#writing practice!

Her demeanor slowly changed as you two grew up. It was clear you two were getting more distant from each other, so different from how you two were when you were younger, when you stuck together like blades of scissors. But that's just what happens to siblings. They may be close when they were young but as they grow, they find things to do with their lives. It doesn't mean they don't care for each other. Your grip tightened, eyes staring down at the test paper you got. 60/100. The class had already ended. Your classmates were already flooding out the doors, and yet you hadn't moved an inch from your seat. You didn't look up when your classmates flashed you curious glances. ''Edel, are you alright?'' Her voice snapped you out of your thoughts. Your sister stood by your side, leaning against your table with her hand on your desk. She just looked at you with a raised brow, and instinctively you try to hide your test paper. It was too late, and she unfortunately saw it. Her expression didn't change much and neither did her stance. And for a moment it was silent. Ravi sighed and pushed herself back on her feet. She placed her hand on her hip, eyes mirroring her disappointment. ''You should study harder, Ed.'' You swallowed and tried to find the words to tell her that you did try to study harder, stayed up all night trying to study for the test even when you found yourself losing focus on your notes.

But you couldn't find your voice. It's like you're out to get me. You didn't have to, because once your sister already left your table when you looked up. She was standing near the doorway. ''Sit with me at lunch this time. Remember, don't be like Carson and forget to eat just to study.''

You nod. At the mention of your classmate, your eyes subconsciously wandered to where he was sitting previously. The sight makes you feel worse. You never understood Carson. He gets better grades than you, nigh perfect. So why does he stay behind to study? Why does he try harder on every project? Shouldn't it be you doing that? You need to be better. Your eyes snapped back to the now empty doorway, the few seconds that passed before you went and quietly tucked your paper back in your folders felt like eternity. You should eat lunch, like she said. Though you tried not to think, you found your thoughts drifting towards her as you walked. Did I ever tell you I'm not doing well?

“I miss being the little girl who was so in love with life. I miss when I couldn’t fathom there being anything more real and bewitching than the starry sky above me. I didn’t think there’d be anything beyond it. Back then, life was all about picking round, juicy peaches in the summer to share with my friends and admiring the bumblebees that flew by, stopping only to rest their ever so tiny feet on the lavender my grandma so dearly grew. I miss my grandma. I miss those old friends, I feel like all the pieces of my small, shattered heart have been forgotten in the homes of everyone who I ever loved.

Now I see that there’s more to life than starry skies and lush gardens. I look through the same windows of my childhood, but the colors of the outside aren’t as vibrant as before. Was it me who changed, or was it the world? Is this what growing old is like? Are my eyes wearing down already? I keep peeking through the curtains, watching strangers pass by, hoping I’d recognize a familiar face I haven’t seen in years amongst them and then, just like magic, the world would be shaped anew, and look once again exactly like the landscapes in my picture books.

Truth is, I have been riding this train for barely a while now. Those who sat by my side have already hoped out and directed to a new station, and I’m left on a small corner by this faded out window wondering if I’ll ever see them again. As the gates open every now an then, I take a look to all the new passengers boarding and bumping and wonder if they feel the same way, if they have their own peaches, bumblebees, and lavender they ache for. I hope someone takes the empty seat next to mine, so I can ask them about it. So I can tell them, “Would you like to enjoy the time being with me, however short it may be? We may not head to the same station, but we could take care of each others' thoughts for a little while.” And maybe, just maybe, it'd be wonderful if that while weren’t so little. Whatever train on whatever corner of the world you’re riding right now, I hope you’re okay. I hope someone sits by your side on this lonely ride, and that the stars shine upon you, just like the first time you knew you were loved. Our most precious time in this world consists of the little whiles spent with the people we cared for, that is.”

Let me tell you guys about my current favorite hero in DOtA -- Alleria Windrunner.  

I like using her because she's a very versatile hero, she can fit any role given the depending circumstance. Whether its to support, be the carry, or be a ganker. She can pull them off pretty neatly. But you know what they say -- "Jack of all trades, master of none" meaning, nine out of ten times you will get your ass served by heroes who are meant specifically for that role like Phantom Assassin or Demon Witch.

More importantly, she's really fun to use because all her skills require you to think. And with that said, she isn't really noob-friendly. If you're new to the game, I definitely wouldn't recommend her.