Chapter 12: Echo [Part 1]

Splendor. What majesty. Intricate carvings and patterns adorned the freshly painted walls. What skillful art it was, for no recurring design was any different from the other.  Humongous chandeliers suspended off of the high ceilings and the many other candles already lit up simply added to the novelty and grandeur of the event. The candles gave off the scent of rosewood and the poignant aroma quickly filled the air. It brought time to another summer time of fresh fields and flowers swaying in the wind to a backdrop of a blue sky and burning sun.

‘Hurry, hurry!’

Tables were being set up, and the rattling of glasses rung steadily through the hall as they were being arranged in an orderly fashion. The harried and stressed out looks carried by the waiters far contrasted the serenity and nonchalance worn on the pretty and powdered faces of the attendees. Forming small groups along the corridors, they talked and discussed in unison. Varied pitches and pauses blended in well with their enthusiasm and eagerness to share as their chatter gradually stirred the life out of the lethargic evening sunset.

Unexpectedly, a sudden decrescendo descended upon the liveliness as the steady sound of rolling wheels resulted in a shift in their attention and gaze. Oh, it was nothing, just a mere large chunk of wood being shifted into the large ballroom. It warranted a few shaking of heads and whispers of disapproval at the sudden interruption of the liveliness. Sighs aplenty and handkerchiefs came in handy as they finally completed their work.

Soon, the guests filled the grand hall of magnificence and together with their presence; they carried with them the atmosphere of joy and laughter. However, like all fuels, their fire and energy gradually fizzled out and impatience hung heavily in the room. They were, after all, not the main event.

[!] Milestone + Blog

Hi peeps!

Today marks the day where this site has received its first thousandth view/read after it's birth dating back to last year. The journey toward this milestone has been rather rough at times, with both mind and body completely not functioning in unison. Fatigue and often other commitments have always been my excuses to delay and postpone. I assure all readers, that's going to change soon :)

I really want to thank all the persistent readers who have endured through my long posts, some even on their mobile devices. Your faith and steadfastness is truly amazing and often what spurs me on. Thank you for your support and stay tuned to the latest developments coming up soon :D (Pace quickens immensely as of the next chapter)

On a side note, I've looked into the future and have already started planning the framework for the next saga/story that would replace Arteries and Veins. All I can reveal so far is that it'll be something more fun and appealing. Hopefully I can make it something easy to relate to. Personally, Im glad to announce that the genre would be a concoction of romance and comedy. I hope to have your support for the next project too!

Thank you,
Jethro Lim
 

Chapter 11: Ghosts

It was a chilly autumn afternoon and a fine gent was walking through the vast open country sides still left unmolested by the feverish ideas of machinery and mass productions. Buttoning up his upper vest to shield himself from the strong highland winds, he trudged on through the mud covered tracks. The sky was bright red and the sun was beginning to set, and in his eyes he saw the multitudinous farmers at work in their fields, beginning to cease and return to their homes. The fields, too, gradually left him in his journey and towering bushes and trees flanked him.

He made a sudden left turn and followed down a path too narrow for two. The overlapping crowns of the trees blocked out whatever sunlight that was left and even his shadow was barely visible. He finally reached a gate and before his eyes were flowers. The colors blinded him momentarily but he managed to navigate his way without stepping disrespectfully on the floral decorations that adorned the stones.

Stumbling clumsily, however, he reached a corner of this vast maze to come face to face with a cross with two names engraved on it. He shut his eyes, and pictured them before him. Their 'meeting' was silent and only their eyes spoke volumes. He swallowed hard as their haunting eyes stared deep into his own. 'Rip me apart, and bare my soul' he thought to himself on his knees. He was frustrated at his inability to communicate in ways that he himself knew. The phantasms and images gradually faded away and he opened his eyes. He was alone again. Seemingly consumed by the moment, he broke down and tears flowed from his eyes. His silent sobs echoed deep into the lazy woods and a million thoughts were on his mind. Shadows were cast over him as the dying sun painted the clouds and prepared to go to its own period of rest. Getting up, he shuffled through the maze once more and left.

The arches of the trees impressed upon as an endless vortex, a journey to eternity. He sneered at his own wild imagination and chided himself to be hasty. Reaching into his pockets, he grabbed a fine tobacco roll and placed it between his parched lips. Producing a match box, he struck a match swiftly along the rough exterior of the box. The flame glowed minimally lighting up the dark and rather depressive path back onto the main road. Burn, and the familiar choking yet calming aroma of smoke filled his nostrils. He squints as the exhaust irritates his eyes. Puff after puff, his body filled with weary, step by step, with feet like lead, he finally makes it out back on to the main road.

He pauses for a moment and takes a deep puff. Letting the smoke reach the deepest part of his lungs, he exhales calmly and slowly. He feels a deep sense of serenity and looks back once more at the long narrow corridor that he had just exited. A million thoughts flash through his mind again. But at the last of his smoke-filled breath, he smiles and leaves the ghosts that haunt him behind. Hurrying again back on the main road, he realizes that he is late.

Chapter 10: Expulsion [PART2]

Shock. A rather uncanny timing for a Kelly to appear. 'But who is she?', the troubled twins of the Goodend line wondered. She reminded them of their mother. It was identity and not tidings that they were more interested in. For Ethan, it was an acquaintance from years ago, and he was once again reminded, but yet relieved, that his children would be in good hands in the future.

'My father sends his best wine to you.'

Her hands reach out the basket containing the fine produce and looks up at them. Eyes glowing and gleaming in full glory. Slowly, her lips curl into a smile and urges them once again to accept this gift. She reminded them of Anne. Her silhouette cast a large shadow over them as she walked through the door.

If for that moment, the gents were elated at their harbinger of joy and hope, oh how wrong they were. Everything happened as quickly as it had originally started and over that fateful night.

Unable to find any rest in the days events, Ethan was more than just a bag of nerves downstairs. Schizophrenia, as the physicians had deemed it, had struck. Tailing shadows, blood flowing out of his hands, a policeman banging at the door. The fallen man, had once again been reduced to yet another sinking level. However, this experience, unlike the others, wasn't unreal.

A heavy thump on the door as loud as thunder. A few men screaming downstairs. The twins, 'fast asleep' upstairs were, however, able to distinguish one of them as their father's. Wood cracking and pottery smashing further gave evidence that a scuffle had erupted downstairs again. However, this time the prelude to the descending silence came a little louder with a forte.

It must have been ages, for their muscles ached in tension and their bed sheets were soaking with perspiration. Then, Romulus shot up and whispered.

'Is Daddy with the other man lying in the kitchen?'