Quintessential

Blaue Blume

“A blue flower was a central symbol of inspiration for the Romanticism movement, and remains an enduring motif in Western art today. It stands for desire, love, and the metaphysical striving for the infinite and unreachable. It symbolizes hope and the beauty of things.”

I read this paragraph over and over, trying to connect the dots as to why a blue rose was carefully placed on my desk, with no name, no note,nothing. I was skeptical at first. It was placed just here while I was gone. It was not there before I go, and p**f, there it was.

I picked it up as its fragile stem limp, almost attracted to the table like magnets. As I picked it up, I felt a sense of sadness. Is this person someone close to me? Trying to tell me something? Or did someone just misplaced it? Or are they trying to get rid of it? I sighed, admiring its beauty. Why would someone get rid of it? Or worse, why, of all people, choose to give it to me?

I frowned. I was still not convinced it’s mine. Whoever gave this, or left it, I would let in my arms and say that “I love you,” even platonically. Heck, Im probably not even that “beautiful” to receive a flower that sumbolizes beauty. Though my anxiety is rising, I just placed it in the small altar in the room, hoping one day it would find its owner and receiver, and it’s definitely not me.

Short story by: Martha Regina
Picture from: Google

"The practice of reading books creates cognitive engagement that improves lots of things, including vocabulary, thinking skills, and concentration. It also can affect empathy, social perception, and emotional intelligence, the sum of which helps people stay on the planet longer."

Considering our situation of having suspended classes, many of us are probably bored and have nothing to do except for school works, household chores, etc. During this time, we should encourage ourselves to read more. Explore the capacities of our imagination and try to fill our brains with more knowledge and fantasies. Have a social media detox and give yourself time to feed your soul through reading books that interest you. With this, I created a simple infographic of tips on how to insert reading books into your busy life. Have a lovely day, quints!

[ Source: www.keepingupwiththepenguins.com ]

It was the 31st of October 2019. Dead into the night, shot glasses endlessly clinked as the two young men raised a glass of Scotch for all the good times, and for old time’s sake, and deafening noise and laughter filled the room. People walking by the hallway out the window began to raise suspicion, as their cold stares judged and feared what they were seeing.

“CHEERS! Ah this is some damn good Scotch!” James said as he gulped down the booze. Aaron, who’s been attentive all throughout, poured some more into the shot glass.

“How’s it going there at your new place?” Aaron asked as each sweet drops of Whiskey kissed his lips... probably the only kiss he’s ever had in his lonely life.

“Oh well, samesies. It’s really peaceful there. I don’t get to see many people like I used to to be honest. But hey! I’m happy now,” James told Aaron. “But I really miss you though, my good friend Aaron. I miss everyone.”

“Me too,” Aaron replied.

It’s been a year since the two best friends had this kind of session. A session where they’ll drown themselves with wine and stories of joy, of good memories, of pain, of embarrassment. For James, this evening is beginning to be the best drinking session he’s ever had but for Aaron, it brings back an all-too familiar memory.

It was October 31, 2018. A party was going down. Drunk partygoers raved as they partied hard...like really hard. Proof of it was Aaron and James’ band of friends, taking over the party, claiming the limelight for themselves.

They were drunk as hell. Visions blurry, decisions idiotic— they were clearly out of sorts, and James wanted out already. However, Aaron insisted that he should stay and drink some more.

“Don’t be a wuss, James! Here’s two more glasses!HAHA!” Aaron said as he forced James to take the shot. He did. And he did again. And again. And again. Until he and Aaron were almost knocked out.They waved goodbye to their friends. NO ONE was sober... sober enough to drive decently.

James insisted that he’d drive though. The clueless and drunk Aaron excitedly let him. They got into the car. James started the engine. He revved it up then the car swifts away.

They were banging their heads together as they jammed to Paramore’s hit song “That’s what you get!” It was going smoothly until... a huge truck came swooping in to their path out of a sudden... the stereo was reaching the chorus, singing:THAT’s WHAT YOU GET!

With no time to hit the breaks, James and Aaron’s car CRASHED!

And then...
..Aaron snaps out of the tragic flashback.

Photo retrieved from: Pinterest