One might be
tempted to deduce looking at the clouds in a form of a rabbit, of a horse and
the moon as the eye, but last night’s one-of-a-kind scenery above the sky was purely
coincidence – only a happenstance that needs no interpretation. And if it did –
it was simply a manifestation of favor for my eyes to behold freely – straight
from my veranda.
I don’t have a
television or a radio in my room, but I can tell how angry Mr. Sun is or how
happy Mr. Moon as well. A step away from my kitchen is my favorite place at
home where I don’t need an earth-orbiting satellite to transmit communications
signals or a powerful instrument to predict the weather – I can see it plain from
my veranda.
And a step away
from my veranda is like sitting next to a fiery oven dripping sweat. It’s just
a thin line distance to feel a changed temperature. Thanks to my veranda where
I can cool myself down especially when wind do not bring much coldness. I prefer
fresh air because I dislike air from the electric fan a lot.
Whether or not I
am tired, I have to clean my veranda keeping it neat and indulging. Or else it
will be untidy to take advantage of.
For as long as I
am in this house, this tiny place is inseparable – not a single night or day
I’d miss taking pleasure in – regardless what each season brings – one will
always find me here moon watching and counting numerous stars and guessing
weathers and beholding sunsets and expecting sunrises and many more.
For whatever
reason brought me to my veranda every time, people will not be able to
understand my intention. Many times I got the feeling that my neighborhood is very
suspicious of me – whether I’m a psycho or a spy or someone else – at least
from my observation. If only they grasped grace is, then they will truly
comprehend me and my obsession with veranda – a favored place one tenant
couldn’t afford.
Like any
unpredictable days, this is where I spent my quiet time to reflect life and the
stresses it caused me and others. This is where I prayed for mercy and safety
when rumors of war worry every citizen of this country left scary individuals
paranoid – right in this miniscule spot of my house.
Typical or
unordinary night my veranda is always welcoming – I usually drink my coffee or
tea here; I listen to my favorite songs here whether or not I hum or sing along
with; I also sleep here once in a while when heat is just too hot to bear.
I can no longer
remember each drama and eureka moment my eyes have witnessed simply in this
place where I spend most of the time at home – they are too many to recall.
One cold evening
as I was enjoying the cool breeze in my veranda, I fell asleep. Suddenly I felt
a severe heat all over my body and smelled a strange burning substance.
What was that? I said while my
nose in protest. And then I woke few of my closest neighbors up including the
guard to make sure nobody was burning the house down. Few minutes after there
was a power cut which alarmed the whole community.
Paranoia after
paranoia drove some minds wild that night trying to give few assumptions – when
what ifs were just irresistible to think of.
“It smells like Chinese
incense to me!” a
friend said. Her comment settled everything. We realized that the Chinese
community was actually in celebration, burning intolerable incenses.
If I wasn’t in
my veranda, I would not know. So this place for hundred times gives me access to
think of others’ welfare when dangers is seemingly present – not for nosiness’
sake but trying not to be indifferent.
As usual, horns
at night annoyed me still but I know these noises are only temporary. I’m not
going to be here forever. So let this bugging be and have me enjoy this
veranda. Maybe in my next move out won’t be able to find a place like this or
maybe bigger than this. No one knows exactly!
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