On rainy mornings, she always sat at the shelter down at the park. She would be in a crisp white blouse, pleated skirt and a navy blue jacket. Her handbag rested by her side. Green shadows shaded her from the sun. Spring, the season for love and new beginnings. I made my way towards the seat opposite hers, sneaking peeks at her from the corner of my eye as I sketched away.
I have this dream, to be shoemaker someday. I wanted to make shoes for women. At least that was what I thought when I saw my mum a few years back on her birthday, with a pair of sparkling purple heels. I still remember the twinkle in her eyes, and the warmth of her embrace. She sure loved shoes. At that time, I was only 10 years old, a child. Yet her smile made a huge impact on me, I'd never say it out loud but I do love my mum, and her beautiful smile. Though these days, she hasn't been smiling as much, but that is a story for another time.
In the garden, all was quiet save the sounds of nature. The rhythmic gushing of water through rocks, whispers from the leaves above and cicadas crying out in loneliness. Rain danced on the roof, trickling through small gaps. Faint sketches of shoe designs materialized on the pages, rustling as the pencil met paper.
'Strange, getting drunk this early in the morning?' She lifted the can of beer to her lips, taking small sips. I couldn't help but glance up at her peculiar action. Our eyes met, hers widened.
"You shouldn't drink beer on an empty stomach." I stated matter-of-factly.
'You shouldn't drink beer? What was I thinking! She'll think that I'm a creep now!' Surprisingly, she broke out into a gentle laughter, raising the edges of her lips.
"I do have snacks, hold on for a second." She rummaged through her handbag. When her hands surfaced, within them nestled several bars of chocolate. Meiji, Lindt, Hershey's, an assortment of gourmet chocolate. 'She's having chocolate and beer? To make matters worse, she's having them in the morning! What a queer person.' She broke my train of thought, "Do you want some?" Her hands outstretched, leaning towards me, the pile of chocolate came closer, and closer. My cheeks felt warm as I declined her offer with a shake of my head. I had to break away from her eyes, finding interest in the mold between the tiles.