Second Set

The next set of four stories is from guest-editor, Yvette Tan, who also guest-edited the PGS Horror Issue. Just as with the previous guest-editor, Charles Tan (no, they’re not related, as they keep on telling many of those who ask), Yvette was able to get a couple of new PGS contributors, Cyan Abad-Jugo and Marguerite Alcazaren de Leon. Following their stories will be a returning PGS contributor, Paolo Chikiamco, and then Yvette will grace us with one of her own.

I feel particularly happy that Cyan’s and Marguerite’s tales are on the longer side–about 7000 words–a length that would’ve given me trouble in the print format of the digest because cost-concerns limited the number of pages I could use per issue. The web format eliminates that concern, but I remember being told by an experienced web-developer to be wary of the TLDR syndrome (“Too Long, Didn’t Read”). So we’ll be having Cyan’s and Marguerite’s stories split into two parts each, posted a week apart so that we will still have these two tales published within the coming month.

And please do share your comments on the stories. I, the guest-editor, and the author in particular, would love to hear what you think of their work. And not just of the stories! I welcome any thoughts on the site itself. Heck, I’d welcome even a “Hi”.

Okay, enough of this. Let’s get going with the second set!

The Jar Collector

Along Emerald Avenue is a small park, one with trees and benches and green grass. On most days, a lot of people pass by, either to smoke or to lounge around as they wait for friends. But today feels different and I am all alone save for the stranger sitting beside me.

Her perfume is thick as if concealing another scent. Her features are a perfect ensemble: from smooth white skin, a curvaceous figure, and eyes that are slanted just right to give her that exotic look that hints at both Asian and European ancestry yet confirming neither.

At first she ignores me and I her but one tires easily of listening to the wind. She relents first, looks at me, and asks a question.

Can I tell you secret?” Continue reading