Shot! (special):: Kay Kay Bee

Once upon a time in a land called Kay Kay Bee lived a group of young teenagers. They were all energetic, hot-blooded and intelligent. However, not one person had the same personality as the other person. Everyone was unique in their own way. And their uniqueness was what brought them together for many years as they moved towards a bigger goal and vision.

Life on the land called Kay Kay Bee was sometimes sweet, another time it was sour, and only a few moments were considered bleak. This group of people never escaped the great essence of attaining experience; especially new ones. Some experienced the tingling feeling of being far away from their homeland, and some experienced the excitement of lurking in the dark. Some got to know love closer, and some got to know themselves better. But what all of them shared in common, was the experience of close friendship.

Remember that one time when all had to gather at the dining area and do additional maths? Remember that one time whenever history paper was on the next day it would black out? Remember that one time when there was that delicious nasi lemak and fried rice sold every night? And remember that one time when some prayed on tar?

Despite the great things that were there, life on Kay Kay Bee was never meant to be forever. Some wished that it would go on for just a few more moments, but there’s a greater journey ahead for all of them. Packing their way towards the unknown future, the heart feels heavy to leave. What would life be when all are separated? One thing’s for sure; one day they’ll meet up once again somewhere along the way.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: InsyaAllah we will meet again someday! I know it's already been a month since the grand gathering at Penang, but I've only received some inspiration to write about it today. First and foremost thank you to the organizer (Abang) and the main committees. Thank you also to all who participated, you guys rock! Hope next time many more will join in.

Finally, whatever has happened I still love all of you from high school. You guys are my inspiration. Thank you for reading, happy Ramadhan! =D

Shot! :: Pick Me Up

What treasures will you find if you delve deep, deep into your family’s storeroom? Or stalk around your family’s attic? Surely dust will fly around like haze, blocking your sight ahead. Surely the different smells will rise like the result of a failed chemical experiment, warning you that something ugly might be lurking around. Being the brave person you are, you still continue to explore with the hope of finding something unique to keep.

There on the floor was an opened photo album, probably from half a century ago filled with interesting old pictures with fascinating stories behind them. There on a rotting shelf was a rather heavy metal box, and as you opened the lid you saw a handful of trading cards probably belonged to your father. And there beside a large mirror was a chest, inside it a huge collection of clothing. Despite the dust, you tried something on and it fits you just perfectly!

But what will you keep? What will you take back? There’s just too much your little body could take. Even if you were able to take all, nothing would be left to explore another day. As you pondered about, you hear something. It scared you at first, but you realised that the voice was speaking directly to your heart.

Pick me up! Pick me up!

You turned around towards where the voice was coming from, and saw a guitar. You remember this guitar. You remember it so well, that your heart skipped a beat as you glanced over its filthy body and strings. It was your guitar, a guitar that had been your company in the past. You never seemed to realise that it has been forgotten, and was left here in the dark. What kind of memories have you made with this guitar? You picked it up, smiled, and decided to take it back to reconcile with its melodies. Perhaps it will help you remember.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: In our life, many things come our way. Sometimes they are kept close with us always, and at times some are locked away to be forgotten. And some may have been thrown away, never to be retrieved again. This doesn’t apply to items or stuffs we have, but also our memories. If you delve deep into your heart, what kind of treasured memories will you find?

I didn’t really like the ending of this, but I don’t know what change to make. Oh well, hope you enjoyed it. The picture is taken by one of friends Rafi, and his other works can be browsed at the following link: [ http://www.flickr.com/photos/muraw/ ]. Thank you Rafi for letting me use this picture, and I hope I can borrow more later. Haha, until next time, take care readers!

Shot! (special):: Then, They Went Far

The cool breeze of air swept past my cheek, sending shivers down my body. The clouds showed signs that it was about to rain, yet I still remained where I was. Trying to keep warm, I shoved both of my hands into my pockets. I glanced around at my surrounding. One hour had passed since I stood there.

From a distance, I could hear the growls of thunders. From afar, I could catch a few glimpse of flashing lightning. As I continued standing there, drizzles of light rain had fallen on my body. It was chilly. I wanted to find shelter, but my body won’t respond as if time had stopped. Did time really stop? No. Five minutes had passed.

Help, I have probably gone insane! But was there still anyone there among the rain, which could hear my voice? Was there still anyone there, who could pull me back to where I am supposed to be? The rain grew heavier, like piercing ice. Yet despite the pain, despite the agony; nothing changed. I continued to remain there. Seconds passed by.

Deep within my thoughts, I knew. Time really flew by quickly, and it shall never turn back. It was then I realised, they went far away from my grasp. They shall never see me cry as I stood there under the pouring rain. Time goes on.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: People continue to meet with the risk of being apart. Time shall tell when I will meet them again face to face. Perhaps at that moment; we’ve reached the peak. Goodbye Anisah. Goodbye Hajar. Goodbye Hana. Goodbye Odi. Goodbye Amirah. Goodbye Dzaf. Goodbye Zatil. Goodbye Bee. Goodbye Lala. Goodbye Fafa. Goodbye Hani. Goodbye Tasha. Goodbye Sya. Goodbye Dayah. Goodbye Moon. Goodbye Farah.

Shot! :: She Asked "Why?"

A mysterious air hangs itself around it. As I walked across the empty hall, my every senses captured the sensation. My eyes could see it lingering, my ears could hear it calling; and I could've swore the mystery was touching my skin, tugging me towards it. Where? Near the 'unused staircase'.

Our family had used that nickname ever since my parents owned the house. The stairs were not built steep, and it was quite short for its size. It seemed to lead itself towards an empty extension of the house. From where I was standing right now, I could see the inside of the room; completely bare. Perhaps small animals accomadate the area, but no one could make it certain.

It is quite a mystery, as to why we never use the staircase. Ever since I was small, I always saw my parents walking about the stairs; but never setting their eyes on it. It was as if the stairs were ignored, as if it was not part of the house. I'll make it clear that this was no hallucination I'm having. My siblings could see it, and my 3 year old daughter could see it. And my parents were the one that came out with the name 'unused staircase'. But why has it been ignored, being unused?

Despite the strong mysterious aura the stairs were emitting right now, there was also a spark of loneliness. The spark of wanting to be acknowleged, the spark of wanting to be cared for. I took a step closer. Why am I feeling this now? Even after so long living with it in the past. Another step closer. I was at the foot of the stairs. I'll solve the mystery now, I'll destroy that depression now. Here I go, making my first step!

"Why have I never seen anyone using this stairs?" asked my daughter who came out of nowhere. The feeling I had a while ago suddenly vanished. I looked at her, her curious eyes glistening among the sunlight. I smiled. "Perhaps there was a reason, my dear daughter."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: It's been a while, but here I am adding another piece to my writing collections. I was attracted by this picture not only by the picture itself, but also the title Dwane put on the picture too (do check it out on his Flickr, the link's on my main page). I intended to make it into a ghost story, but then it turned out into some sort of story having a few issues to reflect on. Hope you guys get my message of the story. Happy New Year all...!!

Shot! :: It Could Be...

It could be my knee. My jog around the park today turned disastrous when I suddenly fell down, dragging my body for almost a meter downhill. As I tried to stand up, I felt someting running across my thighs. Bleeding. My knee is bleeding. Taking out a handkerchief, I braced it on the bleeding spot hoping the blood will stop. What was the thing that I tripped on? I was certain that it was some kind of plastic bottle, but why was it there on the ground?

It could be the wind. Maybe the bottle was blown away from a nearby trashcan. It's just not my lucky day today. After the pain had subsided a little, I decided to call it a day and slowly made my way home. The cool breeze that accompanied me made the pain subside even more. Hey, perhaps Nature was comforting me; assuring me that it would all turn out okay.

It could be love. Nature is showering her love towards all humans today at the park. Children were laughing happily, old folks were chatting comfortably. The breeze seemed to welcome all these positive effects. I smiled, and thanked God for creating Nature so peaceful and serene. As I approached a row of trees, I gasped in surprise. Under the trees were thrashes; loads of them. How disrespectful.

It could be a nest for wild animals there. Filling it up with garbage, can the animals continue to live in harmony? I guess, we humans never really made it up for what Nature has given us. We never could care less. What's important is that we live in peace, and not them. I sighed. Perhaps tomorrow, my friends and I can help out cleaning the place. A group of dark clouds began to brew in the sky.

It could be that Nature is just waiting to unleash it's anger.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I've got to admit, this was hard to do. This piece was re-written twice before I got satisfied. There were supposed to be monkeys and all, but it had to b dropped out. Well, the issue here is 'do not litter'. Nature has done so much, is this how we want to repay them by littering? Think about it. It could all work out if we try our very best. Enjoyyy..!! ^^

Shot! :: Abandoned, The Inside Story

At an end of a relationship, this is the usual advice you would get: forget about that person, and move on with life. Not that I'm being ungrateful of the consoling people, but the advice makes me feel something is definitely wrong with it.

Is it really that easy forgetting someone? Someone that has given a huge impact on you? Someone that you had loved? I must say in my case, it's entirely impossible. Everything I say, everything I see, everything I hear; almost every of it has its significant. Here I am trying so hard to forget that person, when in each action the person comes and greet you in the mind. Quite frustrating for a broken heart, don't you think?

Then what is the real solution? One way, I could abandon my heart. Abandon my feelings. With this, no matter what happens I won't be affected. No more pain. No more frustration. No more fatigue.

Nothing.
Nothing.
Nothing.

I will be reduced to nothing with abandonning my heart! To abandon my heart, means to abandon my feelings. To abandon my feelings, doesn't mean losing only those negative parts. To feel happy, to get encouraged, to be in love once again...all would be lost. Can I even call myself a recognisable being later on? A living, breathing human being?

Nothing.
Nothing.
Nothing.

I snapped out of my thoughts when my brother called out to me. I stared. My brother was pointing at the abandoned chicken coop we were supposed to paint. "So what do you think? Yellow would look good right?" I sighed and smiled. An abandoned heart would look hagard, an abandoned heart would be ugly. It would lead me to no sense, to no colour. That's not the way as well. Well, there is always a way for everything. Perhaps I'm just too specific at things being said. To 'forget' doesn't mean to demolish the memories, to 'forget' means to refurnish the emotions. I picked up the brush and went to stand next to my brother.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Well, this did made a bit sense among my 'Shot!' titles. And it has been a while since I wrote a fiction regarding love. Haha...all in all, I'm pretty satisfied with this. I hope the sense of paranoia is successfuly presented. I'm not in any of the above emotional state, so don't worry readers! Take care all! =)

Shot! :: Cloudy, Cloudy Indolence

"Atmosphere: Humid
Temperature: Warm
Air: Still
Day: Cloudy"

It was the only thing I wrote that day, as I lay upon the grassy field with the notebook on my chest. I stared blankly at the sky; so cloudy, so still. There was no wind blowing their cheerful whisper, and there was no cool with its provoking bites. Nothing. Where was everything?

It mattered not, I'll enjoy this indolence. I've always been too worked out in thinking. This time I'll let it rest, this time I'll let sooth. As the picture of the clouds pour into my eyes, I see its shapes change. One moment a plant, the other time an animal. I did not know what it was, but who cares anyway? I told you I'd enjoy this indolence.

"Brother, brother. It's up! It's up!" cried the little children playing around the centre of the field. I stood up to watch, the end of the pen in my mouth. Ah, they were playing the kite. A sister and her younger brother. It seems the wind had came for them; to make them move about, to make them smile. But why am I still enjoying this indolence? I'm always crazy to write, but not today. I'm always full in my head, but not today.

And the day before today, and the day before that. This indolence all began to fill my heart, ever since you went away. Far, very far precisely. Not long ago we would play out on the field, out in the river, out along the sky. Since then, only this cloudy indolence had been my company. Where are you right now, I wonder.

Then suddenly, mother called out from home. I glanced at my house. My mother was smiling. "Your sister called, she's coming home today!" My heart skipped a beat. Picking up my stuff, I gazed once again at the sky. There was a shape of a duck. My world began to move yet again, away from indolence.

"Atmosphere: Humid but comfortable

Temperature: Warm and cool, mixed up

Air: Still, yet with little signs of movement

Day: Cloudy and creamy"

Now that's more like it!

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Err, I wonder what kind of theme this story relates itself to? Maybe a type of 'family/siblings' kind of themes? Haha, tell me what you think dear readers. But my day has really been in indolence. Got to keep up the pace. Thank you Dwane for another wonderful picture! Keep it up with spirit. Enjoyyy...!!

Shot! :: My Cup of Tea

What do you like in life? There are the winding roads of adventure; and an equal amount of safe, straight paths. Some liked to mix and match, while others loved it to be the same all the way. But I know, not all that we prefer are presented to us the way we want it. Life, is not just made up by the way we our own selves choose but it is also created by what others think too.

The way I imagined my road, is a simple walkway with rows of flowers and unknown boxes. Sure I want a peaceful happy life ahead, but my idea of fun is to be curious along the way. Who knows what will pop up next? Maybe drops of rain to feed the flowers, or a strong sun sucking everything out of it. I tried to be prepared for every possibilities; but hey, I'm human too. Like I said, there is not all that we can choose.

Where shall I go then, if my road of choice has been reconstructed? I like it like that, so why can't I just go on? Such a selfish nature of the human beings! Always thinking of one's ownself, not realising how others are building their preferable roads too. People meet, and people part. When roads cross each other, I don't mind having rows of other things besides flowers. I personally like certain things, but that doesn't mean I hate everything else. How I liked curiousity, remember? Even if things go wrong, I can still alter it so that it's good for everyone.

To put it simple, I like it sweet and strong. Perhaps with a beautiful colour, and a dash of herbal scent. Don't need to know the brand just to add excitement. Ah, that seemed to be the perfect one. I took a sip. My, my...it was too tasteless. I put it back, and added in my own portion of sugar.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: It's been 6 whole days since a "Shot!" entry, that's because I still don't really have any real structure in these stories! I'll be more careful not to sound too poetic, so that it would be 'preferable' to everybody. But I won't promise anything, I just write with the flow of emotions. Hope you enjoyed it this time. The moral of this piece is, it's not always laid out the way you want it to be. But you can always modify so things would go right! What's your cup of tea then? ;)

Shot! :: Teachings of a Homeless

It was already 4 a.m. The journey back home was tiring. The bus was poorly maintained and the roads were crooked. I only managed to doze of for just a brief moment, being wide awake most of the time. Being exhausted, I decided to get home as fast as I could. As always, the shortcut. The dark silent back-alley.

The alleyway was far from normal, as any other usual nights there. The eerie silence seemed to burst my ears, and the waltzing shadows made my heart jumpy. But it is worth the risk. Time, energy; all could be saved. I quickened my pace, someone seemed to be following me. *Pat, pat*... Who could it be on such a night? No more nonesense, time to get home.

Was life during the night as dark as this? All seemed insecure, all seemed lost. I thought I was already used to the dark surroundings, but it seemed to engulf me even deeper and deeper each time I settled down with it. What was incomplete? What was not there? *Pat, pat*... The sound was still there, faster this time. It's chasing me!

Help! My voice was gone. This darkness is suffocating. I thought this was the shortcut I always go to, but why is it taking such a long time. The thing was already behind me, breathing with energy. Am I going to be caught? Then there was a light! Glowing dimly, yet surely. I began to run as fast as I could, forgetting my tiredness.

There under the light, was a man sleeping soundly on the floor. How brave of him, doesn't he know that weird things are happening here? I huffed and halted, the thing behind me was gone. Was it because of the light? My sound and abruptness seemed to awaken the poor man. He looked up to me grogily and said, "Chap, what were you doing in the dark there?"

"I...wanted to get back home through this shortcut," I explained. "And there's something chasing me just now." The man, dressed in ragged clothes, looked up meaningfully. He yawned. "What are you doing? I thought no one in this world would go through the darkness to ease things up. I guess such people do exist. Listen chap, always stay within the light. Eventhough it means sacrificing yourself. Because once you step into the darkness, fear will always come and chase you no matter how strong you are." With that, the man went back on the floor and snored.

I was wrong. No matter how used I am in the dark, it'll always get stronger next time. I smiled. As I made my way towards home, I thanked the man as his figure grew distant and small.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: The moral is, don't succumb into the 'dark' ways! Haha...guess I still don't know what I'm rambling here in this story. But I hoped I managed to give a tingle of suspense to you guys. Don't let your fears chase you! If you can't help it, run! Haha...enjoyy.

p/s: Actually, it's not good to run away from your fears. Thank you Dwane for the amazing picture!

Shot! :: Dremless, Colourless

Morning arrived as usual that day, as promised. Not a moment early, not a moment too late. I ponder at the magnificent flow of time; always keeping their track straight in precision. I had nothing to do that day and decided to stroll down the quiet village path on my trusty bike. The clock struck, signalling that it was 7.30 a.m.

It was a soundless, colourless morning. No jolly chirps of the birds, no provocative whispers of the wind, no golden glimmering of the sun. Even the trees looked grey and weak. It might have only been my own imagination; but I realised I had no right to imagine, to dream. What I'm feeling must be real. I pressed on and came to a halt at a pipeline. Some kind of strong urge inside me was telling that I should stay.

Sitting on the pipe, the background grew dimmer. My mind was blank. There was nothing to think about, nothing to do. I'm not much of a big dreamer as I just go with the flow. What was there for me to dream about? My life had been decided, and I never thought of any unrealistic views of the future. What use is there for people to go abroad than what they are capable off. It was foolish, wasn't it?

As I sat there, I saw an old man approaching the pipe. There was a certain shine in the man's face, it glowed with a smile. He stopped in front of me and greeted warmly. "It's such a fine morning. What are you doing here just sitting?" the man aked. Mechanically, I replied, "There's nothing for me to do sir."

"Not even thinking? Dreaming?" the man said rather coolly.

"There is nothing for me to think about sir. It's been decided that I'll be taking over my father's farm, and I accept it. Nothing to think, nothing to dream," I said solemnly.

The man's smile widened. It was so calming. With a pat on my shoulder, the man said, "It's never too late to dream. Dreams are what drives us, dreams are what colours us. With no dreams, our life will be painted colourless. Never lose hope. Humans can actually achieve more than what they are capable off. Oh, and you're lying when you said you were not thinking. Haven't you been thinking about yourself lately?" With this, the man said goobye and left.

He was right. This dullness is the result of being dreamless, colourless. I remembered how colourful it was when I was young, wanting to achieve the things that I want. Eventhough my dreams are gone now, I noticed that the pipe was blue! Time to continue my life with dreams and work hard to achieve it.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I don't know what the hell I wrote about, but I hope the main message is received by you readers! Hehe, I'll improve better on my pictorial stories. "Shot!" will be a part of my writings based on pictures. Right now I'll be borrowing pictures from Dwane's Flickr...so, please Dwane? =P

p/s: Dwane's photos can be viewed at...

[ http://www.flickr.com/photos/ahmad_ridhwan/]