Quick Reflections

When I was a child, I loved physical games. While yo-yo, sipa, jackstones, Chinese garter and pick-up-sticks were some of the laid-back games, the ones I truly enjoyed were games that involved running, problem-solving, strategizing or competing. Ins! Pitiw! Panagu-an!

Unfortunately, my father had to ban me from playing these games.

When I was about 8, children in the neighborhood gathered for some organized game, called baril-barilan (gunfighting). I was paired with a boy whose head just reached my shoulder.

I had a gun made of guava branches, which I carved one summer ago. I grabbed his shirt, told him to duck under the banana tree. We were in prone position when he said he saw an enemy. I crawled next to him.

I had to be near him so I can see better, ready to aim at a target. There was none, and before I realized he was mocking me, he planted a kiss on my cheek.

I was so mad all hell broke loose.

@^%$#@$&$(*#)$(_)@^&%^!$^%**&$)

I was physically restrained by our playmates. The boy in question was bruised black and blue from my guava stick.

The boy was crawling, covered in mud. When I saw that he was still alive, I jumped on him again, but I was grabbed an adult. A barangay tanod on patrol saw the fight.

The barangay captain then came on board. Adults in the neighborhood came to see what it was all about. Dad came over, too — he asked me what happened.

I was quiet. But my eyes were blazing. My teeth were grinding. My ears were on fire.

The boy was quiet, too, head down.

Well, that was a good decision on his part to shut his mouth. For I will find a way, now or later, to beat the hell out of him. He knew it, for I have never seen his face again.

I always hated it when I am deceived, tricked or taken advantage of. Personal or business.

This memory is too pathetic to even admit: that was my first kiss.

Ha Ha Ha! Ewwwwwww. Kadiri to death. !

Happy Valentines Day to all!