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Fatima Clemente is a 20-year-old third-year student who is a Filipina who grew up mostly in Australia. She studies a dual degree in Secondary Education and Arts majoring in Japanese and English - so you would think she would be good in writing, but not quite creatively.
In the fall of 2023, Fatima spent her time at Akita International University intending to improve her Japanese proficiency as she wishes to return to Japan after completing university.
Fatima’s favourite pastime is to reminisce and loves anything fluffy and romantic, so her head is often in clouds. If you read any of her pieces, she mainly writes about her feelings, memories, and delusions.
The Jetty & Sea Salt
The stars painted the dark skies like a canvas. The stars glistened and paved the light, the moon was nowhere to be seen. I stood there on the jetty with the soft breeze blowing strands of my hair towards the horizon, with the mild whiff of sea salt from the sea. He was standing there, even just his silhouette made me feel anxious. The silence was deafening but the rustles of the trees comforted me. I didn't want to believe that we were just strangers again, but after that night I became a stranger to myself. Although I'd like to think I've healed from that night, that moment on the jetty still haunts me to this day. I guess I'm still longing for that overdue closure. The more time that goes by, the more I remember it so distinctly. Although it was painful, I still wonder how you're doing.
You creep on me when I least expect it, especially on melancholy nights when it’s just me and my thoughts. I don’t think I miss you, but the potential we could’ve had. The bliss of staring into the stars, illuminating the darkness… I can’t seem to enjoy that scenery anymore. The tears, the torment, the throb of my heart. From that one night on the jetty.
The stars are now ordinary to me.
You ruined it for me.
You ruined me.
➡️ This was the first piece I wrote for class I was actually proud to share !
➡️ I nabbed this pic of Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast - my home !
Ripwaves
The ocean sparkled before my eyes, my feet submerged in the sand and the beaming rays of the sun warmed my cheeks. I was one with the ocean, relieving myself from the everyday pressures that loomed over me. The bejewelled body of water enticed me, nothing but pure exhilaration. With each step I took, my foot sank into the sand. The grains stuck to the sole of my feet, my footprints marked on the shore. I chased towards the simplicity that embodied peace.
Blessing turned disaster, the ocean I trusted turned against me. The waves stacked over me and so suddenly, an underwater tomb surrounded me. The shore was out of reach. Swimming aimlessly, you will only succumb. Go with the flow and it will save you. Even after you get out of it, the trauma will still haunt you. You wonder to yourself, "how did I get into this state in the first place?". You’re frustrated at yourself, the world, the universe. Longing for the naivety, the bliss of innocence, the delight of the oblivion. To feel composure once again.
Kilig
noun
“a feeling of exhilaration or elation caused by an exciting or romantic experience.”
Daydreams,
Her mind begins to ponder,
She becomes so immersed...
As they stroll through the night, the moon casts a soft glow on their path, leading them to a basketball court that looms in the distance. She runs to the court and challenges him “I bet you can’t do a dunk” knowing that he’s nearly 6 feet and that she’s barely 5 feet on a good day. He ambled over, and their eyes locked in a silent conversation. The night whistles and echoes, and they’re caught in each other’s gaze. They both stand there, close yet far enough to maintain their boundaries. The night’s piercing breeze urges the two to become closer, forcing them to refuge in each other’s arms for warmth - but they remain within what's familiar to them. Taking a step closer, she gives him a sweet little smile. Her gaze followed a delicate path from his right eye, lips, then to his left eye. She notices his pupils dilate, and he falters.
She goes on her tippy toes to lean in for something spontaneous but scrunches her nose and jokingly scoffs,
“I’m just kidding”.
She pirouettes away from him, but before she can land on her feet he seizes her by the waist, finishing what she has started. His gaze retraces the path, from her right eye, lips, then to her left eye. She scoffs and averts her gaze, aware that meeting his eyes would awaken her heart. Hazel eyes, her weakness. He grins because he knows her game.
…It felt so vivid.
her senses returned.
Her heart throbs.
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