“Anak, pwede ka na mag pahinga.”
Child, you can rest now.
A 250 word micro-fiction story.
“Anak, pwede ka na mag pahinga.”
Maria releases an exhale. Her tears fall to the cheeks as she sinks to the floor,. She falls down on her knees, sobbing.
“Mom?” Juan walks towards Maria. He stretches his hand and grabs her shoulder, yet it passes through. He gasps.
Juan wraps Maria in his arms. His little arms do little to embrace her, but he tries. But, he passes through. He stumbles forward. Catching his footing, he sees the blood on his shirt, and he turns to face Maria.
Maria clutches a frame, a splitting image of Juan, when he was smiling, happy, breathing.
“The ICE has released a warrant to arrest the former president of the Philippines, with charges of murder during the Drug War. He was convicted in March 11, 2025.
Juan turns to the television. He looks at the screen, and feels the hole in his body. Suddenly, he lurches over in pain. The blood pools around him. Beyond the television, a light shines through.
The phone rings. Both Maria and Juan look to the direction of the sound. Maria breathes deep, wipes her tears, and stands up. She answers the phone.
“Yes, I heard the news. My baby boy can rest now. Justice is finally served.”
Juan held his mom’s hand one last time.
“Pwede na mag pahinga.”
The dead can rest now.
