A Station's Spring

After getting of the train, cold breeze brushes the light skin of Marvin Lao as he strolls on the man-made cement of the city’s sidewalk, hands clutched together underneath his jacket with gloves worn, knitted scarf wrapped around his neck and a pair of leather Timberlands for his feet this winter season

It’s been years; Though he has Asian blood running through his circulatory and genetics, he lived far away from continent.

That the city of Lowelldown experience the last bloom, the always feel the white, dark and cold winter following the other two seasons excluding the spring

Marvin was a fetus when people in the city said the definition of true bloom, the satisfying and overwhelming sight of spring in the city’s view

Full of curiosity and envy felt as heard about it’s description. How wish to experience such feeling, pastel painted on tree branches, flying caterpillars and honeybees on flower petals- what a sight

Spring was said as nature’s true evidence of beauty

And it’s a beautiful gift given to us

Twisting the metal knob of the well carved wooden door of his maroon colored brick household, stepping inside full of relief as heat hugs his entire self slightly and slowly taking away the freezing state due to today’s season

“Merry Christmas James ” he crouched down and slide his fingers through the fur of his pet cat as it purrs against his hand

Making his way to the living room where a fire place was set connected to the chimney where in story books Santa Claus goes when he sneak in to homes and leaves some presents

Sigh in relief as pure warmth was all he felt, snuggling to a blankie that was placed on his mini couch against the blazing but calming fire he heard a meow

Turning his head beaming at the small creature facing on the wooden door with it’s head tilted at one side. Knitted his eyebrows he stood up and walk towards where James was looking, its obvious that there’s someone behind the door

He waits for that ‘someone’ to clutched his fist and knock at the entrance

Knock

Receiving the cue, he held the metal knob and open the door to reveal who’s on the other side. A middle-aged man with slight hint of grey hair with few lines on his face wearing similar winter clothes like everyone else

Smiling to see the man he greeted with joy “Uncle”

“Marvin, oh my, you’ve grown” the aging man smiled as he patted on Marvin’s shoulder “Happy Holidays Uncle Oden” greeting the aged mad with a tender smile to offer

He patted the younger’s shoulder in reply as both figures made their way to the kitchen “Is it okay if I stay here to celebrate Christmas?” Marvin look at his uncle and nodding his head in idea

“That would be lovely” he smiled

♡

“How’s life Marvin?” The man ask his nephew as they both cleanup the dining table after their first supper together in years

Shrugging “Still usual” the man sighed at the younger’s statement “Why don’t you have a girlfriend? Your already an adult and I don’t want my nephew will grow old alone” he joked that made Marvin chuckle

“I promise I’ll have one but not now” he smiled “Still wanting to witness Spring aren’t you” words slipped through his uncle’s mouth made him stop what his doing and faced the man and smiled. His uncle does know him alot “Totally”

“You know, I have something for you”

Full of curiosity he followed his uncle to the living room not forgetting to place the plates and utensils on the sink

Sitting on the lounge couch his uncle grab a gift box which he hadn’t noticed he brought a while ago “Opened it when I fall asleep ok?” He nodded in obedience, he shakes the box, very curious about what’s the matter inside

“This will give you the answer about your wish” the uncle stated that made him look at the aged man. Wish? Is it about Spring? Because of the thought, he can’t wait to open his first Christmas gift of the year. Astonished by the wrapped material his uncle spoke “I guess it’s getting late, continue the dishes, I’ll tuck James to bed” standing up Marvin replied a simple ‘ok’ and placed the gift under the Christmas tree and headed towards the kitchen

Oden on the other hand, smiled as he watches his nephew kept on smiling. Guess he raised him well, as he knows that Marvin already know what’s the gift is about

“Meow” turning his head towards the source of the sound he had a small smile and walk towards the fluffy creature “Time for bed little lad”

Meanwhile, Marvin couldn’t take the smile on his face off as if it was a sticker with a dash of super glue on it. He kept waiting to experience the blooming days, could he witness it on his own eyes? Could he see the overwhelming sight of pastel leaves on branches and the beauty of mother nature? He can’t wait to open his gift

♡

“Uncle Oden?” Marvin spoke with a low volume as his eyes scan the whole guess room to see his uncle sleeping on the bed with two layers of comforter to heat himself from the cold. Excitement jolt upon his body as it’s his cue to open the mysterious box under the Christmas tree

Though a thought came that he should open it on Christmas eve, he can’t wait any longer bonus the statement of his uncle to open it when he closes his eyes drifting to sleep

Dashing towards the lounge are where the decorated tree was placed, he settled himself on the carpeted floor and reach for his gift. Slowly ripping off the wrapper making sure to not wake his little James to create more noises

“A book...?” In his hold an old rusty golden-brown book- which is kind of a notebook type with a blank cover. Paging the papers to his surprise it wasn’t just an ordinary book, it’s a diary