You are a different animal, nothing less.

Which animal would you compare yourself to and why?

The rain elapsed, followed by a slight sunshine. Having been home all day due to the reduction in job demand by the company I currently work for, I was among those laid off till further notice. Cold and jittery, my mind took the greater part of me. It has been raining all through this month, to the surprise of everyone. Where does the hall of mountain sunshine seem to be suddenly becoming a cold water forest? Maybe it’s climate change. Madrid, the center of Europe, has monotonous weather. 

What again is this topic about? * Which animal would I compare myself to and why? 

I quickly stepped outside the gate to grace the noon sun, which pelted my spirit and soul and had me in the same position with my body fighting over the best position, which was most enjoyable. Putting my face up directly to the rays of sunlight, eyes closed, wishing that I could be made to lie down in my position for a long period of time, though I was only in front of my house building, resting partially on a parked vehicle. Many passersby understood the importance of the sun to me, judging by their looks towards me, of which I paid no attention. Suddenly there was a bird noise, which reminded me of a particular bird back then in my hometown, usually heard early afternoon and evening, a unique one though. However, that is not the type of animal I am or like to be compared with, but I love its gentle and peaceful nature. 

Irrespective of your kind,no animal survives alone.

Even as the memories of hunting them for food in the past resonated in my mind, something I frown at currently because I believe that every animal has the right to life. There sit two birds of the same feather, like the usual words (they flock together), but something stood out that had me in awe, even to the point of taking my mind away from these golden rays of sunshine. I looked furiously towards the birds sitting on telephone cables; it appeared that they were young couples or friends of opposite sexes. It was my first time seeing such intimacy between such animals, even in humans. At first they spoke to each other in their language, then kissed passionately. I became confused because I never believed my eyes. Then they mated, after which they caressed each other by picking each other’s feathers, even to the extent of laying their heads on each other. I froze at my position, not realizing how long I had been gazing at these wonderful birds. Maybe the universe was talking to me indirectly about how life, courtship, friendship, and marriage should be, or maybe I am lost in my own thoughts. I quickly ran inside, having enjoyed the sun and the birds’ companionship… 

As humans, we are nothing less than a different animal, but whichever you choose to be, or compared with! Let it be with love, openness, and tolerance for one another; For irrespective of your kinds, no animal survives alone.

OUT OF PLACE

Tell us about a time when you felt out of place.

The day I vowed to never use marijuana again

Like every weekend Friday and Saturday after work or school, it was just another typical evening trip with friends in my neighbourhood. All of the young male teenagers in our neighbourhood get together here to talk about the experiences and goings-on in and around Our Street. I’m well-known because of my exceptional personality, appearance, and behaviour. Almost everyone on our street notices me, and I’m liked by all of my friends. With claims of having experience in relationships, clubbing, sex, fighting, or smoking, I always agreed to some of the subjects and issues mentioned in order to avoid demeaning myself or the class I was rated for. Well, to be honest, I knew very little about most of them.

My best friend contacted me on this fateful day, telling me to hurry to the location where a party was being held and everyone else was there but me. I didn’t know what was going on. I hastily drop my luggage and head towards the location. only to be met by raucous applause, boisterous music, and the aroma of marijuana. I kept my composure and made small talk with everyone before being given a bottle of beer and a rap. I had only ever used alcohol and cigarettes before, not marijuana, so I wasn’t sure what to do. I also couldn’t turn down their offer or withdraw since I would lose their respect. I interpreted.

It presented a challenge to me. first drag of the splif. Nothing happened, and I was at ease. Believing I could get it off It wasn’t until my third drag of the splif that I discovered my beer was almost gone. At that point, I started to feel strange and horrible. People and ground began to move strangly in zombie-like fashion. My inability to comprehend the language, together with my lack of awareness of my surroundings, made me feel out of place and uncomfortable. I was deep in my own imagination. My pulse rate increased as I struggled to stop my thoughts from spinning out of control. I prayed to God, promising never to smoke again if he saved me a promise I would never keep hitherto, as i did not only feel out of place that day but through out the entire week.