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The Green Herald is the official student publication of FEU - Alabang SHS Department.

25/12/2024

HERALDING JOY | All I Want For Christmas
By Belledandy Yuan

Snow falls to the ground, lights glitter on the large Christmas tree in the square. I remember the day I found my handsome husband in this very place, the ring in my hand symbolises that—a snowflake design adorned by blue and white diamonds. I look back up towards the people in the town square, there were couples having fun in the snow, and families enjoying themselves with their kids. They all run around, having fun, but when I look at myself through a store window. I see myself alone, without my husband to keep me warm and cosy this winter season.
This is the third Christmas I won't be with him. My dear husband is away from me again, not by my side. It makes me a little disappointed for the season, yet I have no choice but to endure it because he's probably missing me too. I just wish to see him this season and tell him how much I miss him around to decorate the Christmas tree or prepare the gifts for our family and friends. I miss his home cooking and famous dishes that taste like heaven. I just wish he was here...

As I walk the town's snowy streets, I find a small store. Cosy and bright, just like the light adorning every shop and home. I look up the sign to see what store it is. It read "Antique Memoir" and had Christmas items lined up in front of its store, seeing as nothing really could go wrong from entering the warm shop. I opened the door and was greeted by the ring of the doorbell on top of the door and the shop owner.
"Welcome to Antique Memoir, a place where memories find their new home. Is this your first time here?” She greets me in her festive attire and smile. The owner seems just as beautiful as the store. It’s a truly whimsical place to be in, every corner is like a blast from the past and filled with small and large trinkets. I am in awe of how many antiques they’re able to acquire.

“Ah- yes… It is my first time in this store,” I reply, copying her smile. “I’ll only be looking around though, so don’t expect much from me.” My eyes dart from one place to another in the store, finding so many things that I find interesting. Each trinket getting better than the last.

“Oh miss, I assure you no pressure.” The girl laughs, “But we never had a customer leave this store without a bag in their hand.” She seems to fit in the store well like she was made to work in this place. Like a porcelain doll that takes care of the precious items around, every part of this antique store just keeps putting me in a state of awe. It’s so whimsical. Even the owner is whimsical.

“Then I hope I won’t be the last that comes out without a bag in hand.” I joke back, she seems to be friendly and I’m already at ease. I continue to look around, asking about every item that interests me. The owner, who I found out the name of, which is Riabelle. She’s not the owner apparently, and just takes care of the store as the owner is busy looking for more antiques to sell in the store.

Riabelle leads me up to the second floor, which they had to my surprise. More things to ask and be amazed at. She answers all my questions, not a hint of annoyance on her face. This amazes me too, either she’s good at masking her annoyance or she just loves her job, in this case, I can tell that she loves being the store’s caretaker as she tells me her own stories working here.

I find a snow globe on the shelf full of it, but it just seems so special. It had the same colours as my ring and had a couple in the middle of the globe. The man in the middle looks exactly what my husband looks like. I guess what Riabelle said about not having a customer ever leave without a bag in hand is true.

“How much is this?”

“We’ll have to check it downstairs. Come with me and we’ll check at the counter.” Riabelle replies and brings me downstairs to the counter, it had so many small drawers behind her, all labelled in cursive writing. She brings out a large logbook and starts looking for the tag on the snow globe, flipping the snow globe to look at the bottom of it. There I saw the last name. Riley. My husband’s last name.

“Excuse me, but where did the owner get this snow globe?” I ask curiously, it might have just been a coincidence but it's not bad to ask, is it?

“It came from Belarus, I was told that it was found in a small warehouse. The owner loves going to places that you don’t know existed. He just walks anywhere his feet take him, I think that’s how he got ownership of this snow globe.” Riabelle replies, shaking the snow globe to let the glitter float around and fall to the ground.

“Warehouse, huh? What an odd place to find a snow globe...” I laugh, seeing to it that it's just a coincidence. Nothing too special and besides who wouldn’t want a snow globe that looks exactly like you and your husband, might as well take it. “So how much is it?”

“Well you’re our only customer today, so I think I’ll give it to you for free.” Riabelle smiles and went to pack the snow globe, putting it in a clear plastic box and into another box larger than the plastic one, putting packing peanuts in before placing the plastic box with the snow globe inside. She ties the larger box with a classic ribbon on top, before placing it in a paper bag.
“What’s your name, dear?” She asks as she takes a letter out of one of the many drawers behind the counter.

“Why do you ask?” I raise a brow, not expecting my name to be asked.

“A certain surprise, that’s all.” Riabelle only smiles, a sly grin painting her face.

“It’s Selina Riley,” I answer.

“Selina Riley…” She repeats, writing down my name in the letter she had just taken out. Riabelle opens another drawer, grabs a navy blue envelope and seals it together with a wax seal. She places the two letters in the paper bag before handing the bag to me.
“The white envelope is the letter of authenticity, while the blue one should be for your eyes only. I mean it. Please do not let anyone, including your loved ones, see the letter inside.” She tells me, giving me a warning too.

“Why can I not let anyone see it?” I ask.

“Then your gift shall disappear.” She replies, stern with her words. I nod, promising her to not let anyone see the navy envelope.
As I leave the store, I give Riabelle one last look.
“Thank you for shopping here, Mrs. Riley, I am the caretaker of this store. My name is Riabelle, thank you for shopping here at Antique Memoirs” She exclaims, bowing down. I gave her a small bow too before leaving.

As I enter the cold streets of the town, I realize how late it was and hurried back home. I look back at the antique store and see that it was gone and replaced by a rundown shop. Was I dreaming? But the paper bag is in my hands, it must have been an illusion.

As I arrive home, I close the door and remove my shoes. My tired body immediately slumps down on the couch, grabbing the paper bag and taking the snow globe out of the multiple boxy prison it has.
With the snow globe in my hands, I shake it, letting the snow fall to remind me of a familiar scene. The time when the stranger I now call husband asked for my hand in marriage on a whim. I was attracted to the man, so I said yes immediately. It was a quick decision and even if he’s not with me every day, I have no regrets it saying yes to him.

I grab the navy blue envelope and open it, reading the letter inside.

—------------------------
To my dearest wife,

I’m sure you’re disappointed and sad that I’m not at home for this season. I think we can both agree that we miss each other. I’m sorry for all the Christmas seasons that I missed with you and I hope that one day I can make it up to you under the mistletoe. I hope that you haven’t regretted the decision to marry me on a whim on Christmas Eve because I don’t and I’ll make sure of it. I hope my missus can be happy every day and in all seasons, but it seems I keep making you sad, don’t be too unhappy. All I’ve been wanting for a gift all these years was to be with you on Christmas day, I know that’s your wish too. I’ll be home before you know it, just you wait. I’ll be there by your side to keep you warm and cosy, so wait for me at home, my dear wife.

From your loving husband,
Conner.
—------------------------

A letter from Conner? How were they able to get this? That’s odd… Nonetheless reassuring that he’s still alive. I hope. I married a soldier after all.

As I see the clock strike twelve, I look down at the letter and up at the picture of us two on the wall. Even with the letter, I can’t help but keep missing him. My husband. Conner Riley. Thinking that I should go to bed, I stand up from the couch to hide the letter somewhere inconspicuous and display the snow globe on our fireplace mantle.
Merry Christmas to me, I guess.

To my discontent, someone rings the doorbell at this time of the night. I sigh and check the person at the door first, before slowly opening it. My eyes widen as I realize who the person at the door is.
“Surprise, my dear wife. I’m back home.” His voice tickles my ears. He’s home. Conner’s home.
My eyes tear up, looking up at him with so much delight. I couldn’t even keep my tears from falling so I just pull him close, embracing him tight.

“I miss you,” I mutter out.

“I missed you too,” He says, returning the embrace. “Can’t have the missus be sad for the third Christmas in a row, made my Captain hurry the mission just so I can be with you.”

I smile softly at his words, my tears still falling from my eyes. Conner cups my cheek and wipes my tears with his thumb, shushing my sniffles with a soft chaste kiss on the lips. He slowly lets go of the kiss, looking me straight in the eyes with the most genuine smile I ever know.

“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Riley.”

– Fin –

Illustration by Andrea Niere

24/12/2024

A LETTER OF HOLIDAY CHEER FROM HERALDS 📪🎄

Dear Tamaraws,
As the holiday season wraps us in warmth and joy, The Green Herald extends its heartfelt wishes for a Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. May this season be filled with love, laughter, and gallant beginnings.

In the glow of Christmas lights, the melodies of carols, and the warmth this season brings, let us reflect on the blessings of the past year and the promises of the days ahead. Together, we celebrate the spirit of unity, kindness, and hope that binds us as one community.

Here's to cherishing moments with loved ones, spreading joy, and embracing the possibilities of a brighter future. May your holiday season shine with peace and happiness.

With love,
The Green Herald 🍀

Publication Material by Genesis Sables

24/12/2024

HERALDING JOY | Here, Where the Stars Wait for Dawn
By Isobel Bonifacio

Christmas Eve had finally begun to settle in, the world below alive with songs of joy. Laughter, music, the hums of voices, and the clinking of glasses rose up to the skies, filling the air with a tenderness that embraced every home and soul that lived in them. High above, a star flickered, her glow steady yet soft amidst the brightness of the earth below. She’d been a witness to a decade’s worth of nights, but tonight, the world shined with a different light. The celebration below pulsed with the kind of energy that made her feel as if the very sky she sat on was alive, carrying the weight of the year’s final moments away and reeling back the promise of something new.

Her light, steady and quiet, stood a reflection of the people below. She’d seen their hardships, the battles they’d fought against time and circumstance, but still, they shone. She had seen their faces, worn by time and hardship, yet their light never wavered. Through every storm and every sleepless night, they had continued, shining.

The star wondered, as she had before, what kept them going, what it was that made them glow even when the world seemed to turn cold. Was it hope? Or something deeper still?

Their laughter reached the heavens, and their voices united in songs of hope and love. They weren’t perfect—far from it—but they had endured, and that resilience filled the night with brilliance. The trees sparkled, their mismatched lights flickering in harmony with the hums of shared conversations in each home, each a symbol of resilience, of lives bent but unbroken.

The star, nestled into the velvet of the night, watched it all. She inhaled the joy that spilt off of the night, a joy too pure to be marred by the weight of the year that was nearing its end. It wasn’t perfection they sought—not tonight—but something much deeper: a reprieve, a new beginning. Christmas morning wasn’t the only thing that the smiles below shone for. They were shining for the quiet absolution of dawn, for the touch of light to dull the jagged edges of the year that had worn them down.
From where she sat, the sound of the child’s laughter reached her ears—a bright, golden note that danced through the air like a flame, tender and untamed. The star shuddered, her light swelling in time with the laughter, cradling it and carrying it higher to the gods that watched alongside her.

Carols spilt from the cracked windows, their voices raw, unpolished, but wrapped with a warmth that reached beyond the need for sublimity. Hymns of endurance, of grace found not in the absence of struggle but in the act of rising despite it. The star felt the song lift her; she felt it seep through the fabric of the night, threading her light with the voices of the earth below.

The hours stretched on, the night growing heavy with expectation. The weight wasn’t overbearing, held up with the hands of each soul wishing for a better tomorrow. She could see the dawn peeking through the edge of the horizon, brushing against the edges of the dimmed sky. It wasn’t merely the end of a night, but the start of a new beginning, a promise that darkness, however long, would yield.

And so, as the night wore on, the star remained ever bright. She wasn’t just a witness to the world, but a part of it as well—woven into the fabric of their celebration, their endurance, their waiting. The dawn, as it always had, would come once more, carrying the grace of a fresh start in its palms, the quiet beauty of a world reborn.

For now, she waited. And the world waited with her, their voices rising in unison, each one a prayer, each one a wish for the tomorrow that was drawing near. And as the first light of morning touched the sky, the star shone brighter still, knowing that the wait had been worth it—that in the end, it was not perfection they had sought, but the courage to keep glowing, to keep hoping, until the dawn arrived.

Illustration by Arwen Esporas

23/12/2024

HERALDING JOY | Snow Will Fall Once Again
by Ethan Sadio

The yule log, the hearth fire, the verdant evergreen, from the first snow to the last, I have been within all. The daunting slumber I awake from once the first drop of sleet dances through the sky. What world would I awake to? The merriment, the light and warmth of the festive season, a wonderful sight I relish. Many snowfalls ago, the silent peace of the season would bring families together; gathering together at the fire to keep warm, under dazzling lights and a tree decorated in bits and baubles. Through every snowfall that filled my ceaseless soul, those memories would show in my dreamless sleep, the memories of a world that held no such rest except for on a single rotation of its axis, once every revolution around its star.

Suddenly a blinding light disturbed my dreamless sleep, an all engulfing warmth melded with frigidness. My eyes awoke once again; filled by the lights of the world around me. The familiar sights, sounds, and scents flooded me like a raging tide. What laid in front of me a sprawling city-scape, a far cry from past seasons. Lights hung from building to building in a dazzling array of colors; snow piled the streets like sleek white blankets.

What form did I take now? Despite the cold winter air, I felt warm—a coat of fur draped what I could see of my feet. A pane of glass I noticed beside me, in it my reflection stared back at me. Vertical slits for my pupils, whiskers, and fur as white as the snow beneath my feet. It appears I’ve taken the form of a feline. Despite how much I would appreciate the time to gaze upon my new form, the street would not allow for it. People were abound on the sidewalks, speeding across the pavement like nothing else in the world mattered aside from what faced them ahead. The winter winds whispered in my ears the woes and cheers of all. The grumbles of tired workers on their way home to enjoy a small moment of respite, the songs sung through the halls of buildings, the small sighs of relief, and the wishes of many whispered in the audience of moonlight. I passed through many streets, filled with people stationery and waiting in lines with their families for things I may not comprehend. A far cry from the winters of the past.

The wind whispered again, an uncharacteristic quiet. Through all the noise and chatter, there was not one sound from the wind. Actually, maybe I was mistaken, faintly, just faintly, there was a sound, a soft weeping. The wind seemed to pull me toward the sound, through streets and alleyways, all until I came upon a building. A few storeys high, there lay an open window; wind blowing gently on the curtains within. My meager feet lifted themselves up the pipes and windowsills of the apartment until I reached the room with the open window.

The room within is dark and quiet, so different from the merry atmosphere of the rest. A sole light lit up the room, a solitary lamp beaming a soft warm light illuminated just a desk. Slouched upon it wallowing in a pile of papers was a girl, she appeared young; her hair spilt over her desk. With the wind, the papers scattered on the desk flew, one that flew in my direction. My reflexes acted before I could and the paper landed in my paws. Rummaging from within is what I heard. The girl then rushed to the windowsill where I sat, a dismayed expression on her face. A defeated sigh left her, until she spotted me in the windowsill, the paper in hand.

Her hands grasped me and gently lifted me up into the room. “Did you get this back for me? Thank you, little kitty…” She sounded appreciative, but her voice sounded weary. Just as soon as I was brought into the room, I was placed before the windowsill. The dawn was slowly creeping, I knew there was no reason for me to remain for longer.

The following day and the days after, the winds brought me back to that windowsill, yet nothing would change. On some days she would notice me, and on others she would stay slouched over that desk—pens and paintbrushes scattered across the table with blank papers piled on each other in orderless heaps. I entered through the window yet again like I had for the prior days, the girl didn’t notice me, until I climbed onto her desk. “Why do you keep returning, little kitty? I’m busy-” her voice faltered, as if to retract her statement. “Well, I should be busy…” I placed a paw on her hand, I could no longer bear to see one live without light. After all, what is good in celebrating the season’s cheers with dazzling lights when one’s lights are dimmed. “Is there something you want, kitty?” She glanced at me, still with that tired look. I turned myself to the outside beyond the windowsill, A world so close, yet from this room, felt so far.

“If you’re suggesting we go outside, I’m sorry kitty, but I can’t do that. Especially not at this time of year.” Her expression sombered; I began to cry at her to follow after me. Eventually, she caved in. I led us down paths I had not yet explored, the streets were still as abuzz with a festive spirit. The girl’s eyes and hands were quivering, but there in her eyes I sensed a light that was reawakened. The days would then pass by like a blink, and the merriest day of the season had arrived. Children were running through the streets, songs of festive cheer would play, and smiles would fill the faces of all. I climbed up to the windowsill once more, the room within was brightly lit now, with decorations and ornaments, and the desk, once cluttered, now organized. The girl entered the room and brought me inside.

“I have something for you, kitty.” From her pocket she pulled out a sweater, it was small, no human would be able to fit in it, but for my form, it would be just perfect. As night encroached, the girl and I set out for a plaza where a giant evergreen tree had been placed, hanging lights wrapped meticulously around it, Christmas ornaments and baubles placed by people hung from its leaves, and on top, an empty space reserved for a bright shining star. I have seen the same sight in many winters past, and I will see it until the last snow, yet I will never grow tired. It appears someone shares the same sentiment. On her face, an expression of pure wonder. “So this is what it’s like…”

I would return to that windowsill for the rest of the time that I would have, that darkness and isolation, I could no longer feel it. With my feline feet I jumped onto the desk, knocking over a container. From beyond the door I could hear her voice, “Is that you, kitty?” I could feel her drawing nearer, but there was something else I could feel, the last snow. It drew nearer and nearer with the season’s end, and I knew that my dreamless sleep I would soon return to. With each second that passed by, a snowflake fell, and the creeping darkness began to encompass me. I don’t know what happened next, but the last thing I could see was the sweater gifted to me by this human, left on that desk. And the last things I could hear, the sound of a door’s creak, and her voice.

“Thank you.” Her muffled voice reached through the darkness.

As soon as the first snow had fallen, my time was surely up. The ever-familiar darkness had taken me back into its warm embrace. Despite this, I know that though light may seem so far and distant, and all there is to wait on is the ticking hands of time that cause only dread, this world would rotate and revolve in its eternal dance, and the snow will fall once again.

Illustration by Andrea Niere

23/12/2024

Congratulations on Completing This Semester, Tamaraws! 📚⭐️

The 1st semester has been a journey filled with effort, challenges, and growth. No matter the outcome, your dedication and resilience deserve recognition. Each step you took, whether forward or with hesitation, is a testament to your strength and determination.

Now that the holiday break is here, take this time to rest, reflect, and recharge. Celebrate your efforts, embrace the joys of the season, and look ahead with optimism as a new semester approaches.

Enjoy the holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you thrive in the year ahead. 🎄

Love, The Green Herald 🍀

Publication Material by Arianna Golifardo

22/12/2024

HERALDING JOY | When the Clock Strikes Twelve
By Hygeia Beyer

Christmas was always the season that set Autumn Grace's heart alight. Though her name echoed the golden hues of fall, it was winter's magic she cherished most. Each year, her mother crafted an advent calendar, a tapestry of tiny treasures, each gift woven with meaning, a reflection of love and thoughtfulness. Her parents poured their hearts into making the season unforgettable, wrapping their home in warmth and wonder.

On Christmas Eve, she curled up by the frosted window, the flickering glow of the fireplace dancing in her eyes. In her hands, a plate of cookies and a glass of milk—a quiet ritual as she waited for midnight to whisper the arrival of Christmas. Through the glass, she watched the streets come alive, the distant hum of laughter and cheer growing louder with each moment. Children tumbled in the snow, their faces radiant with joy, their laughter harmonizing with the silent carol of the falling flakes.

When the clock struck twelve, the world seemed to hold its breath. For Autumn, the moment was never about extravagant gifts but the magic of love and joy that wrapped itself around her like a warm blanket. It was a feeling she clung to, one she feared might fade with the passing years. Growing older seemed like a thief, threatening to steal the sparkle of her Christmases. She whispered a quiet wish for time to pause, for the wonder to remain untouched, for her heart to always leap with excitement as December’s light approached.
The snowy breeze kissed her cheeks as she sat still, soaking in the moment. The twinkling Christmas lights, the familiar carols, the aroma of festive feasts—all pieces of a memory she longed to preserve. If only time could slow, just for a while, to let her savor the spirit of Christmas, a magic she wished would never slip through her fingers.

Christmas morning brought a new wave of joy, even brighter than the night before. The anticipation of gathering with her cousins and the delight of giving gifts filled her heart to the brim. These moments, these traditions, were her treasures, the truest gifts of all—a season she’d carry forever in the deepest corners of her soul.

Illustration by Ayz Himan

22/12/2024

LOOK: The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Parade of Stars took place on December 21, 2024, beginning at 2:00 PM The parade started at the Kartilya ng Katipunan and ended at the Manila Central Post Office, covering a 12-kilometer route that passed through Recto Avenue and Taft Avenue.

Ten official film entries were showcased with colorful and intricately designed floats, representing titles such as And the Breadwinner Is…, Green Bones, and Uninvited. The event drew large crowds along the route, leading to major road closures and heavy traffic in the area. Motorists were advised to use alternate routes.

The festivities concluded with a fan concert at the Manila Central Post Office, featuring performances by artists Bamboo and Jason Dy. The MMFF 2024 runs from December 25, 2024, to January 7, 2025, promoting Filipino cinema and bringing the community together during the holiday season.

Captured by Joshua Nepomuceno

For more updates, like and follow The Green Herald's page! 📲

21/12/2024

HERALDING JOY | Alexis and Ariston
By Guian Szediel Sapad

The golden rays of sunset paint the sky that surrounds me, signaling for me to return to home for the day. Despite home not being very far I take my sweet time floating back, taking in the light touch of the updraft and every ray of light that caresses my skin.

After a minute of my I’m close enough to hear my mother shouting from our balcony. “Alexis! Get here quicker! Something arrived just for you!”

A slightly disgruntled sigh escapes from my breath before I do as mom says, quickly flying toward her and planting my feet onto the balcony.

“You got a letter from a very special someone.” Mom says, holding out a letter with the avian wings of the Zephyrus insignia stamped onto the wax seal.

The ends of my mouth uncontrollably curl at the sight of the letter. I gently take it from mom, holding and staring at it for a moment as the ends of my mouth continue to curl wider, before breaking open the wax seal and reading the message inside.

Dear Alexis
I’m really sorry I haven’t responded to any of your letters in the past two weeks, I’ve been trying to do my assignments and exams in advance so that I could be home for the holidays and it’s been taking up all of my time. I’m almost done with them now.
P.S Just want to ask if it’s still alright for me to spend the festival with you and your family?

Love,
Ariston

I start to feel my cheeks strain. “He apologized for not responding to my letters and asked if he could still celebrate the festival with us.”

“Well, hopefully that’ll stop you from being all mopey.” Mom says with a chuckle.

“I wasn’t being ‘mopey’ I was just, uhh… grieving?” I say, putting the message back into the letter for safe keeping.

“He’s still alive, you know? You can still tell him-”

“And break my own heart?” I interject, “Stars no, I’m not doing that.”

“Sweetie, you’re breaking your own heart by not telling him.” Mom says, placing her hand on my shoulder. "I don’t get why you don’t want to tell him. You’re clearly in love with him, and your father and I would love to see you two together, so what gives?”

“Our lives are too different, mom. He’s going to be in Zephyrus using his smarts to do great things. I want to be here at home running the store and taking care of the Cetaceans that pass by. As much as I love him, as much as I want to wake up beside him every day, I don’t think he’s the type of person who’d want the same life.” I say, the ends of my mouth finally relaxing.

Mom’s hand squeezes my shoulder lightly, “Rejection is no reason to keep yourself from getting closure.”

Silence falls for a moment as mom’s words echo in my mind.

“I’ll think about it.” I say with as reassuring of a smile as I can muster, before turning and making my way to my room.

The window of my room has a messenger Avian perched on the sill, but it’s not big enough to keep the sunset light from brushing the space inside. My desk and chair are bathed in the golden rays of sunset. Stray strands of light illuminate the shelves scattered with gifts. Wooden dolls dad made for me when I was a kid, the portraits of me my mom commissioned every year for my birthday, and the various accessories Ariston made for me as gifts for the Festival. In the darkest corner of the room is my bed, sheets and pillows still scattered about from when I woke up in the morning.

I take a seat at my desk, placing the letter in the right drawer where I've collected all of Ariston's letters over the four months he's been gone.

The messenger Avian crane’s its head toward me and squawks.

“Calm down buddy,” I say, patting its head, “just give me a little bit more patience and you can come back to Zephyrus.” I continue, feeding it some seeds I keep stored in the left drawer.

It pulls its head back and chirps.

From the left drawer I take out an empty letter, a sheet of parchment, my ink and quill, and a simple seal with the Boreas insignia.

Dear Ariston,
Of course you can still celebrate the festival with us you dork! Good luck, cheering you on from all the way over here!

Love,
Alexis

I fold the parchment into the letter and seal it, putting it in the small pouch tied to the messenger Avian’s foot.
It hoot’s at me before flying off, leaving me to ponder my mother’s words until Aris is here again.

~~~~~~~~~~~

I wake up on the 15th smiling and giddy like it's the day of the festival, which it might as well be since today is the day Aris said he’d be back in his most recent letter to me.

It makes sense he’d pick today to get back. The way the two of us always celebrated started on this day, I’d bring him around town and we’d buy some raw materials and make gifts out of them. The bookshelves, desk and chair, and various containers of different sizes, are still with him in Zephyrus while all of the accessories he made for me are still here and used semi frequently.

The one I wear most often is the headband. It’s not that I dislike wearing the other accessories, I just don’t want to run the risk of losing any of them while flying, as unlikely as it might be for that to happen. That being said, I can afford to dress up a bit more while he’s here, so I do think I’ll try wearing all of them for at least today and the day of the actual festival.

After eating breakfast, taking a shower, and dressing in a red blouse, the first of the accessories I put on is the bracelet. It was his first gift for me which shows, it’s by far the least personalized and the most rudimentary of his gifts, but no less invaluable to me. I still vividly remember when he first gave it to me when we were thirteen, the hesitation turned relief in his eyes was when I felt the first butterfly in my stomach take flight.

While waiting for my hair to dry, I lay out the dozen hair clips he gifted me the second year we celebrated together, picking three from the dozen. After a few minutes of consideration I decide to go with the one with the Boreas insignia, the one with the flower, and the one with the leaf. The carvings on these are rough around the edges, but those imperfections endear me.

The three clips that I picked out are for the headband which he gave to me the year after the hair clips. He very cleverly put notches on the headband where I can put the hair clips he gave last year as an additional embellishment to the wind patterns he painted onto the headband.

My hair is still a bit damp even after I pick out the hair clips and clip them onto the headband so I take the chance to comb it some more and put on the necklace he gave to me the fourth year we celebrated together. It’s a loop of thread embellished with a few wooden beads at the point where it’s suspending a Cetacean he hand carved. This carving is impressively detailed, even capturing the ridges of the Cetacean. I used to talk his ear off about Cetaceans growing up, and he clearly took notice considering that he made this and a Cetacean pin two years earlier.

Once my hair is dry I put on the headband which sets aside a little bit of the hair around my pointed half-elven ears, giving me a slightly easier time putting on the earrings which he gave me last year. I remember last year he told me that, since he was leaving soon, he wanted to give me something really special and dear stars he was not kidding. He made glass earrings of the logo of my family's store and of my initials. Of all of the gifts he has given me throughout the years these are definitely the ones I’ve used the least in fear of something happening to them.

With that done, all that’s left for me is to wait what will feel like an eternity for him, which I do on our porch. Our home is built on an island which floats a meter or two above the main island of our town with a staircase serving as a connection. The elevation of our home allows our porch to overlook the plaza and entrance of town, the latter of which it is parallel to, making it the perfect place for me to wait.

About an hour and a half of staring at the barren entrance of town, with the occasional glance at the picnicking families in the plaza, pass when finally a massive Avian lands at the entrance.

I streak across the sky to the Avian, getting there just as Ariston gets off its back.

Ariston's brunette hair is highlighted against his fair skin and white cloak, the latter of which I fold inward as I take him in my arms and excitedly ascend upward with him.

“Hi Alexis!” he says, his smile squeezing his eyes.

“I missed you!” I say, locking my eyes with his golden irises.

His glance wanders to the ground below us, where the entrance to town is barren once again. “I can see that.”

My cheeks flush with a spattering of pink.

“Right, where do you want to go?”

“Your place, get a drink, catch up.”

“Sounds like a plan!” I say, moving my hand to brace his head as I take the two of us across town and to home.

Our feet firmly plant on the floor of the porch and the two of us head inside where dad is behind the counter.

“There they are!” Dad says from behind the counter, “You two want something to drink?”
“Yes please! Just not the alcoholic drinks.”
“Of course.”

Dad goes down stairs into the basement, where all of our drinks are made, while Ariston and I take a seat beside each other in the kitchen.

“Is there a special event today?” He says, his eyes scanning me.

“Nope."
“Why are you all dressed up then?”

“Oh, well, you know, you were arriving today so I decided to make myself presentable.” I say, a flushed smile painting my face.

“You don’t need to-”

“I wanted to.” I say, interrupting him in my growing flustered panic.

“No, I mean you don’t need to do anything to be ‘presentable’.”

Silence falls as I’m unable to muster a response, simply staring at his soft, pleasant, smile which soothes the raging of my flustered heartbeat.

“Here’s your drink, you two.” Dad says, placing two small glass bottles and clearing the silence before it gets awkward. “You two have fun talking, I’m gonna go take a breather and meet mom in the plaza.”

“Alright dad, have fun with mom, and thanks for the drinks!” I say turning to dad and waving him goodbye.

“You’re just like them,” Ariston says with a chuckle “you guys put so much effort into your kindness.”

I turn to look at him once more, “And you don’t?” I say, lightly touching the earring with my initials.

“The effort I put into that was for me just as much as it was for you. You guys are kind just for the sake of it.”

I look at him with a slight crease in my eyebrows, “What happened in Zephyrus?”

“School was really hard, it made me question what I really wanted out of life.” he says, breaking eye contact and looking at his drink.

“Oh… you want to take your mind off it for a little bit?” I say, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“Yeah, that'd be nice.” he says, turning to look at me with a smile.

The two of us leave with our drinks and begin our festival celebration by buying materials for our gifts.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The remaining days before the festival pass easily as Ariston and I spend as much time as we can with each other in between working on our gifts which, sticking with tradition, we keep a secret from each other.

Usually the gift I make for him is something practical, but usually it's just that, practice. For this year I still made him something he can use everyday, a wooden mug where he can drink coffee out of, but for this year I decided to make it for me as much as it is for him by painting on a heart with ‘I love you’ written inside it.

After he said that thing about me and my family being selflessly kind, mom's words finally made sense to me. I think about everyone else before I think about myself. So for the first time in my life I’m consciously doing something for myself.

Dear stars give me strength.

Ariston and I spend the day of the Festival glued at the hips playing the games that the town's people are hosting, but the real festival happens at night when everyone in Boreas patiently waits to watch the Cetaceans dance with the Aurora and meteor shower. For me and Atiston specifically the wait includes giving each other pur gifts for the year.

I carry him on to the roof top where we usually do our exchange of gifts and wait for the meteor shower. He's wearing a chiton while I'm currently wearing his cloak over my peplos after he noticed I was a bit uncomfortable. When he asked I told him I was cold but in reality I was just really nervous knowing what I'm going to give him tonight.

The two of us shuffle a little bit to get as comfortable as we can.

“Can I go first?” I say past the intense quake of my heartbeat.

“Of course!”

“So, uhm, you said you liked drinking coffee, so I decided to make something that would help with that, but, uhm, it also has a message for you, something that I think I've kept to myself for too long.” I say, taking the wrapped gift out from behind the cloak and holding it out to him.

He takes it, looking at it in his hands with that pleasant smile of his. He carefully unwraps the gift, revealing the mug with the message inside.

My heart beats and beats and beats almost to the point of crumbling in anticipation before he turns to me and speaks.

“You know, I didn’t realise it until recently, and didn't fully accept it was true until I came back, but I… love you too.”

I stare at him dumb founded before simply acting without instinct, taking him in my arms and malting into him. He reciprocates. The two of us sit there beneath the light of the Aurora, losing ourselves in a few, long, moments before he pulls away to give me his gift.

“So… I do have something to say to you as well. I’m still going to be studying away from here.” He says, bringing attention to the small box he’s been holding. “I made us something that could let us talk no matter the distance.” he reveals the contents inside, it’s a ring with glowing runes of air carved into it. He takes the ring from out of the box and looks at me. I nod and he takes the rin and puts it onto my left ring finger.

By this point my heart has calmed but is nonetheless still burning. “I’m going to hate saying goodbye to you again,” I say, glancing at the ring and then to him again. “but I do understand.”

He nods, the same bittersweetness in my words is in his eyes. “Let’s not think about that for now, let’s just enjoy what we have here right now.”

I nod, caressing his cheek with my left hand and leaning in closer. “May I?”

He doesn’t respond with any words, just moving closer to meet me in the middle.

The both of us close our eyes as I close the last little bit of distance and we kiss, fully giving in to each other.

Illustration by Jacinda Tugot

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