SHORT STORY: The Last Days

Andrew and Lawrence had known each other since their days spent attending the same seminary. They were both deeply devoted to their religion and had shared the same lifelong goal of one day serving as priests. On the other hand, as they progressed in their education, they started to have doubts about some of the more established dogmas of the church.

They came to the idea that they were less interested in mindlessly adhering to the doctrines and more interested in investigating the scientific and logical aspects of theology. Because of this, they both decided that it was best for them to abandon their religious beliefs and concentrate on their studies instead.

Andrew went into the field of biology education, while Lawrence entered the field of history education. They continued to talk about topics related to their shared interests in theology and science throughout their friendship.

Their discussions frequently centered on the concept of the "end of times," and they would spend hours debating the various interpretations of the Bible and the various theories that underpinned them.

Andrew and Lawrence were sitting in the living room, which was lit only by the dim light of a single lamp, which cast shadows on the walls. As they reminisced about their time spent in seminary, the weight of their conversation filled the room, making the atmosphere feel dense and heavy.

Andrew mused, with a heavy dose of melancholy in his tone of voice, "It's funny how things turned out." "Before we became teachers at a high school, we were both planning on becoming priests,"

Lawrence gave a short nod while keeping his attention focused on the flickering flame of a candle. "Yeah, it's not at all what we anticipated, but there's not a single thing about it that I would change," she said.

Before continuing, Andrew waited for a brief period of silence to pass. "Neither do I, and I believe that departing from the church was the wisest choice my family has ever made."

The expression of perplexity on Lawrence's face was clear. What exactly do you mean by that?

Andrew explained, with a trace of enthusiasm in his tone, that they were able to explore their interest and passion for theology in a way that they would not have been able to as priests. "We were able to explore our curiosity and passion for theology in a way that wouldn't have been possible as priests." And rather than just unquestioningly adhering to dogma, we were able to integrate scientific principles and logical reasoning into our coursework.

The grin on Lawrence's face indicated that he agreed. To put that into perspective, it's encouraging to consider the possibility that we can maintain our religious beliefs while also questioning established dogma and being open to novel concepts.

Andrew beamed a grin, and one could see a spark of pride in his eyes. Even though none of us have chosen to become priests, we are still carrying out God's will in our own unique ways.

When the two men started talking about a subject that was fascinating as well as unsettling, the conversation took a different turn. When Andrew mentioned the signs of the end of time, Lawrence began to shift uncomfortably in his seat. This was a direct result of Andrew's statement.

Andrew asked, in a tone that was grave and subdued, "Do you remember when we used to discuss the signs of the end of times?"

When Lawrence thought back on the arguments they had had in the past, he focused his eyes and narrowed his brow. "Of course, I do. Back in the day, we used to argue for hours about the myriad of theories and interpretations that can be applied to the Bible."

Andrew's voice became more solemn as he continued to discuss the current situation in the world. "Well, it appears as though we may currently be observing some of those signs," the speaker said.

As Lawrence listened to Andrew's words and allowed the weight of what they implied to sink in, he felt a flutter in his chest. What exactly do you mean by that?

Andrew then went on to say, "Take a look at what's happening with this pandemic." People are getting sick, economies are collapsing, and there is chaos everywhere; it's as if the whole world has come to a standstill.

As Andrew's words continued to reverberate through space, everyone in the room fell silent. As Lawrence attempted to comprehend the seriousness of the situation, his thoughts raced rapidly.

Lawrence protested feebly, "But this isn't the end of times," hoping to calm his own nerves as much as Andrew's. "But this isn't the end of times," "This is just another pandemic; we've experienced pandemics in the past."

Andrew gave a resolute chuckle and shook his head while maintaining a determined expression. "Yes, but this is different. It is affecting the entire world, and it is not just a health crisis. It is causing political unrest, and it is creating economic instability. It is like the beginning of the end."

As Lawrence listened to Andrew, his stomach began to churn with anxiety as he listened to what he had to say. He desperately wanted to have faith that things would get better and that they were overreacting to the situation. But he was aware, somewhere in the depths of his being, that there was a chance that Andrew was correct.

Lawrence gave in and agreed that they should keep an eye on the situation and be ready to help if they could. His tone was filled with a sense of urgency. "We should keep an eye on the situation and be ready to help if we can," he said. Although it may not be possible for us to stop the end of the world as we know it, each of us can still make a difference in the lives of those around us.

During the time they were in the faculty room grading papers, Andrew saw that there was something peculiar about the sky outside. As a result, their conviction grew stronger. The sun was setting a good deal earlier than it did on a typical day, and the sky was taking on a peculiar hue of red.

Andrew had no trouble recognizing the signs as they were described in the book of Revelation, and he tried to explain it to Lawrence. However, his initial reaction was one of skepticism because he believed it to be nothing more than an unusual weather occurrence.

Andrew said to Lawrence, "Lawrence, look outside! The sun is setting earlier than it normally does, and the sky is turning red. This is it; this is what we've been talking about all these years. The end of time is coming."

Andrew: "Come on, it's probably just a weather anomaly or something. Don't jump to conclusions so quickly." Lawrence: "Come on. It's probably just a weather anomaly or something."

Andrew: "I know what I saw, Lawrence. This is exactly what the Bible describes in Revelation. The sky turned red like blood, and the sun darkened. We need to prepare ourselves." Lawrence: "I know what I saw."

You're making it sound like we have to get ready for the end of the world or something, Lawrence. "Prepare ourselves for what?"

And now, the sky is turning red. We need to be ready for whatever is coming. Look at what is happening with the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a sign of the times. And now, the sky is turning red.

"Okay, okay. Maybe you are right. But what can we do? We are just two high school teachers. How can we prepare for the end of the world?" Lawrence replied. "Okay, okay."

Andrew: "We need to warn people, Lawrence. We need to make them understand what's happening and how they can prepare themselves. We need to spread the word, no matter how crazy it sounds. We need to make them understand what's happening and how they can prepare themselves."

"And how do you propose we go about doing that? Who would listen to us?" asked Lawrence.

Andrew: "We begin with the news stations. We tell them what we've seen and what it means. We spread the word, and we hope that eventually, people will start to listen."

As more time passed, they couldn't help but feel as though they were trapped in a nightmare of their own making. The warning signs that they had researched and shared with others were materializing right in front of their very eyes.

Everything in the world was a mess. Natural disasters were occurring more frequently and with a greater degree of severity. Various parts of the world were ravaged by natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis. However, that was only the beginning of it.

Panic and economic instability were brought on by the rapid spread of a new illness that had not yet been identified and which had begun to affect Asia. Large numbers of people were losing their lives, and the governments of the world appeared helpless to stop it.

In the meantime, across the ocean in the Americas, the assassination of a dictator in South America sparked a number of secessionist movements in addition to political unrest. The entire continent was a time bomb ready to go off at any moment.

And in both Europe and Africa, a severe famine had taken hold, leading to the deaths of millions of people due to starvation. A refugee crisis of unprecedented proportions was caused because of people fleeing their homes to find food and shelter for themselves and their families.

Lawrence entered the faculty room while maintaining a gloomy expression. Andrew lifted his head from his work and noticed the look on his friend's face as he looked at him.

Andrew questioned, "What's the matter?"

"I just saw the news on VVPatrol," said Lawrence. "I just saw the news."

The end of the world is taking place, what with the illness in Asia, the political unrest in the Americas, and the famine in Europe and Africa. "Things are getting worse out there."

Andrew nodded slowly. He gestured toward the window as he spoke and said, "I've been seeing signs too." According to what is written in the book of Revelation, the color of the sky has been turning red.

Lawrence's eyebrow raised. "Come on, Andrew. You can't take it seriously to believe that all of this is because of some biblical prophecy, can you?"

"I do," Andrew said firmly. "I've been researching this topic for years, and all of the signs are pointing to the end of time. We ought to get ready for it, and we ought to warn others."

The question that Lawrence posed was, "But how can we possibly warn others?" Nobody will pay attention to what we have to say because they will consider us to be insane.

Andrew remarked that we ought to try. "We have a responsibility to help others and spread the truth, despite how challenging it may be. We cannot just sit here and watch as the world falls apart around us."

In spite of all of their efforts, no one was listening to them or taking their warnings seriously. They tried to spread the word, but they were met with accusations that they were spreading fake news and inciting unnecessary fear.

If they wanted to have any chance of getting people to listen to what they had to say, the two were well aware that they needed to reach a larger audience. They reached out to the regional news outlets in their area and begged them to cover their story. They were initially ignored or refused service, but they continued to ask for it anyway.

They started off by going to 24/7 Oras, which is one of the news programs that get the most viewers in the country. They were delighted to receive an invitation for an interview because it provided them with the opportunity to finally present their findings. However, things did not turn out the way we had anticipated. They attempted to explain the science and theology that supported their theories, but the news anchors would not listen to them. The news anchors ridiculed them and made fun of what they called their "baseless prophecies." The interview turned out to be a miserable failure in the end.

They did not give up and tried once more, this time with the news program VVPatrol, which is also extremely popular. They were successful in obtaining an interview, but it did not go any better than the previous one did. They were ridiculed as conspiracy theorists and fearmongers by the anchors, and the interview was edited in a way that made them appear to be incompetent.

Andrew walked in a frantic circle; his hands clenched into fists the whole time. It was easy to feel both his frustration and disappointment at the dismissive response from their peers. Lawrence sat down next to him, his face showing obvious disappointment.

Andrew muttered to himself, "It's as if we're invisible," and added, "It's as if they don't want to hear what we have to say."

Lawrence gave a satisfied nod, his eyes reflecting the same level of exasperation as those of his friend. "Despite the fact that we have poured our hearts and souls into this research and are fully aware of the outcomes, they continue to treat us as though we are insane."

The muscles in Andrew's jaw tensed up. It's possible that they're too afraid to face the truth, or that they don't want to believe that the end of the world is getting closer.

The astonishment in Lawrence's eyes grew. What if they are right? What if we're wrong? What if we're just two crazy guys trying to predict the end of the world? "What if we're just two crazy guys trying to predict the end of the world?"

Andrew whirled around to face him, the fire of determination blazing in his eyes. "Look around you, Lawrence. The world is falling apart. The signs are there, and we're the only ones who can see them." "We're not crazy. Look around you. The world is falling apart."

Lawrence sat back in his chair and creased his brow in an expression of concern. But what if we cannot persuade anyone, and we're the only ones who are aware of what's going on?

Andrew ceased his pacing and sat down next to him on the bench. "We have to keep trying; we can't give up. Maybe there's another way to spread the word, to get people to listen. We can't just sit back and watch as the world crumbles around us," she said.

Lawrence gave a satisfied nod, and his face began to relax. "You are absolutely correct. We must maintain our efforts. We owe it not only to ourselves but also to the rest of the world to continue fighting and to keep attempting to warn people."

Andrew reached out and put his hand on the shoulder of his friend. "We'll figure something out, Lawrence. We will get them to see things our way because we must,"

Both felt like they had lost. They had hoped that the news would assist in spreading the word and getting people to listen, but no one was willing to take them seriously. They returned to their classrooms, resigned to the fact that they would have to observe the events leading up to the end of the world without receiving any significant assistance from society.

People went about their day-to-day activities as usual, paying no attention to the warning signs that were growing ever more obvious. They watched in horrified disbelief as the world that they had always known fell apart around them. Even though they were aware that they had been correct about the end of time, this did not provide any comfort to them. They had issued a warning, but no one had heeded their words of caution. It was too late to turn back now.

People eventually came to the idea that they needed to face the facts of the situation as time went on. People prayed in what appeared to be vain inside the numerous churches and temples that were packed with worshippers. The world's governments failed, and society descended into anarchy as a result. The procedure was drawn out, excruciating, and gruesome all at the same time.

A rumbling sound could be heard in the distance, and it became impossible to ignore the signs that the end of time was approaching. With each passing day, it grew louder and more intense, until it was abundantly clear that a dormant volcano in the nearby mountains had abruptly roused itself from its slumber and was beginning to erupt. As the volcanic eruption started to get more intense, the ground began to shake, and the air became filled with ash and smoke.

People started screaming out of fear and desperation instead of praying. The sun disappeared, and a violent earthquake shook the ground below. Buildings were brought crashing down, and fires burned out of control throughout the area.

As they watched the world around them burn, they clung to each other for support. They were aware that their time had come to pass, and the only thing left for them to do was to accept their destinies.

People's spirits were consumed by the knowledge that they were unprepared for the end of the world as it erupted into a raging inferno alongside the world's destruction. However, the two were aware that they had completed every task within their power to save the greatest number of people.

Lawrence's heart was thumping in his chest as he clung to Andrew for support. In the midst of the rumbling sound coming from the ground, he yelled out, "What do we do now?"

Andrew gave his friend a firm grip on his hand while maintaining a serious expression. His voice could hardly be heard above the din of the chaos as he responded, "There's nothing left to do but accept our fate."

But how could we give up now? Lawrence cried out in protest while he stood there with tears streaming down his face. "There has to be some action taken!"

Andrew gave him a look that conveyed his sorrow. "There is nothing that can be done on our end. This is it, Lawrence, the conclusion. The conclusion of all things."

They were in the same place at the same time, both watching in horror as the world around them burned. When Lawrence realized that everything they had known and loved was gone for good, a wave of hopelessness washed over him. He felt as though there was no point in trying to get it back. At that precise moment, he had the impression that he was entirely by himself, except for the hand of his friend that was holding onto his own.

It was barely audible, but he managed to utter the words "thank you" to Andrew. "For being with me in this place."

Andrew gave a slight nod as tears began to well up in his own eyes. "At all times, my close friend. Always."

In the end, there was nothing left but a trail of destruction and carnage. Andrew and Lawrence remained standing as they awaited the end, fully aware that they had just seen the end of the world as it was predicted in the Bible. Soon enough, the raging, hot smoke engulfed the two, transporting them to the location that was rightfully theirs.

 

The End.

Someone Who Left

Written by Larryze Acuña

In this generation, the things that you usually have are the things you are comfortable with. Losing something or someone that became a part of your life is a big deal. As what others say, it’s hard to forget and move on. What will you do if you lost someone who became a part of our life? Will that affect you?

New school year and new faculty members, a lot of teachers left even before the past school year ended. What can you do to get them back? Nothing. It’s their own choice. Not ours, just be happy for them because they chose what they want, even if it means to leave.

For someone who left, there will always be someone who will come.

Welcome to the new set of faculty members. There are some who are strict. There are also kinds of teachers who know how to deal with fun while learning and teaching. Different teachers with only one goal.

No matter how they get annoyed with some students, they are still here. Willing to teach and eager to finish what they already started. That’s how much they love their job. In life, nothing is permanent. If you lose something, there will always be a replacement.

Peace Education

                Education is a process of behavioural change through acquiring new knowledge and understanding new things that surrounds us. Peace is originally means the absence of war in ancient time. We could still use war as the definiendum of this term and as misunderstanding and violence inside the classroom setting such as bullying as its definiens.  

                Peace education is the absence of war in classroom setting. It is important to have peace in order to become more conducive in learning. Harmony and non-threatening atmosphere also sets the mind of the learners to focus in studying without the fear of being harmed by their classmates or by their teacher. It is also bring peaceful relationship between teachers and student.

What would be the BEST choice?

Written by Ruth ( July of 2012)

“…life is so unfair.” That is what we always say when we don’t get things the way we wanted it.

So I just thought, what would be the best choice that a husband could ever make if his wife was battling between life and death. A wife who was about to give birth to their first baby boy. The baby boy that they have been longing to have, to see, to carry, to hold and the baby boy who will complete their family.

What if his wife had this disease that no one can ever cure that only miracle could happen? What if the doctor tells them that his wife had this disease that prevents her wife in conceiving? What if the doctor tells them if ever there was a chance, they only have twenty percent? What if the doctor tells them, in that twenty percent of chance in conceiving, fifty percent of chance of death is waiting for his wife. What if the wife wants to take the twenty percent only to complete their dream family, what would you think the husband will do? Here is the exact story…

“…when we got married, I know the fact that my wife and I have this problem in having a child. She warned me before we decided to get married. She said, “I don’t want to be selfish, but I want you to make a decision. Do you really want to pursue this wedding?” I said yes… God knows how much I love her. At first I did not get why she asked about it then she said, “…because I don’t want you to get stuck in a marriage that there is a possibility of incomplete family. You know that this thing prevents me, right? I love you and God knows how much I do. And I will do anything to make you happy. I am sorry for asking you this… I just wanted you to be sure… and...” and she went on and on and on. I knew exactly what she was pointing out. I love her and I don’t care what could be the problem. All I wanted at that time was to be finally being with her, start a new dream. A family that she and I been dreaming since.

We got married after a few months after that conversation. Went to our honeymoon and enjoyed each other’s company. I made sure that wherever we go, she would be glad, and there will be no pressure or stress she could feel. I made sure of that, thinking that maybe that would be one of our ways of us having our baby boy. But faith was not with us or maybe God. Maybe HE was telling us, “not at this time...” Well, I guess… probably not the right time. Then I asked myself, was it still early? I told my wife that maybe God wanted us to prepare for our baby boy. That my wife and I should save more money and bank it. I only said that because I could sense my wife’s depression. I didn’t want her to feel any pressure.

Months and months have passed. Then years passed. Three long years passed. She finally announced the best new ever! My wife was pregnant! She and I celebrated the big news with our close friends and families. I’ve seen in her the happiness in her face. She always asked me to go with her at the mall to buy baby stuffs like clothing, bottles, diapers and other stuffs. I was very happy looking at her doing things like those, made my heart jumpy.

Every time I came home, I would always kiss her first then kiss her tummy. I also wanted to feel the baby that “hey little boy, dad’s here waiting for you!” My wife and I looked so funny every time we do things only to feel the baby in my wife’s womb. We even read short stories before bed time and we sang songs like nursery rhymes, that we sometimes do the crazy dance even her tummy was not that big yet. The happiness in my wife’s eyes was priceless. That was one of her traits I have loved. She was lively though sometimes she got to be dramatic. That is what I love about her. She was so natural.

I remember, there were nights that she woke me up only to buy her unusual foods. She sometimes asked me to get her something that’s sour and at the same time sweet but seedless. What could that be? But I had to get her that not because I didn’t want her to get mad at me and yell at me but because that was my duty as her husband and as a dad to be. Then I thought, that was life and smiled.

The baby inside her became bigger and kept on moving. We always feel the movement. We’ve seen how the small bump moved as it glided from left to right and every time it does we looked at each other then we laugh. My wife’s smiles, those were my energy.

Then one night, my wife woke me because she felt uneasy, always wanted to go to the bathroom and pee. She kept on doing that until she asked me what the date at that time was. When I made sure she was on the bed, I went to checked on the calendar then I saw there was a note saying “IT’S TIME MOMMY…” oh my gosh! That was her due date. She was about to give birth to our baby junior. So I rushed her to the hospital. I called my mom and my in-laws right away, because though I knew what to do, I still felt nervous. I thought, “…so this is the feeling of a dad to be.” My hands were shaking, I’ve been walking back and forth, frequently checking on my wife if she was fine or if she needed anything. God, that was like as if I was the one giving birth.

Hours passed, the doctor came out and said not yet. The contraction was still going on, that in their estimation another one hour has to pass then the baby would come out. The doctor also said that my wife and our baby were doing well. I felt relief and thanked God. But before the doctor went in, she told me that because it was the first baby, expect that the delivery wouldn’t be that easy. She also told me that she wasn’t expecting normal delivery plus the baby was somehow big.

I told the doctor’s news to everybody then my mom told me that it was normal. All of us were waiting for the doctor’s next news. I didn’t know but the feeling was not good at that time. I wanted to do was to see my wife. I wanted to be in that room and hold her hand. I wanted to give support to her. I also wanted to see how our baby boy would be like. The feeling of uneasiness got stronger.  Then, another hour passed the doctor came out.

“We’re having problem in the delivery room.” What could that be? I wanted to panic but chose not to. I had to be calm and composed myself. I tried to hide my hands that were shaking. “…the baby is fine and healthy but he’s not out yet. And your wife’s blood pressure is unstable. We knew that this could happen however we still trying our best to do everything to save both of them.” she added. I didn’t know what to think. The baby was fine. My wife was not. I started to ask God’s guidance. I prayed for my wife’s health and for the baby as well. “…oh God, could you give this one to me? Save my wife and my child. I don’t want to lose any of them. Please God, hear my prayer… please please please…”

The doctor came out again. She calmly walked towards me and asked her how was my wife doing? “…the baby still doing fine, he’s quite big. But your wife made a decision…” what decision?! What about that?! That’s how I asked myself while waiting for the doctor to tell me everything. “…she wants the baby to be saved.” The doctor said. “What?! What is going on??? You told me that you gonna do anything to save both of them. What is happening? I want them both! You hear me? I want both of them safe! I want to see her! I want to see my wife! Let me in!” they told me I lost my composure. I was screaming at the doctor. They said that was the first time they saw me at that state. Why wouldn’t I? I was losing my wife. “I am here to ask you, what would be your decision? Your baby or your wife? We have to act fast. We are losing time. Now I am going to ask you again, the mom or the baby?”

No point of having second thoughts. I wanted my wife. I knew that she would get mad at me for choosing her over the baby. But God! Yes the baby was important to me but she was more important than anybody else. I wanted her to be saved. Yes, we were going to lose the baby, but DAMN! Who cares in that room? We could adopt a child anytime as long as she’ll live.

What was I thinking? I didn’t want lose my child too. I didn’t know how I got inside the room. All I remember was I ran to see my wife. There were tears in her eyes. I cupped her face and kissed her deeply. “How are you?” I asked her.

 “I want the baby to be saved.” My wife said.

“..no sweetie, the doctor told me that they will do anything to save both of you. You hear me? Both of you. Now, I want you to calm yourself, have faith that everything will be fine. Alright?”

“You take care of yourself and the baby while I am away. Let him know how much I love him. I’ll be fine… think that I will be fine…”

“No! No! hush hush… you listen to me okay? You are going to survive and you are going to see the baby crying. You wanted to breastfeed him right? This is your chance honey. Please fight…”

“I’ve been fighting, and I still want to but my body won’t let me anymore. Please kiss our little boy for me. I love you very much. Very very very very much…” she was crying while she was saying those words. I could see trouble in her eyes. Seeing her in that way, I couldn’t bear anymore but I had to fight for her. I wanted her to live.

The nurses and doctor told me to step out of the room. I didn’t want to let go of her hand. “God, I don’t want to lose my wife. Please hear me, help my wife. Save her.” I was crying to the Lord. I was silently praying to the God.

Once again the doctor came out from the room. “The baby boy is out. He was out at exactly 6:47 PM. His weigh is 17 pounds and 8 ounces. Congratulations Mister you are finally a dad…” thank God… thank you God for giving me a healthy baby boy. “How about my wife how is she...” I anxiously asked. “your wife..” that was the longest three seconds of my life. Waiting for the next words the doctor about to say. “…she’s fine. She is saved. We almost lost her but she fought. She made it. She needs rest so we gave her something to help her feel fine. You can see both of them after we fix and transfer them in her room. Congratulations once again.”

I closed my eyes, grabbed my hands together and thanked God for saving my wife. She was saved. I thanked God while my eyes were tearing. After quite some time, they let us see my wife. She was still sleeping. I saw hardships in her face. I wanted to hug her but all I did was kissed her on her forehead. The nurse came in with the baby on her arms. The doctor was right. He’s a healthy boy. He’s so big. I took the baby from the nurse and carried him. My baby boy, finally I got to see him in flesh. He used to be in his mom’s womb. I kissed him on his forehead. He was so cute.

My wife’s eyes finally opened. She was awake. She was smiling at me. At us. She looked tired but fine. She still managed to be beautiful even in the middle of all these tragic events. She asked how the baby was. I asked if she wanted to carry our baby boy. She smiled and said “I love you… take care of him.” and she smiled at me again. I answered back and told her that we’re going to take care of our baby, just take a lot of rest so she’d be well in no time. Then she went back to sleep.

She didn’t open her eyes anymore. I didn’t know that she only woke up to say that she love me and to tell to take care of our baby boy. There was nothing I could do. God took her from me. From us. What else can I do. That was faith. One of God’s plans. All I did was cry. I have gave everything to the Lord.

I love her very much that there will be no chance of forgetting about her. She is my life. She is my hope. She is my everything. She gave me something that no one can ever replace. As our child grows, I will make sure that he will get all the love that his mom had for him and of course my love for him. He will grow just like the way his mom wanted to him be. He will grow that his mom always stays in his heart.

I know my wife is somewhere watching over us. He will never leave us. And I know that time would come that she and I will finally be together again.