The woods seem different now. It’s been a while since they all gathered and they didn’t know if it would be the same. They didn’t have to worry; everyone knew their places around the fire. They didn’t know who would start the story this time, so they drew straws. Luck came to the leader. He fumbled his glasses and sat on the stone chair. Just like old times.
He looked around at his old friends, much older now, just like he was, but time didn’t do anything to their stories. Not in this place. He drew a breath and started:
“My story is about a group of friends who find something that brings them together, but ultimately also tears them apart.” His hands shake as he grabs the pouch. It’s been too long since he’s done this, but he remembers it shouldn’t matter. He grabs a handful and tosses it in the fire.
“Submitted for the approval of the midnight society, I call this story: The Tale of the Black Feather.
Angela, David, Danielle and John were friends that liked to explore places off the beaten path. They’d spend their vacations traveling around wherever they could drive to.
This time their hearts led them to the North, somewhere near Vigan. Danielle’s parents were from that area and they were able to board at her great-lola’s house. It was a good deal, they had free board and they were able to go around the area to their hearts content. That kind of luck was a sign of a good trip.
David and Danielle were the type to stay in while John and Angela went outdoors, so while the other two were off finding a tree to take pictures with, David and Danielle went to scout the places where they could eat.
‘There sure are a lot of old people here,’ David said. ‘It’s a thing with this town, there aren’t many people our age since most of the younger generation moved to the bigger cities to find jobs, the ones that did stay behind… actually I don’t know about them, I should ask my great-lola about it. I don’t think we’ve met anyone under 50 today.’ Danielle, stopped by a craft store and started picking out souvenirs.
‘What makes your lola so great?’ David knew better than to stop a girl in the middle of shopping, and this happened a lot which is why he always kept his phone handy. ‘She’s my lola’s mother, dummy and you’ve said that joke five times already.’ Danielle took a bracelet she thought was pretty. ‘Well it was funny then too.’ David started a game and hoped her browsing would end soon.
Angela and John were looking at the forest near the town and they were lost. As usual. ‘I think we should go north.’ Angela had the compass and she was waving it around. ‘Do you even know how to use that?’ John was too busy taking pictures to notice they were in a situation. ‘Move a little to your left, your arm is blocking my light.’
A peal of thunder echoed through the forest and John snapped out of his photographer instincts. ‘I didn’t pack a waterproof case, we should head back.’
‘What do you think I’ve been trying to do?’ Angela’s struggle with the compass had reached its end. ‘Okay I think I found where north is, we just need to keep going—-‘
‘Watch out!’ John tackled Angela to the ground. ‘What was that for?!’ Angela shouted, but she was answered with another question.
‘What kind of bird is that?!’ John picked up his camera and tried to get as many shots as he could of the fast moving creature.
‘This is not the time to be taking pictures!’ Angela grabbed his arm and started to run. ‘Whatever it is it’s starting to get violent and I’d like to see my next birthday.’
‘But—-‘ John started to protest but one look at her face and he knew he already lost. ‘Fine! Go into that cave, it won’t follow us in there.’
Angela and John ran as fast as they could, avoiding the thick patch of brush blocking their way. ‘My camera!’ John fumbled with his hands and tried to get it back. ‘Is your camera more important than your life?!’ Angela grabbed him again and pushed him to the cave. ‘My camera IS my life! Let me go!’ John struggled for a second before he saw the bird headed straight for them. He scrambled for the cave shouting, ‘Fine, but you owe me a new one!’
‘I think we’re safe.’ Angela leaned against a rock. ‘There’s no way it can fly in here.’
‘Angela–’ John motioned to his friend to look ahead. ‘What the hell is that?!’
David and Danielle were worried. It was already 8pm and their friends were later than usual. ‘Something happened to them.’ Danielle stood up and took her backpack. ‘We have to find them.’
‘I’m sure they’re fine. They probably got lost. Again. Remember Palawan?’ David was going through his third serving of bagnet.
‘Don’t you notice anything when you’re eating?’ Danielle pointed to the restaurant. ‘We’re the only ones here.’
‘And your point is?’ David took another bite of bagnet.
‘The cashier and the waitress also left. There’s no one in the restaurant next door and the streets are empty.’ She started walking in the direction of her great-lola’s house.
‘Wait! Shouldn’t we pay for dinner?’ David looked at his food and wondered if he could bring the plate.
‘Just leave some money! We’re running out of time and we need answers!’ Danielle was running now and David knew she was going to be mad if he didn’t catch up to her.
‘Why am I always stuck with the bill?’”
The story teller looked around and saw his friend’s faces illuminated by the fireside. Years of memories and countless stories flooded through his mind. He smiled and said, “I declare this meeting of the midnight society closed,” as he took a bucket and doused the fire.
There were shouts and protests around the circle and he knew they would ask what happened after.
They had to wait until next week to find out, as always.
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Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Inspired by Boroka entry in Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology. Ramos. 1971.
Boroka Illustration by Leandro Geniston from Aklat ng mga Anito
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