31/05/2023
DIFFERENT ANGLE: A THOUSAND WORD TALE OF ABSTRACTIONISM
As the days stretched into endless cycles of uncertainty, the weight of the world pressed heavily upon our weary souls. The once vibrant colors of life faded into a monochrome palette, and the collective spirit grew increasingly somber. The world had transformed into a desolate expanse, obscured by a perpetual mist that enveloped our senses and clouded our judgment.
Within this eerie realm, our family, like countless others, found ourselves caught in the throes of this relentless antipathy. We became mere dwellers, crawling through the shallows of an abyss that seemed bottomless and devoid of hope.
The portal to the default world taunted us, tantalizingly close yet impenetrable. We were trapped, condemned to confront the invisible enemy that held us captive.
This battle was unlike any other, for its ferocity lay not in its visibility or noise but in its insidiousness. It lurked in the shadows, an ever-present threat that silently seeped into every facet of our existence. Its contagion was potent and treacherous, capable of wreaking havoc on both body and soul.
Solutions emerged, borne out of necessity, yet reminiscent of the sacrifices imposed by lockdowns. Choices were scarce, and trade-offs inevitable. We clung to the collective will to preserve, refusing to break the fragile protocols that safeguarded us. But mischievousness lingered, bred by the restlessness of the privileged and the desperation of the deprived.
As the penultimate chapter unfolded, signaling the approach of a long-awaited respite, education stumbled upon an unexpected impasse. The grand design had been disrupted, leaving us with limited alternatives and a grave sense of uncertainty. The introduction of a novel learning method, an octet of paperworks, promised knowledge but delivered abomination instead.
Education faltered, and while many rejoiced at the absence of homework and social predicaments, the lack of camaraderie birthed a different kind of affliction. Attention withered in the absence of social stimuli, and a hunger for validation emerged, leading some astray down destructive paths. Even I, in the wake of the aftershock plague, found myself infected and perturbed. The virus evolved, transforming its insidious nature from validation deprivation to social unrest, leaving my social battery ravaged yet potentially mendable.
The fleeting moments of joy we had experienced came at a steep price. What was once a glimpse of heaven became a haunting descent into the depths of hell. As the unnecessary numbers continued to rise, anxiety gripped the hearts of all. Promises of respite echoed, declaring a mere "couple of weeks of rest," yet time relentlessly passed, leaving us suspended in perpetual waiting.
To claim ignorance of my family's plight during these tumultuous times would be disingenuous. Although I was enamored by the allure of the unfamiliar realms I discovered in the depths of the internet, glimpses of reality seeped through the cracks. I devoured stories, absorbed lessons, and reveled in the randomness of it all.
Allow me now to introduce you to the second character of this abstract tale—a woman of resilience and unwavering dedication, my mother. A Barangay Health Worker who stood at the forefront of the battle against the plague.
Mixed emotions embraced me as I contemplated her role. I found solace in knowing that her knowledge and service remained steadfast, yet anxiety clawed at my heart, aware that she stood exposed to the very disease she fought.
The coronavirus disease, a relentless adversary that encircled the globe for three revolutions of Earth around the sun, had become an indelible part of our lives. Its name echoed through the annals of history, leaving an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.
By contrast, my father, a hardworking farmer, continued to toil in the fields.
Living in the suburbs provided some measure of protection, shielding us from the full brunt of the virus. Though still in danger, it was a peril less pronounced than what befell many others.
Memories and events intertwine within the recesses of my mind, forming a tapestry of suffering and agony. We were never the wealthiest of families, often teetering on the edge of financial instability. And when the plague descended upon us, exacerbating our already precarious situation, the strain grew even greater. Though memories of our financial struggles are faint, I know there was a reason we stood tall and fought on.
Perhaps our greatest battle unfolded when my bedridden and ailing Grandpa required surgery. We found ourselves in dire circumstances, and I too fell ill, the returning specter of a childhood skin disease. Amidst it all, I struggled to learn and complete my modules, alone at home while my family attended to my grandfather in the hospital. My mother, in her infrequent visits home, would gather necessities and check on me. Sometimes, I would hear her weeping, her tears a testament to the weight she carried. It worried me, and it shattered me to witness her pain. I felt unworthy, a black sheep, a hindrance in the midst of their trials.
How my family managed the financial aspect of that situation remains a mystery to me, but I suspect that Grandpa's smile, even in the face of adversity, became a beacon of hope. It served as a constant reminder that we must persevere and never surrender.
In my moments of struggle, apart from the solace found in music, I sought refuge in alternative perspectives. Take, for instance, the coronavirus disease—a manifestation of abomination, one might argue. Yet, as we expand our field of periphery, we begin to glimpse the unexpected benefits that unfolded. It brought forth a renaissance for Mother Earth, a chance for her to breathe and heal.
Keep in mind that life is not a simple arithmetic equation. We cannot counter negativity with more negativity, nor can we rely solely on positivity. Order and chaos coexist, they dance hand in hand to create balance. Mistakes are made so that we can reflect on it and became a fuel of our growth. It is through these trials that true knowledge is gained, and it is through resilience that we find the strength to carry on.
