War, Firecrackers, and Farewells: A Filipino New Year Short Story

Set during a Filipino New Year street celebration, this short story follows Gustavo—a man caught between fading traditions, family noise, and the quiet certainty of change. Amid fireworks, karaoke, and overflowing plates, he begins to understand what he is about to leave behind. An Empty Harvest “War is an empty harvest. The gods gave mankind intellect and hands meant to build worlds, yet we…