Creative piece: Nothing has changed.

August 17, 2010 No Comments

August 17, 2010: Nothing has changed.

Note: What is presented here is the first idea that came to mind on seeing the writing prompt. It has been left in its original, first-written state; without edits and changes. I welcome your comments and discussion points on the imagery this piece conjures for you when you read it. Comments by persons signing off as ‘anonymous’ will not be published.

With a slight quiver in my left hand, I pushed open the door that I had unlocked seconds before. As the door swung open, its hinges squealed and I held my breath. What did I expect? Maybe the sound of your cheerful greeting “Hey mom!”, or the sight of you curled up in bed and sleeping soundly.

In reality, nothing has changed since the day we decided to close off access to your bedroom: the windows were latched close, the curtains were drawn tight, and the door was locked by your father as we stood on the staircase landing, outside your room.

The bed covers are still pulled tightly over your mattress, which sleeps quietly at the far left corner. The posters looking down from the wall against its length retain their slightly furled corners after years of silently keeping their position. Your story books and magazines stand erect in their slots on the bookshelf facing your bed.

Your self-constructed wooden desk retains the mess of personal items that were left behind by you.

Wait a moment – does the blue tone of the wall and ceiling paint seem a little darker? Look again – the sheen of the floor carpet seems dulled than one that has been coated with two-inches of dust. Take another good stare – the wooden guitar stand on the far right corner of the room seems more aged since it was retired from its main duty.

No, nothing has changed. Yes, everything has remained as it was. Since the day you packed only the very minimum your belongings, and tiptoed out of our lives in the middle of the night, seven years ago.

No goodbye note; no explanatory letter, and since then no postcards from overseas giving us a clue to your whereabouts.

Our lives changed the day after you left us. However, since that day of your departure, the ’stop’ button of our lives was activated, and nothing has changed. Yes, nothing has changed.

(Copyright 2010 Patricea Chow)

creative piece