The Monkey’s Paw

Because of Shawshank Redemption, I checked out this short story, Monkey’s Paw. 

“Be careful what you wish for, you may receive it.” — Anonymous 

For someone who doesn’t like short stories, I didn’t really know why I even checked this one out. It wasn’t really a very interesting story. But I guess it’s the kind of thing that’s interesting to know? Hmm. 

Still believe

I’ll tell you about how I won my Suntory Whiskey later.

First off, I have to remind myself to start doing that poster for school. I’m going to start teaching English in the library. MY OWN CLASS. Can you imagine? I have to submit my schedule and then lesson plan. More work. 

But I like keeping busy so it’s all good. 

So then Eyobe and I went to the library and I returned some books. I finally finished reading Shawshank Redemption. I haven’t watched the movie though, which surprised Eyobe. Shawshank Redemption’s the first Stephen King novel that I read. It was also when I found out that he’s known for writing horror stories. Whoops.

We were planning to go to the Tsurumai public library to check it out. But then we ended up watching Spirited Away with Wenwen. Which brings me to the whiskey. Eyobe dared me that if I drink 4 shots of whiskey without throwing up, he’ll give me the bottle plus 5 bucks.

I’m still waiting for the money. 

The thinker

How long have I stopped writing? Writing the way I want to see myself as. Does that even make sense? None of what I write these days matter to me. It doesn’t make me think. It’s too transparent. It’s exactly what it’s supposed to be. That’s it. No room for thought. No nothing.

I forget now what started me writing. Maybe it’s the desire to sound more important that I really am. And that with the use of words, I can be more than what I really am. 

I couldn’t sleep again tonight. My upset stomach wouldn’t let me. 

Soon enough, I’ll be turning 21. And right now, and right here, I feel like I have nothing to show for it. Maybe it’s because learning the Japanese language isn’t really worthwhile for me. It never has been. For the past several years — back to when I started learning the language — I haven’t really been motivated enough to actually improve. Right now I study. But then that just makes me wonder more than ever: Is the reason behind this drive to study the fact that I have need of this knowledge? Maybe so. 

I need the knowledge now because I’m in Japan. But when I go back, it becomes useless to me — you see? 

I don’t know what I want in my life. I’ve been racking my brains for an answer since I got here. And I still haven’t gotten one. Stubborn brains.

I’m starting to get sleepy. Maybe I should try reasoning with my tummy that I need to wake up pretty early.