Pain... It’s not emotional, it’s not physical. The worst type of pain is invisible. The worst type is not even feeling anything - numbness. Is it emotional when you’re bleeding but can’t seem to feel the expected stingy feeling in your skin and nerves? Is it physical when you feel nothing even though something bad was said to you?

The worst pain is a feeling that makes you feel nothing. That is when you know you’re hurt. That’s when tears start to roll down on your emotionless face. That is when everytip of your fingers and hair shiver. And the worst is that, there’s no perfect word for it. It’s not heart break, it’s not sadness. It’s:

“How do you feel?”

“Nothing.”

While passing by the river, I saw my reflection in the water. I've been traveling for weeks and never had time to check myself in the mirror. I looked tired but at the same time, happy. I was sweating and my eyes look like they need to be closed for the whole day, but I was smiling the moment my eyes met the waters. I stopped as my friends walk past me as they enjoy the sound of the river and the scenery of the morning greeting the earth. I took a deep breath as I feel the cold breeze. I was tired but happy. This was an ironic feeling for me. I wasn't able to get some rest last night just to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way Galaxy even though we walked for the whole day. But I was happy because I'm doing something I love.

I always had this feeling that I won't grow old. I know, somewhere inside, that I don't have to look forward to the future since it won't happen to me. I feel like I'm to die tomorrow, or next week, or next year - I won't reach 22. It's already a miracle that I reached 20. I thought I won't turn 18. I never planned because I always felt like I don't need to. I just let things flow and I guess at least I'm contented to whatever adventure I'm facing. I just thought it's weird. To always feel like you won't face the future and one day - maybe today, you'll die.

"Seven," I whispered as I open my eyes from the dream I had. I took a few deep breaths to ease the heaviness I feel in my chest as I slowly remember what I saw in my sleep. It was full of haunting images of which I cannot understand, but with a single low and loud voice in my dream - or more like a nightmare, I somehow saw the last week, last seven days of humanity.

I was not sure how I should take this "end of the world" knowledge. Should I announce this on social media? Should I travel the world and pursue my dead dreams? With all these anxious thoughts, I spent my whole last seventh day thinking.

I woke up the next morning feeling like I didn't even blink my eyes. I felt like I didn't sleep. I felt like my mind was over-thinking the whole six hours of my slumber. I stared at the mirror after getting up, asking myself, "Is this real? Or am I still dreaming?" I slapped my face to only be woken up by my stinging cheek.

I called my friends and told them everything I knew, but of course, they all thought that my "last living days" dream was just symbolizing my struggles in life. I just laughed and ended the call. I spent my sixth day watching the news full of child-rape and murder.

I only realized that this is my last fifth day when my clock sounded at 3 in the morning. I'm supposed to have a quick jog today before going to school but, who cares? It's the end of the world.

I got up at 8 and went to school by 9. I didn't know we're supposed to have a quiz on every subject and as usual - I failed. I'm not sure whether I was not listening or if our quizzes were just a surprise-fail-my-subject idea of the faculty members.

I passed by the faculty room and saw a parent giving our Math teacher an envelope full of money. I paused and wondered whether Mr. Square-root will accept or not. As his hands move towards the white envelope, I left and pretended that I don't know that I only have four days left before every living creature on this planet dies.

I spent my fourth day sitting in a park, watching a beggar get pushed away by these people. I heard him asking for food, and since I wear these loose and over-worn clothes, he must've guessed that I don't have anything to give him. But I do have this burger. I'm not hungry and decided to walk to him, and guess what - he just stared at me like I was offending him. I just shrugged my shoulders and left.

My third day wasn't that great either. I saw my neighbor hitting his dog for chewing on his slip-on. I sighed since I usually feed that poor dog whenever his owner leaves him out. I opened my door and was about to stop this monstrous neighbor I have when I saw the dog lying frozen on the ground. I bit my lip and looked away when my neighbor's eyes and mine locked.

The news wasn't great either. The last piece of land that has trees in our country will be burned tomorrow. They are planning to build a useless mall next month on the land. I heard there are 20 species of insects living on that piece of land. Maybe I can start a rally to stop the burning and tell them that the mall will be useless since we're all going to disappear after two days.

I heard the gossips that the corrupt politician living in our neighborhood was released this morning and that the trees in our country's already turned into ash - that's great two news for my last two days. I laid on the couch and stared at the ceiling. I tried to count any last good memories I have before the world ends, but all I can remember was the cruelty I watched.

My tears started to stream down as I feel a piercing cold in my chest. I curled my lips as my breathing runs fast and deep to catch my heartbeat. I never wanted to end the world, but right now, I wished I'm living in tomorrow.

I didn't notice that this was my last day - humanity's last day. I watch as a blinding light succumbs to the sky. A loud sound of a trumpet echoes on the earth.

Aside from the idea that the world's ending, I just realized that humanity already ended a long time ago. Before we can even invent smartphones; before countries won the war; before I was even born. This isn't the last day of humanity. This is an end to inhumane acts.

I am once again lost - no maps to follow, no directions to use as a guide. I am once again lost in an adventure called life, and while standing amidst the forest full of failure and anxiety. I am once again lost. I always tried to continue my footsteps with all my strength, but now, I am tired. I am lost, but I decided to set a bonfire and enjoy the sweet breeze that plays a melancholic tune. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath as the sun slowly succumbs to the darkness. I laid on the cold hard ground and stared at the sky full of bright million stars. Then it struck me. I have a vast map above me; ready to direct my every heavy step. No matter what cloud covers the sky, it will never cease to direct me. I smiled and took a peaceful sleep with a happy heart and warm soul. Tomorrow, I'll face my new adventure. And each time I feel lost, I'll raise my head and stare at my map above.

Be careful because your steps on the sand are quiet. The soft, million granule ground, harbors an amount of water enough to drown you with sharp broken glasses beneath.

Things seem to be harmless, but it can still harm you though it is lesser than what we expect. Quietness doesn't always mean safety, some danger lingers around, hiding its noise of terror. Monsters don't hide in the kitchen beside the pans and plates; it hides under the bed. Where only are dreams are stored, waiting patiently for us to close our eyes, embracing the darkness around us.

Not because we cannot see the sharpness of danger doesn't mean it's not there. It's hidden beneath the soft sand, ready to wound you as you get deeper with them.

Be careful because a warm beach walk on the sand can turn into a walk of terror.

#fiction

I felt the shaking muscle of my legs as I take every step, even though I am running, it seems like everything around me is on slow-motion. The air even feels thin, and any moment longer, I might pass out.

My shoulders are beginning to grow heavier with every breath. Sweat is streaming down my face to my neck before being sipped by my wet shirt.

I have to run. I have to survive. I looked back and I saw him. His face was full of excitement with a grim smile on his face. I have to run. I saw my friends running away from him as well, not having a care about me or anyone else. All they care about id to run away from him.

I felt a pang of panic run through my back as I heard his steps getting closer to me. His hands are reaching out to me, only a few inches away, and if ever I slow down just a little, I know he will catch me. And if that happens, I will be consumed by the terror and hunger to pull another body of flesh.

I heard the screams of my friends, they are only staring at me, watching as he slowly devours my being. Are they cheering for him to catch me or are they screaming in fear for me?

I suddenly felt my legs going numb as if I can't bend and move it anymore. Slowly, my steps went softer and there it is. My end.

I felt his hand pull my shirt, this is it. I can no longer run. I am at my end. And this is his new beginning. I let out a sigh as I catch my breath, I'm done for.

"Tag, you're it!" He shouted and our friends ran away in different directions, he taps my back with a grin, "Good luck."

I shouted in irritation, I'm playing as the 'it' for the third time now. My muscles are already crumbling down and my shirt's dripping wet. I don't even know why I agreed to play this game.