𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬: “Hard to swallow cough syrup” by Francheska B. Villarosa

 

Published by: Jean Ashley Lugod 

Date Published: November 12, 2024

Time Published: 8:23 AM 

Category: Prose

Subject: Being silenced amidst a societal issue

Too loud. Loud thoughts. Thoughts unheard. The itch between the lining of my trachea felt reminds me of the words I almost uttered. The irritation suppresses my throat, as if my phrases are turning into a buildup of phlegm to which had me shut my lips once again. If I take a spoonful of a cough syrup, will I be able to feel a relief or will it leave a hollow in my throat until there are no words left for me to say?

 

The relentless bursts of cough, along with the voices that echoes within the headlines of the television and the chaos blasting from the outside of my windows—punctures inside of every inch of my lungs, cutting through my vocal folds, and the air flows that rings in my ears, leaving me pleading for air. Is taking the cough syrup the only way left for me to put an end to my inner storm?

 

The rasp of my voice as I attempted to speak, a hint of blood went along as the aftertaste lingered at the end of my tongue. It was helpless, leaving me no choice but to go straight ahead to grab the bottle that has a burgundy-like color inside. It is said to have a berry, fruity-flavored syrup, and it did taste exactly the same as described although the only thing that my mouth remembered is the bitterness it had in the end, just like how my voice turned sour after the countless minutes I held my throat and stomach, trying to get ahold of myself.

 

Each time I tried to close my mouth to cover the deafening noise I could possibly make, it only grew louder inside of me that built a silent grudge pushing against the walls of my chest. The silence I exchanged is supposedly to protect one’s rights, to speak out, to voice out the truth—yet it remained caged within my rib cage that continues to tighten, an ache that won’t fade.

 

Until then, I yearn for the day where I can cough without restraint, unburdened by any uncertainties that will shatter upon the stillness of silence.