hikikowriter XXXVI | Nobody ❦ Last night, I stormed out of Rowan’s housewithout seeing Kumar. After knowingthe full story, I didn’t know how to face him. I didn’t know how tohelp. There was nothingI could do, nothing I could say. I cursed Rowan,blamed her, thought she was wrong. It’s 3pmwhen I wake up but I can’t … Read more
XXXV | Root ❦ The man, the woman—I can’t think of them as Kumar’s parents. We standlike awkwardscarecrows on the deserted street, faces lit by one yellow street lampand the red backlight of the motorcycle. I’ve heard about them, vaguely, we (my friends and I)don’t talk about them much. Most of us aren’t closeto our … Read more
XXXIV | Rage ❦ Kumar refuses to say more. It’s frustrating.Why? Tell me! I can help you. He shakes his head.Thanks, Clyde. My parents are a bit troublesomebut they’re not bad people. It’s okay. Why don’t you tell me what happenedand I’ll decide if it’s okay or not? The donkey nudges Rowan’s shoulder. ‘We should … Read more
XXXIII | Alone ❦ Aspen tips Kumar’s head back. In the torchlight Rowan is holding,his eyes blink painfully. There’s bruises on his face.Not all of them are new. A cut on his lip. Looking at his battered appearance, it didn’t just happen once. He’s always smiling.Saying stupid things. I remember him greeting Rowan.I remember being … Read more
XXXII | Pain ❦ I step towards Rowan and the winged donkey appears. There’s a funny sensationin my head,like I’ve drank too much liquor. ‘Welcome,’it says in a low voice. I glare at it. The feeling fades. I look around me. I’m not halfway up some mountain.I’m not in a different country. I’m still under … Read more
XXXI | Hesitate ❦ The wind throws a tantrum. The world is oblivious. Orange rowan leavesare buffeted like messyswirling falling rain. The sky darkens—but that’s probably because it’s 7pm. The cloudsare still in the sky, ignorant of the wind. Even the grassis unaffected. Only Rowan’s ponythrashing to and fro, her skirtprotests against her hand. I … Read more
XXX | Journey ❦ I’m inside a poorly-driven bus heading awayfrom the nameless chicken rice shop. In my hand,is a ticket. Aspen gave it to me. I was going to throw itinto the dustbin at the bus stop. ‘We’re going on a trip.‘Come along and see the world for yourself.’ He smiled. Satisfied with … Read more
XXIX | Lie ❦ Rowan open the door.Aspen yelps. His eyes are greyish again. She enters the room.‘Why are you here?’ Her face is expressionless as usual. It’s 3pm already? ‘Yes,’ Aspen says,rubbing where the door bumped his back. ‘I’ve been waiting for you,’I say before Aspen says more. She sits on the bed. A … Read more
XXVIII | Rule ❦ Through a mouthful of chicken rice, Aspen says,‘Rowan’s got church stuff today.‘so you’ll have to wait till 3pm.’ My eyes shift to the clock. It’s 12nn. Normally I’d in bed.Why did I come here? The nameless chicken rice shop is empty as usual. The fans squeak. Rowan’s father is arranging chairs. … Read more
XXVII | Before ❦ I’ve known Brientsince we were babies. That’s how closeour mothers were. I told everyone at primary school thathe’s my older brother. Because he was strong. No one would mess with Brient. He was the onewho messed with other people. He messed with me too. He’d steal my food,take my toys andoccasionally … Read more
