HUMMINGBIRD

It comes and goes, like the low tides which always near the shores right before they drift
away, leaving behind a significant, chilling breeze. The sun has gone down and there was
the natural milky after-glow, a mix of orange and red, reflected on the calm waters. Every
second passing was leading Ashur towards the trap the darkness hid and already he was
dreading the suffocating tendrils reaching out to steal everything away.
Each night will mirror the previous one, Ashur still didnt know it yet, but tomorrow he
will wake up with nothing but the fear of the blackness which will come in less than
twenty-four hours.
In a way, Nicola had said, Ashur never remembers and at the same time, he never forgets.
So, little bird, what did I wear yesterday? Ashur asked, raking his tanned slender
fingers through Nicolas flaming red hair. His wife reminded him of a hummingbird,
uncontrollable, loud and filled with freedom. It was a miracle, really, for her to be bound
to him by the knots of marriage, promises of forever dying sweetly through whispers of I
love yous. Hmm, red shirt, you spilled mocha on it once, black trousers and my
favourite tie, she responded, emerald eyes pseudo-blinking due to the sun rays passing
through the vertical planks of shades. That sounds beautiful, he replied and a soft smile
played on Nicolas lips, enough to clench his heart all over again. A kiss, a brief hug and
they both got up to start off the day.
Nicola was indeed small, bearing a difference of 20cm with her husband but she was a
hummingbird, tiny, colourful and lovable. Everyone knows that they face extinction
because everyone wants to clip off their wings, wear their iridescent feathers and fly
right, left, up, down and even upside down. Hopping, she gave a soft peck on her
husbands cheek, caramel skin turning bronze the more she looked at him. Youre going
to be alright, if anything happens, Im on speed dial, she whispered and wished that the
darkness wont consume both of them anymore. I know and Nic? The only thing I know
every single day is that I definitely love you.
Then Nicolas lips lifted into a small smile and Ashurs world exploded in fireworks.
When they first met, they were still adolescents, striving through the hundreds of
hormones improving and destroying every second they breathe. Ashur couldnt remember
but there was always a trigger to everything, bombs cant explode without a button. He
remembered their first kiss. He remembered it like it was just yesterday. They were
together in the library after school, going through shelves of books just to find that one on
accountancy for their project. Nicolas lips were pretty as always and Ashur could no
longer hold it in as he pushed Nicola against the shelf and kissed her, pulling away just as
quickly. He remembered.

But he couldnt remember when they first held hands. He also didnt really remember
how it happened either, they were walking together and suddenly their fingers were
interlaced. Or maybe it happened when he first cried in front of her, muttering about
phantoms and the inky cages greedily consuming his time. Yet, she stayed, she stayed
despite that they couldnt talk about their memories, the days they had shared, the
intimacy of a couple before they wake up to the aesthetically modern city scale of life.
Im the one who wanted to stay, Nicola promised, legs tangled in the warm sheets once
when Ashur came home, slurring his words, apologising for burning her wings so she
cant fly away.
4am was a time for insomniacs, early birds and radio DJs getting ready to operate their
stations. Ashur woke up, yes he did, but not for those reasons. Maybe, he thought, if he
woke up earlier then hell be able to remember everything, wont he? Head against the
headboard, the 26-year-old man gathered his knees and proceeded to bury his head
between his legs. He had already forgotten what he had for dinner 8 hours ago.
Why are you awake? Its a Sunday, Nicola sleepily asked, rubbing her eyes. I-I
thought, maybe I can...never mind, he sighed and allowed her to snuggle into his
embrace. She made a soft whine, more to a hummingbirds hum and played with their
fingers on Ashurs chest. Have you ever wondered why do you remember only me? I
mean, is it because Im the one who you wake up next to or maybe...youre obliged to
think too?
Anxiety, insecurities and doubts. They constantly swirled around the two, its appearance
a constant reminder. Gently, Ashur intertwined their fingers, the contrast of caramel
against her ivory skin delivering a warm sensation. I told you that even if I forget you,
my heart will know that I love you, he answered, chuckling under his breath when
Nicola wrapped her arms around his narrow hips, obviously satisfied with his reply. His
wife with the crimson hair, his best friend with the ability to fly through hearts and her
colourful feathers that no one can steal away was the only memory he needed.
It was a mere whisper, her response but Ashur heard it loud and clear.
Then Ill remember our yesterdays and youll remember through our tomorrows.

Written by: Nur Aliah Amanina bt HUMMINGBIRD

It comes and goes, like the low tides which always near the shores right before they drift
away, leaving behind a significant, chilling breeze. The sun has gone down and there was

the natural milky after-glow, a mix of orange and red, reflected on the calm waters. Every
second passing was leading Ashur towards the trap the darkness hid and already he was
dreading the suffocating tendrils reaching out to steal everything away.
Each night will mirror the previous one, Ashur still didnt know it yet, but tomorrow he
will wake up with nothing but the fear of the blackness which will come in less than
twenty-four hours.
In a way, Nicola had said, Ashur never remembers and at the same time, he never forgets.
So, little bird, what did I wear yesterday? Ashur asked, raking his tanned slender
fingers through Nicolas flaming red hair. His wife reminded him of a hummingbird,
uncontrollable, loud and filled with freedom. It was a miracle, really, for her to be bound
to him by the knots of marriage, promises of forever dying sweetly through whispers of I
love yous. Hmm, red shirt, you spilled mocha on it once, black trousers and my
favourite tie, she responded, emerald eyes pseudo-blinking due to the sun rays passing
through the vertical planks of shades. That sounds beautiful, he replied and a soft smile
played on Nicolas lips, enough to clench his heart all over again. A kiss, a brief hug and
they both got up to start off the day.
Nicola was indeed small, bearing a difference of 20cm with her husband but she was a
hummingbird, tiny, colourful and lovable. Everyone knows that they face extinction
because everyone wants to clip off their wings, wear their iridescent feathers and fly
right, left, up, down and even upside down. Hopping, she gave a soft peck on her
husbands cheek, caramel skin turning bronze the more she looked at him. Youre going
to be alright, if anything happens, Im on speed dial, she whispered and wished that the
darkness wont consume both of them anymore. I know and Nic? The only thing I know
every single day is that I definitely love you.
Then Nicolas lips lifted into a small smile and Ashurs world exploded in fireworks.
When they first met, they were still adolescents, striving through the hundreds of
hormones improving and destroying every second they breathe. Ashur couldnt remember
but there was always a trigger to everything, bombs cant explode without a button. He
remembered their first kiss. He remembered it like it was just yesterday. They were
together in the library after school, going through shelves of books just to find that one on
accountancy for their project. Nicolas lips were pretty as always and Ashur could no
longer hold it in as he pushed Nicola against the shelf and kissed her, pulling away just as
quickly. He remembered.

But he couldnt remember when they first held hands. He also didnt really remember

how it happened either, they were walking together and suddenly their fingers were
interlaced. Or maybe it happened when he first cried in front of her, muttering about
phantoms and the inky cages greedily consuming his time. Yet, she stayed, she stayed
despite that they couldnt talk about their memories, the days they had shared, the
intimacy of a couple before they wake up to the aesthetically modern city scale of life.
Im the one who wanted to stay, Nicola promised, legs tangled in the warm sheets once
when Ashur came home, slurring his words, apologising for burning her wings so she
cant fly away.
4am was a time for insomniacs, early birds and radio DJs getting ready to operate their
stations. Ashur woke up, yes he did, but not for those reasons. Maybe, he thought, if he
woke up earlier then hell be able to remember everything, wont he? Head against the
headboard, the 26-year-old man gathered his knees and proceeded to bury his head
between his legs. He had already forgotten what he had for dinner 8 hours ago.
Why are you awake? Its a Sunday, Nicola sleepily asked, rubbing her eyes. I-I
thought, maybe I can...never mind, he sighed and allowed her to snuggle into his
embrace. She made a soft whine, more to a hummingbirds hum and played with their
fingers on Ashurs chest. Have you ever wondered why do you remember only me? I
mean, is it because Im the one who you wake up next to or maybe...youre obliged to
think too?
Anxiety, insecurities and doubts. They constantly swirled around the two, its appearance
a constant reminder. Gently, Ashur intertwined their fingers, the contrast of caramel
against her ivory skin delivering a warm sensation. I told you that even if I forget you,
my heart will know that I love you, he answered, chuckling under his breath when
Nicola wrapped her arms around his narrow hips, obviously satisfied with his reply. His
wife with the crimson hair, his best friend with the ability to fly through hearts and her
colourful feathers that no one can steal away was the only memory he needed.
It was a mere whisper, her response but Ashur heard it loud and clear.
Then Ill remember our yesterdays and youll remember through our tomorrows.

Written by: Nur Aliah Amanina Bt Yusman