On the first day of the year, different colours and styles of fireworks were discernible in the sky. One that we lit set a nearby bush ablaze, reminding us that indeed, fire does work. I was two blocks away from home in the midst of the wild plus young at heart, and though I turned a year older on that very day, getting back inside and switching to neverland is what my mind yearned for.
By March, the excitement dwindled and consequently,I got back to my quotidian life of helping my mum at the restaurant.
The sound of the cash register when people pressed their orders, the familiar and strange faces I invariably had to say hello to plus tolerate no matter how rude, and the long hours away from home made me yearn for a life away from the hustle and bustle.
Therefore, when the lockdown was announced and my mum decided to shut the business until further notice,I thought, good riddance!
As March said goodbye, the life I always wanted came by. I stayed home, watched a lot of tv, slept in, caught up with the latest updates on social media and spent time with my whole family to boot.In addition, I went through my old stuff, reminisced, as well as just lived in the moment. This was beautiful and enjoyable, howbeit.
They came as days and went as weeks and I woke up still dreaming, dreaming of the smiles on people’s faces as they enjoyed our food including the precious memories made. Some of the customers that came were not so nice, but my mum and I laughed about it later. I missed them, I missed the aroma and I missed going to bed knowing I had somewhere to go to the next day. Also, necessities were no longer as easy to have as when the business was still running.
Then I had an epiphany, the life I was searching for is the one I had all along, I just didn’t realise and appreciate it. Yes it was tiresome, yes sometimes it was annoying, but this is what made it worthwhile. This is what made it my life.
Taking a walk down the streets and seeing how the once crowded and well kept places looked dilapidated, made me wish to have everything back. When the virus is gone,I just want what I had, nothing more.The silver lining is that I learned a valuable lesson,
It’s ok to take some time out, it’s ok to go on vacation, but its never okay to take for granted what brings you happiness and makes your story.