The next morning was sunny and bright. It was the second day of Chinese New Year, and Ken decided to go out and enjoy himself before his office opened for work.
As he walked along the cannel, watching the rippling water caused by the cruise boat going by, he thought of the previous night. It had been strange finding that gold pin, and then the strange noise from the kitchen.
He noticed a large group of people, all dressed in their smartest, gathered under the line of trees. Curious as to what they were doing, Ken went towards them. That was when he saw her.
A green paper umbrella, decorated with pink flowers and honey suckle birds, held in the hand of a girl. She was wearing a purple kebaya, and the sway of her hips was hypnotizing.
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There was a hush when she came nearer to them. Ken could not take his eyes off her, fascinated by her movements and her beauty. In his heart he knew he did not have a chance with a girl like her.
Yet, she cast her eyes on him and Ken was certain there was a hint of a smile on her lips. Her fragrant filled his lungs, till he could not breath, it was intoxicating.
He had wanted to greet her, or maybe even talk to her, but his courage failed him. Ken was afraid to even look her in the eye. His mouth went dry, and his heart started beating too fast.
The girl looked at him again, and this time Ken felt sure that he would say something to her, but what could he say? Thoughts raced through his mind, but nothing came. The fear in him was too great, his fear of being rejected by her, like so many other girls before.
But just as quickly as she had come, the girl went past Ken, and continued walking down the street. The effect had been magical. Ken felt his heart pounding, his lips dry, and his breath coming in short bursts.
"Who is that girl?" he asked the many men standing there, just like him, still dazzled by the mysterious girl.
Nobody had an answer. Ken had to go on his way, but he could not put her out of his mind.
For the rest of the day he just wandered about, and had a lunch of the chicken rice balls that Malacca was so well known for. He was sure that the girl had looked at him, and smiled. That was encouraging. Yes, the next time he saw her, he will speak to her.
YOU ARE READING
White Payung
Mystery / ThrillerKen is staying in a haunted house, and the ghost starts talking to him. She wants his help to bring justice for her rape and murder. He has a fear of being rejected by girls, so when he falls in love with a mysterious girl carrying a paper umbrell...
