HORI

Our neighbor, Mister Hori, had only himself and his son, who he hardly seemed to communicate with except through grumbling and grunts.

Black Betty

Two cold hands clasped Betty around her ankles. She was in a deep enough sleep that she had an awareness of the sensation.

Why I Meditate

There was a time in my younger life, which I refer to as the time of 'Flux.' It was a reasonable period where work, home, and spiritual activities all fell into this harmonious oneness, for lack of a better term.

"Perfect Rice"

After years of experience, I've learned never to be in the kitchen when my mother was either awake or at home.

"For The Love Of Money"

The former housekeeper from a Waikiki hotel sat alone in her bedroom, surrounded with garlic, salt, and several rosaries and crucifix.

"Mr. Kang"

Grant Society Case File:  #3574733

The aged koa wood table hosted an entire Korean menu from Dubu Bokum to Bul Gogi. The steam rising from the local meat jun was very inviting, as was the sumptuous aroma from the different sauces for each dish.

ʻŌhelo

I remember how guilty I felt when I went to see the devastation at Leilani estates a couple of years ago. All the curiosity went right out of me the second I witnessed the reality of what the volcanic eruption did to the everyday life of the people who lived there.

From The Cradle To The Cave

Three in the morning, one of the times that I have a moment to myself. Everything is quiet except for the slight tremor of cold air that comes in off the ocean. I figured I'd walk since my house is the last one on the block before the beach park.

The Boyfriend Problem

NOW

My daughter Terra and her boyfriend Claude were together for a good seven years before they finally called it quits. In my opinion, that relationship went seven years overtime. It should have ended in the first month.

Move Me Out

I've sat through many midnights at this bus shack. I never noticed how cold this concrete slab can get during these late hours. Funny how it takes a squad of three police cars just to ask me why I'm here since the buses in my neighborhood stopped running at 10 pm?

Burt's Pillbox

My brother Martin was a great storyteller. I was his rapt audience of one. Well, so was Laura, his girlfriend, but I was his younger brother, so I came first.

The Name Of A Monster

THEN

In any new relationship, there's a lot of passion and long talks regarding wistful hopes and dreams for the future. Truth be told, this wasn't my first rodeo. My previous relationships were unsuccessful, to say the least, but Kona assured me that her love was enough for both of us, and I needn't worry.