It all started during Debates Club. My team, which consists of me, Amra and Vero was up against Archie's team. Our topic of discussion for today was 'Is war good?' I was in the opposition team while Archie was in the government team.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdttgi1oMC
"Members of the Parliament," I addressed. "There is nothing good in war. Countless innocent lives are killed, even soldiers. These soldiers are humans like us. One of those soldiers who is fighting on the front lines is my father. Every day, my family and I always worry about his fate. I only receive letters from him every three months. I don't know what's going to happen to him. It makes me more anxious about him. In my opinion, war does more harm than good."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS6OG1AkGz
"I agree with you, Governor Tan," he acknowledged, as he stood up. "I have loved one's fighting for this country but at the same time, war helps with technological and cultural advancement. Such examples can be seen during the second World War. The atomic bomb was invented and most third world countries such as South Africa gained independence from their former colonies. So in my case, war does good for humanity."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Vle4haC79
"Member of the Parliament, a prolonged war will bankrupt the country, " Amra made her point. "The government of the country who participated in the war have to spend millions of dollars to buy weapons and ammunition to fight the opposing sides. As a result, the government has no choice but to ration our basic needs and withdraw funds that were used for education and healthcare. And if the war has ended, the government will be in debt and its citizens would have to suffer. Take Germany for example. After World War 1, the country was in bankruptcy and their debt was in billions of dollars, which they're still paying for to this day. The Germans were starved to death as the price of basic goods fluctuated. As a conclusion, we cannot deny that there is nothing good in war."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1eEAbhRyc
"I have to disagree with you, Senator Amra," pointed out Raj. "War helps the economy to grow. For example, the USA after World War 2 became the world superpower, with the standard of living and the country's GDP was increasing since the 1950s. And let's not forget Japan, who rose from the ashes after World War 2. They are now leading the automobile and technology industries, which became their biggest exports for the country."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqLzK7fJMv
As both teams argued, the timer rang, signifying the end of the debate. I groaned in frustration. I was enjoying myself moments ago. "Could anyone from both teams form a conclusion?" asked Ms Hye, our Debate teacher. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6TgHh57hk
"In conclusion, war brings more harm than good as it caused destruction of human lives and bankrupts the country," concluded Vero. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpKZ2yxIcV
"In conclusion, war has its own benefits such as technological and cultural advancement and grows the country's economy," Seokjin wrapped it up for Archie's team. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeG6fStwIj
The last bell of the day rang as we thanked Ms Hye and left our classroom when Archie stopped me. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAnlxCgOR4
"That was an impressive performance you did back there," he praised. I smiled. "I could say the same thing about you, Archie," I replied. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclAREooaL3
"So what is your opinion about the ongoing war?" Archie asked me. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfaXeR3l6A
I glanced towards the ceiling and stroked my chin. "I'm confident that our country will win against the Bowan states," I justified. "Our army is more established than the newly-formed army from the separatist states, and we have better weapons and ammunition than them."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFj8MCQE8f
"It's true, but I'm worried about my Uncle Emilio," he said. "My family and I were close to him and I'm worried that we'll lose him."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqj5T6JALS
"I'm worried about my father," I expressed. "My heart aches every time I think about him. It's been three months since I wrote to him. I haven't heard any news about my father since then. I hope to God that he's okay."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiaEgFz5u6
I pressed my lips together when I noticed Ferdinand approaching me. Archie looked at him and winked at me. "I'll leave you two alone."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhqxXWiXU1
He walked away from me as Ferdinand tapped on my shoulders. "So how were debates?" asked Ferdinand. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6vOqvBJh3
I sighed. "Ms Hye didn't get to decide who won."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLbGpY8hnZ
"That's so sad," he gave a small laugh. "Now come on, Naomi's waiting for us outside."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqnyBvmePX
"Bugsy," Naomi gleamed. "I take it your Debates Club went well?"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVW6Yyeky9
I shook my head. "What about you, Naomi? How was your Karate Club?"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aII9JlfvF
"I did some sparring with Lisa and Farouk," she answered. "What about your Drama Club, Ferdinand?"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaw7c6elVft
"Well, we're rehearsing for 'The Merchant of Venice'. I get to be Antonio while Ephraim is Shylock," he elaborated. "And Maya is Portia, Bassanio's girlfriend."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF56lAcLDNI
"So which are you guys in?" I questioned. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaIGJcDqFr
"We're still in Act 1, where Shylock loaned Antonio some money."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSD2kXUEdt
We walked along rows of cornfields, with the yellowish corn stalks fluttered in the wind and the scarecrow who stood idly in the middle of the cornfield, scaring the crows away. I noticed the corn was ripened, ready to be plucked. "Looks like it's the beginning of the corn season," I noted. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGahZneqmC9
Naomi nodded. "I've never seen a cornfield before."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLyhEoTGEZ
"They don't grow corn in Japan?" Ferdinand wondered. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZLdBzw9b3
Naomi nodded. "Tōmorokoshi is only grown in Hokkaido. From where I came from, it's a big city."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iZO1mCZcW
I exhaled. "If only I live in a city," I dreamed. "There are so many things to do there, unlike here in Slaborough where it's small and boring."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbLLzAVxwx
Naomi shook her head. "Oh, Bugsy, if I was born here, I would never leave this place," she snorted. "Life in Japan is so much stressful where I have to stay in school until 10 p.m. Here, you have more time to relax and have some fun."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvBGY54oJS
We talked for hours about how living in a small town is so boring when we passed by a small farmhouse, with a family of four lounging on the veranda. Naomi waved at the family. "Good afternoon," she greeted. Not a word came out of their mouths. Naomi's smile turned into a frown. "How rude." 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lZ882NQ3X
"They're always like this," Ferdinand mentioned. "Just ignore them."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvbBByElZ4
Their blank stare gave me goosebumps. For years, that family always remained in the same position whenever I walked along the cornfield to visit Ferdinand. I've never seen them anywhere else in Little Owl Coffeehouse or at the annual carnival. Something's up with them.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZttynU6dCP
We stepped inside Ferdinand's house, took off our shoes and slipped our feet inside a house slippers when we were greeted by his mother, Mrs Ong, who prepared us Woolton pie for lunch. "So how's your family?" she asked. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TgdklOUjC
"They're getting by, Mrs Ong."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzqwIGRrRa
"What about you, Naomi?" she glimpsed at Naomi. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMCzJFBrWO
"My family and I are familiarizing ourselves with Blanca's culture. It's difficult, especially with the ongoing war, where we had to ration our food and clothes."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbNrsmF3mQ
Mrs Ong sighed. "I understand where you're coming from. My mother was the same when she moved from China in the 50s."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr08X5R5fPg
"Well, I guess I have a lot to learn from your mother, Mrs Ong."
"Take your time, my dear. You and your family will thrive here on Slaborough."
"Come on, Naomi," Ferdinand gestured. "The food's getting cold."
Once we were done with our meal, Ferdinand washed the dishes while we helped to clean up the table with Mrs Ong. We went up to Ferdinand's room and placed our bags on the floor. He shut the door behind him and opened the window halfway for the cold wind. "It's a nice day today," he laid on his bed. "Are you guys in a mood for a movie or something?"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN7UfWPMa3
I shook my head as I gazed outside the window, looking at the golden cornfield. My mind wandered at the farmhouse I previously passed by. Their empty stares, their mouths shut the whole time. What are they? They don't seem to age or grow up. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaQrPnWEsJ
Naomi grunted. "I'm bored. Let's do something fun."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCN4jbhpHU
"Like watching last week's episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer?" Ferdinand suggested. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MQUaAO0pw
Naomi gave a mischievous grin. "Let's sneak into that house we just passed by?"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fNvwVGKDi
I let out a cough as Ferdinand dropped his jaws on the floor. "You're kidding, right?" I stuttered. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpwg6ZSGAt
Naomi tried to contain her laughter but failed. "I'm serious, Bugsy."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoocQlxWlxl
Ferdinand took a deep breath, with his palms clasped. "Have you lost your marbles? We could get caught and thrown in the slammer."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEk9nRvjY9A
"I know the risk, Ferdinand," she defended. "But I have a feeling they're not people." 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnXk396pVt
I raised one of my eyebrows. "What are you saying, Naomi?"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBhOvjwwHM
"I think that they're aliens from outer space," Naomi theorized. I blinked my eyes rapidly, taken aback by what she just said. Are the family of four aliens? I'm being skeptical. Part of me wanted to ignore that ridiculous notion but part of me wanted to explore the unknown. After all, I've strange things in town anyways. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKYM9lTsMb
"If that's what you want, then you're not alone," I volunteered. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk32va8bv7D
Ferdinand but his lips. "So do I. But only because Bugsy agreed to this."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JdAcJhC9l
As night falls, we sneaked out of the house after dinner and walked towards the farmhouse. With Ferdinand's binocular, I noticed that the lights were switched off and the windows were wide open. As quiet as a mouse, I slowly opened the front door and found the house empty. There was no furniture and the paint on the walls was peeling off, with the woods infested by termites. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLnARQQObP
We tip-toed towards a room, with nothing but a bundle of corn, which was harvested from the cornfield. Ferdinand took one of the corn and devoured it, in a greedy manner. Naomi and I stared at Ferdinand, dumbfounded. "What are you looking at?" he said. "You know I love corn."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN28WcOpEzm
I rolled my eyes. "Careful not to choke on your stupidity, Ferdinand," I snared. "You'll be the first to get caught."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscYJIxOO2m
Then, we heard heavy footsteps heading towards us. I pulled Ferdinand's hand and we hid behind the bundles of corn, hoping we wouldn't be spotted. I took a peek and saw the father searching through the room. I was covered in sweat as I brushed my hands against Ferdinand's hand, hoping to calm myself down. Naomi closed her eyes and sealed her lips, not making a single sound.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuSlS07v4r
A few seconds later, he left the room, giving us a cue that playtime was over. We were heading towards the front door when suddenly, it slammed by itself. I attempted to pull the door handle, but it couldn't be opened. Glancing at the wide-open window, I tried to climb, but the windowpane landed on my fingers, making me scream. Naomi pulled my fingers and blew on them, hoping to soothe them. We turned around and saw a family of four, armed with a knife.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvL7pvGlbO
Its empty eye sockets stared at us, with their lips sewn with a thread. Naomi stepped forward and bowed. "Our apologies for breaking in."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgqv9FqrbA
No reply came out. I dashed into the family and made my way out from the back door. "Come on, guys," I shouted. "Let's get outta here."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiClWhNEb8A
Naomi and Ferdinand stood in horror as their heads and limbs were dislocated from their bodies, lying in a pool of blood. Naomi shrieked as Ferdinand threw upon their bodies. I held the father's head as it disintegrated into the corn, which caused Ferdinand to threw up even more. More footsteps were approaching us from downstairs as we ran out of the house and into the cornfield.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h9ZNhRop1
As we ran through the maize stalks, I bumped into a scarecrow and slipped, only to be caught by Ferdinand's arms. "I've got you, Bugsy," he spoke. I got up and dusted off my jeans and a T-shirt as I tried to make the scarecrow but it grabbed me by my arms. I yelled as I tried to pull away from his grasp. Naomi rushed towards me and chopped off the scarecrow's hand with her bare hand. Naomi and Ferdinand held both of my hands as the scarecrow staggered towards us.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwi6FkoJDI
We sprinted across the cornfield as more of those 'family' were tailing us from behind, along with the scarecrow. I felt a pang in my legs as I paused, trying to catch my breath. Ferdinand ran towards me and carried me with both arms and joined Naomi, who was next to him. One of the families yanked Ferdinand's jet black hair, causing him to drop on the ground, soiling the back of my jeans. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnXpNjOSpM
Naomi lifted her right leg and kicked its a torso, freeing Ferdinand. He squeezed my hands as Naomi led us towards Ferdinand's house. She twisted the doorknob opened and locked it, preventing them from entering. The scarecrow's hand, which was chopped off, crawled underneath the door. The lights of the living room were switched on as Mrs Ong entered, with holy water in her hand.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmCZECZqF0
She sprinkled it on the scarecrow's hand, making the scarecrow screeched. The family fled as Mrs Ong sprayed around the living room. The creepy 'family' strutted away from Ferdinand's house in fright. Mrs Ong scowled at us. "I was worried about you kids," she expressed her disappointment. "You could've gotten yourself killed."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaCY3MfxpX
"I'm sorry, Ma," Ferdinand apologized. "I was naïve into thinking there's nothing wrong with provoking that family."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7BeqicMML
"This families you provoked made a deal with the Devil centuries ago," she explained. "They wanted to live forever, but they paid a heavy price, by becoming scarecrows for the rest of their lives."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIajJIPQ9w
"All of them are scarecrows?" Naomi raised a question. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDqkADOes8
Mrs Ong nodded. "They had to give up their soul to become scarecrows."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod2ZWGqybS
I peeped through the window and looked at Mrs Ong. "Will they come for us again?" I asked. 631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dObie7UQu
"They will if you walk alone in the cornfield."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nfWqm6sRn
