The Heart of The City

One moment I was sitting at home reading through Economics notes, and the next I found myself wandering around KLCC, so barely visible amongst the crowd of shoppers, embraced by the new, fresh-looking, trendy outfits behind the display glass. This is where I belong! Exactly where I should be at that point of time! Standing at the centre of the building, I found myself being attracted by the temptation of the seasonal sales. The idea of exam had been erased completely from my mind, at least temporarily. Ben said this is no good, for I would later find myself trying hard to catch up with the world moving too fast (only one day left for revision). That is certainly not true, for I know, deep down of my heart I know, that shopping helps everything, and a glance at my victory purchase would make the world halt. I was a bird, free from all worries, fluttering my wings for the reach of somewhere far within. It is not somewhere far I am unfamiliar with, rather, a place where I ought to be, that brings back a sense of belonging, so much contentment I could hardly stop it flowing.

And there I was, invading the private world of two boys, freeing them from the occasional point and stare of other shoppers. The world is so accustomed to conventions, at the same time, capable of assumptions. How can we help, for the judgemental seed had planted itself from within? They who are of equal age, compatible looks and similar dressing, what more do they need to awaken the discerning gossipers? A foreign girl pointed and whispered. She laughed. What a pity that the ruler isn’t straight, for that it has lost its value, unless I can bend it with my hand. Nevertheless, the shape was but an illusion, a misleading mirage. The ruler was straight, straighter than her hair, the moment he found his owner. He pulled me close to his shoulder. She laughed, but this time, with different gestures.

But now, I have been transformed, from an eagle soaring high, to a hummingbird trapped in a rusted cage. A room filled with ancient dust, with the pressure of responsibility that suffocates. Loud noises blasted from the construction site, as if letting out the anger on my behalf. I could hear the soothing splashing of the pool, and the laughter of children playing. The tranquillity I have been longing. How many days await, before I could step my feet onto the heart of the city again, breathing in the modernised air and scrutinising every face that speaks from the heart that connects? Will it hurt to dream, of only what I hope for, yet oblivious to the blessings I have attained?

I lay beneath the shelter, blanketed by the starry sky, counting every second unconsciously. If only I can skip the time, I can avoid the pain of waiting. . .