[SHORT STORY] The Rationing: Part IV of VI
by Frances Rey
“Mama, where are you?!”
The horde of starving men and women corner me against the wall. For several moments, I see Theresa in the crowd. “Theresa!” I call out. She turns to me with horror-filled eyes, but says nothing. I see her hands pushing against the backs of the men in front of her. Where was her baby?
My eyes search the floor until I see a pooling red puddle that reflected Theresa’s horrified expression. I choke back whatever was rising to my throat and turn my head to the stained glass before I can see more of it. Oh, God… oh, God…
I… can’t breathe…
“Help!” I say between chokes. I look up to the My throat and my nostrils feel like they’re burning. I feel hands grasping my body and clawing against my skin, but all I see before me is a nauseating haze. It’s all a blur, but everything makes sense. The fog, the masks, the burning sensation… we were being poisoned.
There was never going to be a Rationing today. This is an extermination.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am Frances Pia Alexy C. Rey. I think of myself as an optimistic and passionate writer who likes to challenge and further develop my writing prowess.
I won the 2018 Essay Writing Contest of APEC Grace Park West, composed the graduation song of APEC Grace Park West for the batch of S.Y. 2018–2019, and have written fictional short stories and poems that focus on the human nature and condition.
I also enjoy watching and evaluating movies; listening and singing along to music; and experimenting with poems and narratives.
