Holding her hand tightly, I follow mom as we walk into an unfamiliar place.
This place is very strange. There are some tall buildings and short buildings next to each other. The street is bustling and people walk non stop almost as if they are running. This is not the town where I usually go to buy groceries. I can't see the usual aunties and uncles here.
Mom also walks very fast here. Usually, she would stop and look for food or other things. Today she just walks along with the crowd without stopping.
I remember I could still see flowers and greenery yesterday, waking up by the smell of mom's cook inside our cabin on the hill. I played in the flower garden and explore the nearby river. Now, the snow is falling. I love winter. Winter is the only time I could build a snowman. But... shouldn't the world turn orange before it turns white?
Last night mom told me we are going on a journey to a faraway place. We left the house when the sun goes down with a big bag on her shoulder. We stand on the side of the road with several other people. When a car arrived in front of us, mom carries me inside. The car was so big that I ride it with so many strangers. Mom told me to never talk to a stranger so I sit quietly for the whole ride. I mostly sleep because it's dark and kids should sleep on the night to grow tall.
I woke up when the sky change to light blue and the sun greet us. I was still inside the big car. Mom looks like she stays awake the whole night. I think there are changes in the faces of the people in that car, but I'm not sure. When the big car stop, my mom went out along with several other people. They look so serious and scary, so I hide behind my mom.
A very cold wind greeted us. I shiver. Mom kneels in front of me and puts a dark coat on top of my grey hoodie. Making sure I stay warm. She made sure the hoodie was raised to cover my head. She stood up and put on a thin jacket for herself. After shouldering the bag back, she grabs my hand and we keep going. Until here.
I was so surprised when the snowfall, but people here look undisturbed. They keep doing their own things under the umbrellas or inside the buildings. I was so mesmerized by this strange snow that fall. When I look around, I spot the trees still have their green leaves.
"Mom, look! It's snowing," I pull her hand and point at the snow that keeps falling from the sky.
"Yes, it's pretty right?" mom said to me while keep walking.
"Why there's snow in summer, mom?" I asked her. Snow only arrive in winter to change the world into white. It's still summer so the world should be green.
"It's just the way it works here, honey," she said, never slow down her pace.
I keep walking while tightly holding her hand. She rushed through the crowded street, only look forward. I feel tired of walking because I can't keep up with mom's big steps.
"Mom, I'm tired," I told her.
Fortunately, mom stops walking this time and looks at me. We step aside to not disturbs other people's walk. She said it was a manner to do so. Again she kneels in front of me so we could talk at the same eye level.
"Are your legs hurt, Julian?" mom asked me and I nodded to answer her.
"We almost arrive at our destination. Can you keep up with mommy a little more? I promise we'll eat delicious food there," she said while smiling. Her light green eyes look a little cloudy today.
"Will there be a cake?" I asked.
Mom keeps her smile and nodded.
"There will be plenty of cake and delicious cookies for you," mom assures.
"I love cookies," I jump excitedly, making my hoodie fall. Some snows land on my black hair and I look up to see how pretty it was. The snow made this world looks beautiful. White on the green is pretty but I hope it would stay green so I can play outside more.
"Hiiikkk!"
A sudden pitch from a nearby woman caught my attention. An old woman looked at me in surprise. "What happened to you, child? Why are your eyes like that?" she asked.
Mom immediately raised my hoodie and pick me up. She runs from there with me in her arms. I hugged my mom as we become further away from the scared looking old lady. While hugging her, I pull down some hair to cover my golden eye that didn't match my green one.
I feel bad for my mom because now she had to carry me. I took a little note for myself to not let any stranger see my eyes again.
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AN: Thank you for reading this story to the very end. Until next time!