Dying For A Change

Disclaimer: Everything in this post, is not true; purely fictional. The picture/image does not belong to me, only the story does.
Word Count: 1188

The cold breeze ran through the city into every nook and cranny. The people wearing their jackets, knitted hats, and scarfs to keep them warm in such a cold weather. The night sky laid over head with tiny white dots littered the darkness above. The creatures asleep except for the crickets and people. One might think that there is all peace in the city, but there is not. For at the middle of the city chaos is in charge. A large group of people are gathered in the center where yelling and screaming.
On one side there are people in multiple colors, dressed casually, and of different ages protesting against their government. They held pigments, their fists raised in the air, trying to get attention from the outside world. Pleading for help.
While on the other side lined up were the uniformed militia. They were dressed in black and navy blue, covered in head gears and Kevlar, protected from head to toe. They also held plastic shields in front of their bodies in a unified way. They stood there because they were ordered to, they were given specific instructions to maintain the riot and only use force when necessary.
Across the street among the protesters was a little child who appeared to be seven was dressed in a puffy pink jacket, black pants, and a blue mask covering her face. She was holding her fathers hand and slowly approach the lined human shield, her father behind her making sure she was safe. In the little girls other hand, the one not occupied with her fathers hand was a pink heart-shaped balloon.
When both the father and the daughter reached the lined militia, the girl shyly stood in front of a female officer hands outstretched offering the pink balloon away. The female officer reluctantly accepted the balloon, and looked at the child with gratitude and flushed. With a nod the child walked away with her father, but before she truly left the little girl looked back and saw the female officer holding the pink balloon in front with her shield. The little girl smiled, waved goodbye and left.
The female officer's co-worker, Evan looked at her with unbelieving eyes. "What is it?" Caroline asked. Evan just shook his head.
"You're not supposed to get attached to the people here. They're a threat."
"But she was a child." Caroline argued.
"It does not matter, a threat is a threat no matter what age."
"What if that was your child Evan? Better yet, what if that was you out there, protesting against the government?"
"Well she isn't, and I'm not." He shot back.
"Well what if I was?"
"What do you mean?"
"You see how our government is, how corrupt they really are."
"What are you implying?"
"Damn it, Evan. You're always turning a blind eye. Remember last month of that huge drug lord we managed to take down?"
"Yeah? What about it?"
"Well I did a bit of researching myself. There was no news about the arrest, nor any file reported on it. In fact that man is still on the streets. He was released Evan."
"That's impossible."
"I thought so too. So I did some more digging, pulled a few strings with my friend who works with the higher ups. He says that this has been going on for years now. Criminals being brought in then released without charges, there's been investigations. Get this, all the officers that's been sent to investigate have all gone missing. But without any proof, they cannot do anything." Caroline said, sadness flowing onto her face. "And worst of all, my friend who told me. Turned up dead a week ago."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"He was a good friend, killed in a hit and drive accident, but I know that he was murdered by our government  I'm going to make sure that he died for a good reason."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm going to prove that the government is in fact corrupt, and let the people know."
"You're going to go against your own government?" He asked in disbelief.
"What? You don't believe me?" She asked with her chest puffed out. If it wasn't impossible, Evan might've noted that she was flushed bright deep red, and steam was coming out of her ears and nostrils. She looked down at her uniform and shield. She smashed her shield against the pavement gaining the attention of both the protesters and the armed officers. She ripped off her vest, holster, and helmet, letting her auburn hair rest on her shoulders.
"Caroline? W-what are you doing?" Evan asked.
"Watch me." Caroline slowly stalked to the other side, to the protesters. When she had joined them she faced Evan and yelled across the street, "I'm joining the protesters!"
"Caroline! Get back here!" He yelled trying to persuade her.
"No! The government is corrupt! And we're trying to stop the change!" She yelled. The protesters behind her feeling that she had become one of them joined her in the yelling. Soon enough the street was filled with yelling, and havoc. Some officers even joined into the yelling, their arms raised in the air into fists supporting her. Residents that had decided to stay out of the protest were coming outside and letting their voices be herd.
Evan only managed to smile. The female officer he had a crush on for years was indeed bringing the change. He believed everything she said, and was going to join in the protest when something caught his eye. A brief yet familiar light coming from an abandoned building that was set just behind the protesters. His eyes widened at the realization.
"Caroline!" He yelled, she turned to him with a smile on her face. But when she saw Evan's panicked face, hers turned into a frown. She slowly turned around and faced the abandoned building.
There was a loud sound echoing the street. Everybody stopped what they were doing knowing what that sound could be.
Caroline fell to the ground, her body limp. And blood leaked onto the ground, painting it a deep deep red. A scream broke the silence and people scattered. Evan stood there shocked, his body unable to catch up with the fast moving events and unable to hold the overwhelming stream of different emotions. The screaming snapped him out of his slumber, and he rushed over to Caroline's still body.
The first thing he noticed were her dead eyes; they were lifeless, and dull. Her once life filled green eyes now portrayed death, and fear. There was a bullet hole logged right through her forehead, and blood silently and slowly dribbled out. Once the body has stopped living the heart stops functioning, and blood is no longer moving beneath the flesh. His knees grew weak, and he cradled her limp body in his arms, a tear escaping from his eye.
He looked up to see everyone had ran away and the streets were deathly quiet. A pink heart-shaped balloon with blood smeared on it laid across the street before catching the wind and sailing over the city.
To Be Continued.

Fire Burns Within the Soul, Heart, and Mind

PARO, BHUTAN

The winds echo through the high mountains, and the mountains covered with life. The sun high above, in the right position where shadows are almost non-existent. Our ancestors learned to love and appreciate life, and so to become one with life they build their homes and temples on mountains. If you stood at the bottom of the mountain and looked up you'd see the mountains and trees paint onto the heavenly skies. The dirt underneath my shoes made a squish sound. Everything is still wet from yesterdays pour. Though for today there isn't a single cloud in sight, usually this time of year it is constantly raining, which is good for the farmers.  I love this nation, the country where I was raised and the beauty of this country always seem to grab a hold of me spiritually. The bells ring in the distant snapping me out of my trance, 'I'm late!'
Quickly I run to the temple careful not to slip on the wet ground. "Anzan you're late, again."
"Sorry, I was j-"
"There is no need to apologize. Whatever you were doing, will define your personality and who you really are." The master said. But to me he wasn't the master of the temple, he was my father. He raised me when he found me as a baby laying on the steps of the temple. I don't know my mother nor my father. But why would I need to? My family lays here, the people here are all my family. Intertwined with one another the way it should be. Every month there would be family celebrations, where everyone would fest and cheer happily. It brought comfort to me that even though I had no biological family I was surrounded by people who care and love me.

"Of course." I said and rushed trough the door to the temple and began my praying. It was a tough life I'll admit but its worth the hardships. Last summer Chugai, a farmer, was tending to his land preparing for the winter when a fire suddenly started in the nearby forest. The fire was quick, eating and consuming land quickly. It wasn't long before Chugai's entire land was gone including his house. He and his family were standing in front of the burnt down building tears running down their faces in hands were some possessions they were able to grab on their way out. Nobody died but what could the family do? The town seeing that they were in distraught and homeless all helped out. Before fall arrived Chugai and his family had a new house built and his land restored. Though his land wasn't going to produce anything for that upcoming winter for it was too late.
How the fire started was mysterious, fires here didn't just start. It was rumored that someone started it but who and why? We are a peaceful nation, we've done no harm to others. When father heard of the rumor he confronted the people during mass and said, "I do not know whether if the fire was started but if it was than let it." gasps filled the crowd, "They're hurting within. Let them relinquish their anger. Deep down they know what they've done was wrong and will forever live with that guilt, guilt that is bad for the soul. He harmed us, yet he will be the one in pain for an eternity." Father spoke, confidence filling every word. Nod's and agreements were then spoken. Father was the best, he had not only calmed the rumor but calmed the people.
Only that it wasn't a rumor, fires started happening more often after. Thankfully winter had arrived early and we were safe for the time being. During that winter it was obvious that Father was under a lot of stress, he was looking for some solution and it was obvious that he had found none. How are you supposed to confront an arsonist to stop what he was doing without the use of violence? It was impossible. So far there were no fires since last fall, but still fear walked among the people. Every night people were in fear that they're homes and farm was going to be burnt down. The people weren't as happy as they usually be, and no one spoke of the fires not wanting to jinx it.
The bells rung signifying that the time for praying was over. There was much work to be done for the upcoming winter. The sun had set fast today, with seemed to be odd for me. Gathering my tools I saw a human shadow stand among the tree lines, watching, observing. "Anzan!" I heard someone call from behind I turned my head to see Enku wave at me, signalling me to hurry it up. I nodded and turned my head back to the tree lines. The shadow was gone, who was standing there? Dread seemed to fill my entire being, and I had a bad feeling that something evil was about to transpire.
When the tools were properly stored away, the sun was long gone. The black starry sky took the place of the light blue one. Enku and I were walking back to the village when a high pitch scream filled our ears. Instincts took over and we ran to the village as fast as out legs could take us. Once the village light came to my vision, a strong scent of something burning filled my nose. Enku's mother, Fuha, came running to us.
"Anzan! I was just passing the temple! It's on fire." Fuha sobbed. My mind stopped, mouth numb, and body paralyzed. 'The temple? Was father still in there?' Countless questions entered my mind, but I could not think. Thinking would not help anything and would be saved for later. Taking a sharp glance at Enku, we held a brief eye contact in understanding. I ran to the temple Enku right behind me, as we came closer to the temple the scent  of burning wood was stronger. The temple was built a little far from the village so that people in the temple could feel secure and comfort.
When we came to the clearing, I wanted to sink to my knees. The temple was on fire, fire pouring from the windows, the walls painted black, and smoke coming from everywhere. But perhaps Father was still in there, maybe he needed by help. I took a deep breath and jumped into the burning temple. "Father? Father are you here?" I yelled my voice cracked. Vivid red and orange flames surrounded me and everywhere I looked there was fire. I felt blinded, smothered, and hot. "Father!"
"Over.... here." A weak voice penetrated my ears. "Father!" I scanned the area looking for him, he laid on the floor, his face expressed pain. "Don't worry I'll get you out of here." I quickly put an arm under his arms and heaved him quickly as possible out of the temple. When I reached the door way Enku ran over and helped me carry my father away from the burning temple. The villagers lead by Fuha, seemed to have come in the time I was in the temple. Father was taken from my hands and into the place of our doctors.
"Don't worry Anzan, your father is in good care now." I nodded.
A hand gripped my shoulder, "Anzan, look!" Enku held a pointed finger to the silhouette standing near the tree lines. It was the same person that was watching me earlier that day. When the silhouette saw us staring it ran into the forest. My vision went red and I quickly ran after the man, Enku knowing exactly what was going on and informing the others. Though they were behind me and I saw behind the arsonist. 'He tried to kill my father, let alone many others.' Adrenaline was the source of my outbreak, and I wasn't going to stop for anything. But it was night and it was hard to find the man, so I depended on the sounds around me.
I stopped running and stood there taking in my surroundings, having a clear mind would help me track down the man. It was quiet, trees were everywhere, the ground bumpy, and tiny chirps from the crickets gave the forest the eerie feeling.
A twig snapping originated from behind me, I quickly swirled around and came face to face with the arsonist. His face familiar, yet hard to place. He jumped at me, hands gripping tightly around my neck, it was getting difficult to breathe. I formed a fist with my hands and struck his face, his grip loosened. At that moment Enku and others from the village holding torches grabbed the man and held him there. Enku helped me up, "Thanks."
"Not a problem, you okay?"
"Yes, just tired." I told him. He nodded. the villagers were pleased to have caught the arsonist but yet angered that the man had burned down homes.
"We should kill him!" Someone shouted.
"Hang him." Another voiced, soon many violent options filled the forest.
"NO!" Father said, as he walked into view his clothes filled with burned spots, "We will do no such thing. Violence is not the way."
"Then what do you suggest?" Hoji asked. Hoji was the second priest, his opinion was highly valued during times such as these. Father was about to say something when Chugai came into view.
"Genyo?" Chugai asked, his voice in disbelief.
'Genyo?' I suddenly remember him! He was Chugai's brother, we all sat and ate at the annual family ritual years ago. But then he suddenly disappeared. But if this was Chugai's brother why did Genyo set all the fires?
"Yeah, brother. Now you notice me." Genyo said, his voice filled with hatred.
"Genyo, why did you set all the fires?" Chugai asked.
"I did it to show you that living in ignorance is wrong! The way we are living is wrong, why can't you see that? I was visiting the countries and how they live. The way that you're all living is wrong! You deny technology and depend on the old ways!" Genyo yelled.
"No, we are living the right way, we choose this way." Father interrupted the argument, "We learn to live with nature and spiritually. You have the choice to leave, it is your life."
"We can't let him leave!" Hoji yelled, "He has committed a serious crime and should be punished."
"I agree with you, and justice will be served. Genyo will be handed over to the modern society and be prosecuted by their laws. Genyo, the day when you learn the wronging of your ways. Will be the day that we will forgive you."
"I don't need your forgiveness." He spat.
"It is your life, child." Father said. Genyo was taken away to be held until morning when Hoji and Father will take him to the modern society and prosecuted. "Anzun." Father called.
"Yes?"
"Thank you. You jumped into the fire to save me."
"I would do it a thousand times." I said, truth within my eyes and soul.
"I'm glad to hear that. But what you did was idiotic and will have to help Fuha with the cooking for two months."
"What! That's unfair!"
"Life is fair. Now go home you look horrible." Father said with humor behind it. Fuha and Enku laughing behind their hands. I couldn't help myself from smiling, I was glad that everything had turned out fine.

When Even Hope Is Not Enough

Sandy, a normal human name had no meaning until this event happened. The total destruction that Sandy had caused gave that name the thought of disaster, death, sufferings, and evil. Although the name is associated with those words it also held the thought of hope kindness. Sandy showed that there are people out there that are willing to help no matter the cost and will sacrifice some of their time to others. but the definition of Sandy whether for good experiences or bad lies only with the people that experienced her wrath.

She was unforgiving and harsh but it was only through her influence that I learned what it felt like to be helpless. Here is the experience that I underwent. We had lost our power before the hurricane even hit us, and well before anyone else had. The feeling of unjust and unfairness was my first feeling towards Sandy but seeing the cup as half full I worked with it and kept my hope. I knew that there were going to be others out there in worse situations than I and with time things would eventually return to the society standards of normal. The first night without power was an insightful one. I witnessed the dependence that power had on my life. Without something to shine a light or keep us entertained was the most endearing I had to overcome.

Telling stories was the first that came to mind to help my sisters forget all about our situation. Filled with the spirit of Halloween, spooky stories were said around the tiny candle. During the daylight and a recon investigation in the closet, a pack of cards were found and used to the extent of the blackout. Competitions were held daily and the loser would do all the chores around the house. Books were either read aloud or individually. Day light was not to be wasted in vain, and as soon as the sun was gone we would sleep.

Sandy did not cause much damage except for the power outage, and some missing roof shillings. Though as the days passed by without power our hope was slowly dripping away but what else was there to do? The only thing that kept us going was on that tiny bit of hope that the power would return, it was not enough. Food was scarce and there were barely enough to go around. I eventually found staring at nothing became boring. My imagination slowly slipping away, my hope slowly dripping away.

Eventually the power returned on the border of the twelfth day. I'm not implying that through the power outage we experience was not a fun one or that I found plenty of time to read six books, but It's safe to say that I'd NEVER want to go through another power outage again. When the power was back as well as the cable we found out the full extent of the damage Sandy had caused on the rest of the shore line. I learned during the blackout, how technology and power had a huge grip on my life, and how I was WAY behind on my reading list. I desperately need to catch up.