-solid. If someone were to touch me, I'd crumble to the ground like a bucket of bolts.
Now to eat. I've had exactly 55 seconds of workout today, which is 15 longer than yesterday, when I did the same three, but faster.
I feel like the strongmen, even though I'm a stickman.
Three more tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that, and I'm all set to get into the Olympics at lifting.
Now to eat those two pizzas I couldn't finish from yesterday.

Tuesday, 7 June 2016

Story #287 - All downbord!

Oh, wow. We've reached our destination. A new shiny city, where everything looks like a normal place that you'd expect, apart from this luster that's coming from the sun's rays. Damn. Should've brought sunglasses.
As we're all waiting to leave this train, going into a single file between chair rows as if we're going to get stamped and we've turned a blind eye to the pain, yet everyone seems to have a smile.
When there's a gap between people, the ones that are waiting, still on the chairs, jump in to fill them back. Cement trucks would be jealous.
Fortunately, we're not sardined in, but there might be a chance for that if someone's too eager.
Until then, we all have to pretend the downboarding is the best thing around and not show our sorrow.

Monday, 6 June 2016

Story #286 - Bootcamp argument

"Drop and give me fifty, maggot."
"Sir, no, sir."
"There is no no in bootcamp, maggot. Now give me fifty."
"No, sir."
"Dammit. I'm not telling you, I'm ordering you to give me fifty."
"No, sir."
"Why not, you worm bastard?"
"Because I'm not strong enough. And stop talking to me like that."
"You need discipline, punk."
"I won't get anything if you go about it like that."
"You'll get something."
"I will. The desire to deck you."
"Ohhohohohoh. Think you can take me, huh?"
"I don't know if I will take you, but I will try to take you, and if I do, I want you to give me fifty."
"Hah. Get ready, peachfuzz. It's about to be serious."

Sunday, 5 June 2016

Story #285 - Desolate places

The answer is simple.

Saturday, 4 June 2016

Story #284 - It's okay. Once more.

I'm sure every person who has started something, or wanted to do something, has told themselves at least once, that today was the last time they were going to do that particular bad habit.
And days passed, and they did it again. And again. So much for last time, right?
Addiction, regardless of the object, isn't a good thing, yet, sometimes, there is no helping thyself. Going crazy is standard.
There are rare occasions when a person is asked for a hand, or an institution, or worse, family. If the foresight is there in order to notice that, then the battle might be won.
If people force themselves upon thee, and drive the person away, the showdown has been lost.
But what if there is no one there, no will to get anyone, no desire to move forward, no demeanor for improvement?
The world goes sadder by the way at the lack of smiles on its surface. And that's not healthy. Not healthy at all.

Friday, 3 June 2016

Story #283 - Today's life

Ah, those were the days before technology came this advanced.
You went outside and there were no people with wires sticking out of their ears.
No people hunched back, staring at a lit screen, trying to wiggle their fingers while they make the effort to walk and pay attention at the environment at the same time.
You used to hear laughter and cackles, jokes and bad puns, all coming about in the spirit of "I don't got anything else to do with my time."
Now, you stay secluded in your room, eating bad food on a weekly basis, watching the flavor of the month in TV, all the while adding nothing significant to your life.
But hey, it's enjoyable, and it's not the hurting anyone else, so why change?

Thursday, 2 June 2016

Story #282 - We goin' out

"Yo, Sally, we goin' out tonight."
"Huh? It's Thursday, you lummox. We've school tomorrow."
"So? No important classes goin' on. 'Sides, we can always get that damn jellyfish, Curtis, to give his notes."
"Settles it."
"Wait! I don't wanna go out tonight. I still have my hoework. I meant home-"
"Hoework is right. Get out of those pajamas and put on that yellow satin dress, and let's hit the streets."
"Nuh-uh. I need make-up, a new hairstyle-"
"Want me to slap the shit outta ya right now?"
"No. You look fine. Let's go."
"Fine. It'll take a while until I get ready, though."
"Just move your ass."
"So pushy..."

Wednesday, 1 June 2016

Story #281 - What do you want to be when you grow up?

"Well, children, what do you want to be when you're older?"
"I want to be a nurse because I like to help people."
"Very nice, but you should know it doesn't pay well. Anyone else?"
"I want to be a teacher like you."
"Admirable, darling, but you might get disappointed easily."
"I want to be a footballer."
"In the Premier League?"
"You better hope so, otherwise you won't make enough money."
"Teacher, why are you so upset?"
"The world isn't fair, love, and it gets you down sometimes. I'm down, too."
"Oh, don't worry, teacher. I'll write you a story and you'll feel better after you read it."
"Thanks. Then I'll get back to reality."

Tuesday, 31 May 2016

Story #280 - That gym noise

Machines going up and down, side to side, back and to the front.
Guys scrunching their teeth as they pull the bar closer to their chest hoping the muscles would get bigger in no time flat, while the girls look cute, doing small weights, trying to keep firm, compact, and be like the present a somebody would want. With the occasional giggle added in for good measure.
Somewhere, on the other side of the tracks, are the pedaling people with towels over their shoulders, sweat dripping out from their ankles and wrists, perking their rears with that juicy jell-o still hanging about.
Muzzled within these "huffs", "nghngh" and "ahhh" lies that music you hear when you're drunk and about to pass out. Beneath that, the bucket of bolts assembled for human pain.
They say metal hurt. Yet we enjoy it so much.

Monday, 30 May 2016

Story #279 - The smell of nicotine

"You alright, Alice?"
"I'm actually not. I think I need a fix."
"You told you quit smoking a couple of days ago, but look at you now, shivering, looking all pale like you've been visited by the ghost of the future."
"Shut up. I know you like a cig now and then. Use one."
"You wanna watch me puff?"
"You for real?"
"Do it already."
"Ugh, it's like you don't know how to smoke at all. You're taking away the cool stuff about this thing and making it awkward and ugly. I've had boys tell me they don't like girls nicotinizing themselves. I can see why, now."
"Nicotinizing? Wow. But you've smoked with me before, you knew how I did it."
"Didn't pay as much attention as I am now. Blow some of that scent in my face."
"Do it already."
"... There."
"Ahhh, I feel normal again."
"You're nuts."

Sunday, 29 May 2016

Story #278 - Forming a queue

As soon as I felt a rumble in my belly, I left my crib in search of grub.
After I turned the first of five corners to get on the main street, I saw this queue formed in front of a house.
Initially I though it was only for people who were dressed sharp, but as I approached, there were guys with leather jackets, skinhead girls, tattooed people who didn't care if they showed. Pretty much all walks of life. I figured I could ask at least.
I stopped behind these two girls who looked like the type that go out to clubs every weekend to get drunk, with not a lot on, both on them and over them, with make-up that would make you take a step back.
"So, is this a party?"
"Nah. We're waiting for a line?"
"A line?"
"Yeah, you know..." and this blonde covers a nostril while sucking air with the other.
I turn my head sideways to at the other one, brunette.
"This line thing, you have it?"
"They're giving it for free."
"And all these people are waiting for it?"
Crazy is what I thought. I've done chalk lines on football fields before, but I'm pretty sure this is something different.
I think I'll postpone shopping.

Saturday, 28 May 2016

Story #277 - Dumb shit you say in class #1

"I'm sorry, teach, I don't remember what that's called. I saw a show where this guy played the character, and it was called... The Dominoes. But I don't remember what was his name. Did anyone see it?"
"Really? Nobody watches that show?"
"Hey, don't worry, mate. I'm sure I watch stuff that nobody watches."
"We're not talking about porn here."
"Everybody watches that."
"I don't," said one of the grade A student females in the class, a blonde with a slim model's body and a face that would make cover magazines if she was a celeb.
"You don't. You just make them."
A few laughs came about.
"That's right," she interrupted. "I make them. And you're not invited for my next one."
The guy turned beetroot as the one who didn't know the answer turned from one to the other.
"Well, I'm glad my class can have this kind of conversation. If only you knew the answers to my questions as fast."

Friday, 27 May 2016

Story #276 - The one tree

In the whole park there is one tree. Only one.
It's not like the park is huge, but you can fit over four hundred people with ease, let them get thrashed with alcohol, and still have space.
Still, this one tree in a clean grassy patch is such a weird sight that tourists have been coming here. I asked one of them why.
"It's in the guide brochures."
"What do you think now that you're looking at it?"
"False advertising."
Damn right. A regular oak tree that wouldn't stand out anywhere else but this place is in the tourist's guide book.
I wonder if whoever's in charge of this will want to make money somewhere down the line.
"Come one, come all, to see the 10th wonder of the world. The lonely tree, shivering with glee, at the incoming bee, wondering if it'll pee."
Okay, the last one needs some tuning, but I still wouldn't be surprised if they do this.

Thursday, 26 May 2016

Story #275 - Orange peel

The art of throwing up. It's not an art, per se, but you know, there's a difference between having it all in one place or having it all over yourself like a piggy.
I remember this one time when Mark was emptying his bowels after a long night drinking, and somehow, an orange scent came about, like someone was peeling that fruit around us, even though we were on the street, near chicken shops and chippies. The stench from those oil-using fast food making dime-costing places wasn't enough to overthrow the incoming citrus flavour.
I looked around to see where it might come from, using my nose to guide me like a dog is guided towards his meal, and I couldn't find it. Three alleyways passed, and there was no stopping it. I carried on until I could smell no more, and once that happened, I turned back, hoping for it to return, but it did not.
An orange peel zest came into my life on a whim, and escaped as fast, silencing my moment of amazement.
Whenever someone pukes, I always remember that scent making me go like the red string of fate, except it was cut short, like it wasn't meant to be. And I get sad.

Wednesday, 25 May 2016

Story #274 - The man that couldn't have fun

During my bartending days, I kept seeing this guy in the pub. He would come in when most people would, the dreaded six p.m., after you finished work and came to get at least one before heading home. Well, this guy would get three or so before bouncing, and he'd always be alone. I don't know where he worked or what he did, although the one time we managed to chat, we had it interrupted by my manager. Regardless, I saw him almost every day for five months.
He came alone, he didn't talk to anyone, but simply read stuff on his phone. He had the occasional burger at times, but other than that, he kept to himself.
We brought in DJays, and had people jump around, on tables, on chairs, on the bar counter at times, except for this guy. He would place himself in a corner somewhere, drink his pint carefully, and then go.
I don't know what he did to have fun, but it sure wasn't through music, dancing, girls, or whatnot. Some people are like that. And that's a shame.

Tuesday, 24 May 2016

Story #273 - The missed sunrise

Here I am, at three in the morning, shivering as I didn't bring warmer clothes with me.
The night out with the mates didn't go as planned and I didn't have anything to do, with sleep being out of question since...well, you always sleep, how about something different? They weren't up for that, it seems.
Yeah, bus stop bench cold as steel, even though it's plastic, sea breeze pumping every three seconds, sending down chills under my trousers; the protective glass wall that made the station wasn't rooted to the ground.
I looked to the front and saw clear skies overcoming the bleakness of the night. and I was hopeful I might see my first ever sunrise. I was getting excited, but that didn't shake the chill of the pier.
Behind me, the moon was in cahoots with the brighter cloud, playing "Guess the shape" while adding some orange-ish colour in the background, giving them the spotlight. Good old Moon, eh?
Then I made the mistake of asking Google when will the sun actually come up. Five o' clock. Ugh.
I spent an hour and a half in on my toes, doing the hippy-hippy-shake, trying not to curse the temperature too much, but once the skies lit in every part, and the white planet vanished, it was clear I couldn't see the Big Star come forth. Too much grey above. I had to go on my way, disappointed.
Until next time, right?

Monday, 23 May 2016

Story #272 - The nag

"Come on already."
"Let's go out."
"I told you I'm busy, didn't I?"
"That was so two hours ago."
"Yeah, and it's still not done."
"Not today."
"Screw the work. Let's have fun, okay?"
"Sure. Just not today."
"I hate you."
"That's fine."
"I'm going out with my girls instead."
"Cool. Have fun."
"I'm going out the door right now."

Sunday, 22 May 2016

Story #271 - Runners drive me crazy

Damn running. I hate running and running events. I hate these healthy people by a large margin more so than I do with people that don't eat meat.
I'm a regular guy who drives a regular car through a regular big city, that has a regular run of the mill office job, and likes to get hammered regularly between Wednesday and Saturday, especially on Thursday and Friday, and I love that greasy, sleazy, non-herbal friendly sammy with bacon that does a hungover body all the good in the world. What do you have after a run, an ice pack?
Yeah, not the same thing.
People should stop being healthy.

Saturday, 21 May 2016

Story #270 - Searching for yourself

Every person should go and find themselves. For that they should go through hoops and trials and whatnot. According to most people, that's what you should do. But then again, most people don't find themselves. They slog along until they reach their pension age, which gradually increases by the decade, and then they might try to discover something they once had, as a child. Maybe. 
Of course, that could be just existential bullshit. However, why do people get into depression? Why do they lack the motivation after a while? Why does their form dip so much they start to doubt themselves? No, why do they get bored. That's the word. Bored. You get so bored and frustrated and annoyed and whatever other word like apathetic, and you lose your way. Simple as that. What do you to change yourself? Crazy stuff.
You shave your head. You get a tattoo. You go on a diet, either to get skinny or to get fat, you're not judgmental. You move to a different town, or country, or even a continent. You travel the world.
Sometimes, and on rare occasions, you don't know what to do. You simply quit your job and stay in bed for hours upon days, without showering, barely eating.
I know what I'm going to do. I'm on the bridge right now, about to go up. I hope the water's fine. If I'm not, I might not surface. Hmm...

Friday, 20 May 2016

Story #269 - Ordering a burger

"I'd like to order a burger. Does it come with ketchup?"
"Bread? Not bun?"
"So I'm paying triple than what I'd pay in a regular place for a burger with bread?"
"Can you say more than one word?"
"Can you explain why it's so expensive?"
"You're killing me."
"Are you bored?"
"How about we have some fun?"
"Add on the order, cheese, tomato, pickles, and those three sauces."
"Come on, just do it. If they'll have a problem, I'll talk to them. And I'll give you a tip, too."
"Good man. Think outside the box next time, alright?"
"You betcha."

Thursday, 19 May 2016

Story #268 - Dope

"This album's dope."
"I listened through it and didn't find anything interesting."
"'Cause you're a dope, yo."
"If you keep talking smack, I'll smack you so silly you'll be talking in rhymes for a week."
"That would be dope. But you can't touch me since I'ma rope-a-dope your ass until you won't be able to do anything."
"You know, we always argue stupidly like this."
"Yeah. I like it. I've never had this with anyone."
"The day we'll stop talking like this will be day we'll split apart."
"That's what I'm sayin', buoyeee!"

Wednesday, 18 May 2016

Story #267 - Waiting for that call

Alright. They told me they'd call me today. It's 8 a.m.. Too early. I know. But I can't keep my eyes off of it. What to do in the meantime? Go for a run? I don't have where to keep my phone. Damn. Maybe tomorrow. For now, I'll eat something and watch a movie.

Been three hours since and my phone hasn't been lit once. Dammit. I'll read.

Alright. I need a break from that book. After five hours, you tend to get hungry. Hmm...when's that call gonna happen? You'd expect people that want to hire you ring between 12 and 2. I hope they're late.

9 p.m.. Haven't done anything today other than read and watch movies. My phone wasn't used at all. I even checked to see if the signal failed, but no, it was fine. Guess they don't want me. Their loss. I feel like grabbing some ice cream right now. Comfort food at its best, one dollop at a time.

Tuesday, 17 May 2016

Story #266 - The sun deceives

Yesterday was glowing. The sun brought its A game over to my crummy little place that had mostly rain and the occasional non-rainy day.
I figured I'd go out in shorts, something a bit rare in these parts.
It was fine for the first few hours, but as soon as I stepped inside this shopping mall, the clouds arrived. Ten minutes later and all I could hear on the glass was "toc, toc, toc, toc".
A sane person would grab a cab and head home, if their outing was finished. Me? I stayed in there until the night came, hoping the shower would die out. Well, it didn't.
It did not and I was cold, flustered, and annoyed at my wasted day when it started off so shiny.
Maybe that was a secret message from old red patch in the sky to no get cocky or hopeful in this place.

Monday, 16 May 2016

Story #265 - How the world became pussified

In the '30s and '40s you had cartoons with various degrees of violence, some of which had crude violence towards women (Popeye), but you laughed and you were entertained and you rooted for the hero the kick that guy's ass. As a child, that was awesome. That's what made you believe you could do in the future.
Nowadays, you're not allowed to smack women, let alone strangle them, in cartoon form that is, because it's not PG, because children will get the wrong message, because of some reason that nobody thinks of yet they include some vague description just for the hell of it.
I don't think the people that grew up in the '80s and '90s believed everything that happened on the screen should happen in real life.
People are more likely to get a brain problem from those around them, their language and behaviour, than from some fictitious characters, who, truthfully, leave impressions, but they are more good than bad.
The world is too cautious about what is and is not allowed, and its damaging everybody, whether they like it or not.

Sunday, 15 May 2016

Story #264 - Gigging

Sometimes, after travelling miles and miles to go from one place to another, you ask yourself that fundamental question that pops up into everyone's mind, those that do this thing that is.
"Is it still worth it?"
Bus trips, time wasted travelling, money spent on crap food, unneeded alcohol, sometimes paying for a last minute hotel stay. They take their toll after a while. Wallet, and mental.
You get it. You get a kick out of what you're doing. The audience, or a few from there, get the gist of what you're doing, too, and that makes you happy.
Those sacrifices will burn you out at some point. you'll end up in your cave, stay there for a while as you go to work sulking and not bothering to talk to anyone about it since they don't get you.
Once in a blue moon you get so distressed that you make a plan. "If I'm not there in x number of years, I'll quit." And what will you do once that calendar goes completely blank. You'll start eating more crap food, drink more, heck, even take a new vice for a change. Right? It's supposed to be a new you.
Then you get so bored that you try to get back to where you were, except that you're going to go about it differently.
Hmm...decisions, decisions...

Saturday, 14 May 2016

Story #263 - Being blunt

It's easy to sit on the sidelines and observe people interact with one another, or with the environment, say to yourself " that's how they do it." while wondering why you can't do that particular thing, whether it be picking up girls, getting drunk the nice way, or being polite.
But there's this other thing I can do perfectly, and I see others coy when they are forced to go about it. And that's to be blunt.
People on the internet easily do this, although most do it with malice and for kicks, to which the term 'trolling' was invented.
To be fair, some are quite blunt, but on the phone or through an email rather than face to face.
Not that many want to be told they have been fired or dumped and have their expression change in front of others.
Also, being bad is easy, and taking the easy way is not the best at all times.
Ten yeses barely outdo one no. A terrible thing to have.

Friday, 13 May 2016

Story #262 - Stop walking with your head in the ground

I usually walk with my head lowered. No particular reason other than that's how my neck is. Bent to oogle the ground and people's feet. When I do raise it, I feel like that ostrich or vulture from a Bugs Bunny cartoon. I sometimes can't keep from baring my teeth and doing that "huh, uh-huh-huh" laughter.
I miss out on plenty of sights, nature, and living beings.
Then this one song played a verse in my eardrums. "Look up and glance around. See the beauty abound." So I did.
People wearing ripped jeans or skin-tight trousers waltzed past me, having t-shirts with various political or sport logos, making me wonder why they would be willing to wear someone else's message for free. Their frilly haircuts, either curly hair made to look like a pony had run rampage through their scalp, or gone barren on one side, raised like a bridge on the other, perhaps in sign of protest for losing their brain cells through the telly.
I would rather look at the cobblestone and dream a world with smiles and simplicity, than a world with smirks and smugness.

Thursday, 12 May 2016

Story #261 - Please don't go (final part)

"Put the knife down," said one of them.
"Now!" the other carried on.
He still had the blade near his neck, only he was wondering why two police officers were in his flat. 'She didn't yell that loudly, and I had my palm over her mouth, so why are they here?"
"Come on. You've already killed one person. There's no point in killing another one."
"But there is. Stay back or I'm gonna plunge this straight in."
The other copper takes one step forward, to spite the man, who, upon seeing that, took to crawling away from them, near the corner of the one-bedroom place.
"If you-" He didn't have to finish as both of them advanced, and let out a scream as his head dropped on the floor.
Hastily, the service men approached him, and when one turned the person over, the knife bludgeoned him in the artery. The hand that did it grabbed the knife back and stuck it in the heart. Twice.
The other officer panicked, and was on his way out when the blade stuck him in the nape.
Both were rendered immobile.
He looked at them, then at the woman.
"If only you didn't want to dump me. Now who knows what's going to happen. It's on you."