It is now October 12th, and there is no weekend off. The wind outside carries the unique clarity of autumn as it sweeps through the buildings, producing a hollow howling sound. As for why I am sitting at the desk at this moment instead of enjoying leisure, there is no need to elaborate. That being said, let’s start from the recent past. After the holiday, I returned to work for three or four days, feeling out of sorts, as if there were a layer of frosted glass between me and my work, my thoughts still drifting elsewhere. Tonight, I had a meal at a newly discovered clay pot restaurant, and then I made a reservation at another place, preparing to indulge on another day.
The recently passed holiday felt like a grand dream. Memories linger of the bustling crowd at the station, the sound of suitcase wheels rolling over the ground, and the mixed feelings of fatigue and excitement. Those few days felt elongated. I could sleep in until late morning without guilt, smiling as I pulled her up, wandering aimlessly on the streets. Bao and I walked through the alleys of PJ Road, where white walls and dark tiles were adorned with various window frames that decorated the gardens. After sunset, we strolled through the somewhat desolate ST Street, passing through dark, empty paths. We paused in front of interesting little shops, commenting on the Su embroidery in the windows or being pleasantly surprised by an unexpected travel guide. Those "improved" Su cuisine dishes may not be very "authentic," but they perfectly matched our blended tastes, much like our relationship, finding a unique balance through adjustment. We talked about grand ideals and shared trivial updates. In those moments of walking side by side and chatting casually, the long-accumulated fatigue seemed to be gently shaken off by the gentle breeze of Jiangnan and each other's company. The gentleness of S Province seemed to soak into our time, softening everything. Whenever we talked about travel, the word "regret" was never far away. This time, it was just one garden we visited, and Bao's umbrella fell again. I believe it is not something to be avoided at all costs, but rather an essential "reserved program" in life, to be accepted calmly and faced with joy, knowing that diversity is the source of happiness.
The train back home felt like a precise time machine, instantly dragging us from that warm world filled with the smell of fireworks back to the cold steel forest. The moment the holiday ended was not when we stepped onto the return journey, but rather the next morning, when the alarm clock, with its usual ruthlessness, woke you up, and you realized you had to switch immediately into "battle mode." Thus, we found ourselves with this weekend, which felt more intense than a workday. It was like repaying the joy advanced during the holiday, or perhaps desperately saving something for the next journey. In a few days, it will be my birthday, and I think I can look forward to some good things, peanuts 🥜.
The wind is still blowing, carrying a chill. So, let’s continue. With a heart pressed by the warmth of fireworks, I will re-enter this bustling world. For the next encounter worth rushing towards, and for all the responsibilities and dreams that need no words but are understood.