Set during a Filipino New Year street celebration, this short story follows Gustavo—a man caught between fading traditions, family noise, and the quiet certainty of change. Amid fireworks, karaoke, and overflowing plates, he begins to understand what he is about to leave behind.
An Empty Harvest
“War is an empty harvest. The gods gave mankind intellect and hands meant to build worlds, yet we turned them toward crafting weapons for our shared destruction.”
A rotund man, lighter in hand, proclaims in a well-lit room.
“Higher beings mock us. They watch with contempt and disgust as we march toward our end.”
He dramatically lifts his head and clutches his lighter.
“No more! Our forefathers taught us better than silence and submission. However insignificant our nation is perceived to be, we rise in defiance beneath their mocking gaze and set the night sky ablaze! We shall go forth with burning passion—with fire in our blood and thunder in our hearts—and we will… we will… ugh…”
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| All the noise leads here. |
Interrupted Oration
“What the hell are you going on about with my kids, you fatass?”