Journey Part 3

She opened her eyes, yet again into the same uncertainty.

Slowly, a soft smile was blossomed on the face as she saw a hole high in the roof. Facial wrinkles deepened when she wondered how the rain drops and light rays raced with each other, just to wade through the thick darkness prevailed in that small room. To her, it seemed rainy outside as the bashing sound increased up above the roof tiles. Weak light fell through the only hole in those tiles indicated the absence of a sunny day also. A desperate attempt to turn away from the dripping water only increased her pain. As her weak body started to shiver in the piercing cold, she inhaled deeply and extended her both arms in search of anything that could create noise, but in vain. Helplessly, she closed her eyes and fists as tight as possible, as if to fight the intense cold. At times, a light breeze would caress her shivering body – probably to prevent her from falling unconscious. Filthy condition of that room was well preserved by a locked door with rusty iron bars.

Few hours later, the door opened with a shrieking noise which awakened her. A man stepped inside with a plate of food and kept it down, close to her. She could just stare at him helplessly and tried to keep her eyes open. He bowed further to assist her to sit against the cracked wall. Dry roti (bread) served with lentil (Dal) failed to trigger her taste buds and thus remained as left over in the plate. Perhaps all her senses were occupied in dealing with enormous level of agony she has been through. She wouldn’t recall anymore the day her life was crumbled. As the ashen and curly hair fell on face, she attempted to move it aside – just like memories of her past life. Gulped some water with shivering hand and she leant backward. The man who brought the food wondered how this poor lady struggled with own life, if not with her surroundings. Everything around her had much to contribute towards the pitiable condition. He moved the bed to the dry part of the floor, little towards the door and helped her to move. Somehow, with painful steps, she managed to reach the bed and lied down. She kept her eyes wide open to avoid getting drown in memories and stared at the bare floor. But, that debilitated and enfeebled lady finally lost the battle and closed eyes.

He carefully stepped out as not to wake her up and cautiously closed the door.

It was an abandoned school building which was turned into a shelter for destitute, especially old people. This building and its tenants had many things in common, be it a glorious past or bleak future for both. After all, life is much more like an oasis which no one can be sure of until met with the ultimate fate, regardless of how reassuring the surrounding environment is. Things go upside down overnight, emotionally, physically or financially – if destined.