One Shot Stories (English)

FUTURE, PAST - ME

A series of demand letters and memorandums flooded my email. It occupied me so much that I almost forgot another written letter above my piles of paperwork.

What could it be?

I sigh before taking the letter. I took one more glance at my computer monitor before opening the envelope.

I ripped it open and read the contents.

"What?!" I ran to the comfort room to tone down the fear.

If the bathroom sink's water can drown a person, I guess I would be dead. I stare again at the mirror after washing my face for the nth time.

Good Lord, what was that letter?

Why was it addressed to me?

"Why did it come from me?" I trailed on as I wipe my damp face with toilet paper. "Ysa... you are insane!" I gritted my teeth and returned to my office cubicle.

My shift is about to end in three minutes. I gaze back at the letter.

"Damn it!"

My heart thump as I rush out of the office after I wrote my time out receipt. As I reach a nearby café, I slowly walk passby. I bit the side of my cheek, denying the possibility ahead of me.

The letter is a lie. The letter is nonsense. Why should I believe it?

I stopped and looked at a glass window.

"Kyle..."

A lump in my throat took over. It took me minutes to muster the courage to turn around and leave.

As I got home, I slump on the bed and close my eyes. The image of my fianceé kissing another woman on the lips took a toll on me. And it scared me.

Ysa, I am sorry to tell you this, life won't be good to us if we remained at Kyle's side. I was blind by love and dismissed so many opportunities. I turned down a promotion of a lifetime because of him.

He didn't want me to take it as it will burden me with too much work. Leaving him without any attention that he would seek from others then and there.

As I complied to his demand, money cut short and it became our daily dose of argument. Years passed before I received another promotion. A higher position that could change both of our lives. I told him about it, yet he took it negatively. He manipulated me into thinking that I would cheat on him if I transfer to New Zealand.

Ysa, it was the opposite. I caught him multiple times. And it hurt that it was too late for me to back out. He got me pregnant out of wedlock. Making me the villain to his story. No one heard me, no one took the time to listen to me. I only had the fetus as a companion. Not for long though.

I got caught in an accident that was caused by him. He drove me insane and ended the development of the fetus inside me. Now, I want everything to change. Before I leave and search peace, I want to leave you this final message that I hope may change your mind. Because I regretted not changing mine.

Ysa, if I could deliver this letter to you, the time that I first caught Kyle cheating, I hope you choose yourself before anyone else. Your family let you go, because they believe in you. Your friends supported you, do not push them away. Not when life is about to throw you so many challenges. And about Kyle, think about it, you may either leave him or live with him. You have an idea of your possible future (me of your future). This can be a hit or miss, Ysa.

Be in love with a leash that limits your capabilities, or be release from the shackles that pins you down. Remember, there is so much love in this world that doesn't revolve around him. And you deserve than just the bare minimum. Again, it is sad that life with him isn't the best, but you can turn your life around without him.

If I broke up with him without forgiving him on his first offense then maybe, just maybe, I may win in this lifetime.

Make a choice, Ysa, before its too late.

A tear escape from my eyes before I drifted to sleep.

Life is cruel. Challenges are spontaneous that could suck out your life. And I have to swallow the bitter pill of it.

Before I leave the apartment, I scanned the whole area. The four corners that I will bid farewell, will no longer be part of my life. Because this became my white room as I almost lost myself.

"I did it... I'm leaving, future Ysa... You were right, I got hurt by a hurt person and almost lost myself in that play."

I step out and lock the door. I pulled my luggage and headed to a mailbox. I slid my letter there and smile. A bit skeptical that this will be sent to the future me.

"This is for us." I whispered through the wind and turn away. I hail a cab that will take me to the office.

The final words I left to my future self;

Future Ysa, I took all of the opportunities while he was there. I gave him the benefit of the doubt. He lost me first before I almost lost myself. It took a bit of time to move on from the pain, and I escaped from that nightmare.

We are finally free. I am free.

I hid my smile as I glance out of the cab window. "Cheers to me."