Are you tired? With the lies, not knowing which side is saying the truth, or if your insecurities seem more realistic than the life you’ve been promised? It does feel great to have a companion who soothes the painful parts of your life. The words caressing a better tomorrow of your mundane routine, that though baseless and unfulfilled, you still believe. Because you are afraid to lose a love that is tactical and strategically planned, you’re blinded to see how unfair you are treated. You have to be shaken up.
Just like toxic relationships, they also happen in politics. There are a lot of speculations, strongly hidden / sometimes outright corruption, and unresolved cases of irresponsible politicians buried of issues put after another. In VP Leni Robredo’s presidency, transparency is urgent. If elected, she will push for the enactment of the Freedom of Information bill where citizens can check every government transaction without needing any formal requests. We don’t need to overthink anymore! We can see where our taxes are put into use.
Ah, I’ve been waiting to finally have the time to write for another April Writing Challenge by #theplottery. This one is quite interesting: write a short story where the protagonist is a compulsive liar. At the same time, this piece is also my entry for the #escapril prompt: computer. What do you think?
POV: You’re stuck in a loop where you lose a sense of yourself each time you fall.
“Oh yeah, what did you eat for lunch?” I tossed the apple and took a bite after a perfect catch. I kept nodding as she replies, restoring down the tab on her face with it, and opening others more. Oh! Look at that cat cluelessly trying to grab the laser on the ground. So foolish.
“You know, you have to eat more. You’re skinny. It hurts when we hug.” I chuckled, focusing on the items available in the fast sale. Now, where is that video camera?
“Huh, no. I didn’t say that. Metaphorically, you know? We’ll see when we finally meet.” Unbelievable, I clicked when it was 5 left, why didn’t I get in?!
A notification chimed in. I clicked it to see that my post gained three new likes. Yeah, turn the beat up, people! Read my posts! The history written in books ain’t real at all. They serve someone higher who would like to remain in position. Bruh, at least my theories make much sense. I cannot stop myself from smiling until I saw her serious face eyeing me on the screen. Geez. Talk about clingy flings.
“I told you, I am currently promoted as our department’s manager. There are a lot of papers that need to process. Jeffrey is a good friend of mine; it is just sad that he suddenly passed away.” I brushed my hair. It’s greasy. But she pointed out how I’m shining on camera though, no filter needed to show my good looks. “Maybe when our schedules fit, okay? I can’t wait to see you too.”
“Rebecca, huh.” A cockroach enjoys his little tour on the pile of my laundry. I swear, their kind evolves in this shitty apartment, I just hope this one does not fly. “Yeah, she, uh, offered to bring me home because I was so devastated during the funeral. Hmm? Elaine.”
I put my headset away from my ears for a slight second. Who are those people? Well, I guess it’s time to do what I’m best at.
“What do you mean, baby? I said, Christian. Your signal must be jammed.” I opened another tab and stalked her account. Scrolling to the list of her friends, there must be someone he’s close to, this Dude Jr. is sus. “You know that I promised that I won’t talk with Winnie unless it’s about work. Yeah, Rebecca, that’s what I was saying. You must have a poor connection.”
“I’m loyal to you, baby, but seems like Dude Jr. has been on the lookout for your spare attention.” Shots fired straight at her soft heart! Her face says it all, nobody wants to lose this connection, however virtual. Am I right?
I try to hide my smirk under this sweater. That stinky smell? It’s a step to success.
“No—I should be the one who’s spoiling you. I promise, if I just close this deal, we’ll be sleeping with money— Oh, that’s what I love about you. I’m so lucky, baby.”
Sticking from the beginning when it’s rough until the end where I’m successful? Huh. This live cat video continues, I wonder when it will realize he’s doomed? I bit the last of my apple before focusing back on her. The stale routine of the pandemic really had us clinging to minimum offers, huh.
“Oh yeah, what did you eat for lunch?”
— Maria 
we thought we cannot 