It’s cold!

The sky is blue; clear, without a cloud. I’m sitting in bed, listening to the sound of birds chirping on the apple tree that Sim planted when he visited mom. I’m looking through the window. Too scared to go out there. Out there where the apple tree sways and slowly dances to the silent tune of the wind.

I’m all alone at home. The radio in the kitchen is playing. It’s on Umhlobo Wenene Fm – my mother’s favourite radio station. It’s quiet in the house. So I guess my mom has already left for work.

Why didn’t she wake me up like she always does? First, it is just a question! Then I think about it more, and it begins to hurt. Yes, I’m disappointed! She should’ve waken me up!

It’s not like I have anywhere to go, but I’m so used to her waking me up already that when she doesn’t it feels strange. Out of routine, if you know what I mean. But there’s no hurry for waking up. So, I just sit on the bed for a long while; just sitting there and looking out of the window.

Looking at the people walking on the street. They are all dressed in coats, jerseys and other things that would pass for warm clothes. Their clothes tell me only one thing: it’s cold! I really think it’s a good thing that I have nothing to do today. I mean, this weather is one of those that make you want to do only one thing: that is, to cuddle in bed in the arms of the one you love after being served a warm breakfast.

But if you’re like me (single) this remains only a far-fetched dream and fantasy. There’s no warm breakfast and no cuddling. After a while, I stand up and make up my bed. My stomach groans. Hunger drives me out of the bedroom and into the kitchen to try and prepare something to eat. On the kitchen table I find a note. It reads: “I was late… Don’t forget the laundry.”

My God! I don’t know what’s wrong with my mom. No. Really. I mean, why should I be doing laundry in this weather?

ZZ xx

Dish it: how’s the weather where you are?

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