Backlane Tales

Under The Rain

Dark clouds swirl overhead, hinting at an incoming rainstorm. Crowds of people throng the bustling street. Shoppers push their way past each other, rushing back to the comfort of their own homes. Next to the trash bins, Meredith and her five-year-old son, Hope, huddle together. They watch the crowd scurry about. A sudden wind gusts through Meredith's frizzy black hair. She pries away the wayward strands in a hurry. Once again, another long day awaits us, she thinks to herself.

She composes herself with a deep sigh. Her dark brown eyes dart around at the strangers who offer nothing but sympathy. A young mother begging on the streets for some spare money to keep her son and herself alive, of course people would feel pity towards them. When dark clouds loom over the streets, it's time to head back home. Meredith lowers herself to meet her son's gaze. Lifting his chin, she says with a gentle smile, "We are going home soon."

His eyes sparkle after hearing those words. Meredith peers into her small bowl, counting how much they've earned for the day. "RM45... not too bad. We can afford a decent meal for two with this," she says under her breath while packing their belongings. Hope watches his mother as he sets his cheeks on his knuckles.

"Can we eat something good today?" he asks, looking at Meredith with pleading eyes. For what reason would Meredith say no to her son's request? Peering back at the bowl, she smiles back at her son with a small nod, masking her concern.

The pair soon walk to Hope's favourite restaurant, McDonald's. Upon entering, the signature scent of burgers and fries waft towards them. Loud growls emit from both stomachs as soon as they see the menu. Hunger is an understatement as they both have been surviving with only a piece of bread since morning. Meredith orders a Happy Meal, deciding she will sneak a few French fries from Hope. This way, she can save some money for the next few days. Seeing Hope's cherubic face filled with a burst of happiness, she's content. Even if her stomach is piercing her gut from hunger.

Meredith stares at Hope as he brings the burger to his mouth. The way he shoves down his food reminds Meredith of her ex-boyfriend. The father-son resemblance doesn't surprise her anymore, though it does bring back memories she wishes to never remember. His days were nothing but indolent, dysfunctional, and dissolute. Meredith shakes her head, hoping to shake away the pains of her past. She swears to raise Hope well. She swears he won't end up like him.

Hope lets out a monstrous burp and his eyes open wide. Shy chuckles escape Hope's lips as he covers his mouth with his tiny hands. A broad smile spreads across Meredith's face and they burst into a peal of laughter. Laughter rich as daylight thunder. The half-empty restaurant trembles with the reverberating sounds of joy. Meredith hasn't laughed this hard in a long time. All she wants is to disconnect from everything but this exact moment of Hope and her, laughing together, bellies full. This is her heaven.