°•~Happy Reading~•°
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In the heart of Indonesia, amidst the bustling streets of Jakarta, a peculiar sight unfolds every month. The grandeur of an auction house, with its ancient wooden doors adorned with intricate carvings, stands as a beacon of tradition amidst a sea of modernity. Red lanterns adorned with golden tassels sway gently in the warm tropical breeze, casting a soft glow on the gathering crowd.
As the sun begins its descent beyond the horizon, the auction house comes alive. Intricate tapestries from centuries past, beads of coral and silver, finely crafted masks worn by tribal elders – all laid out on velvet cushions under the soft light of oil lamps. The air is thick with the scent of incense and jasmine, invoking a sense of mystique that envelops the space.
Among the attendees is Ibu Sari, a seasoned collector with an eye for the rare and exquisite. Her flowing batik dress and silver hair tied in a neat bun signify her status as a connoisseur of fine artifacts. She moves through the bustling crowd with grace, her keen eyes scanning the displays with practiced precision.
Seated at the back of the room is Budi, a young artisan seeking inspiration from the beauty of the ancient artifacts. His calloused hands fidget nervously as he clutches a small notebook, sketching the intricate patterns of a Javanese keris dagger with fervor. The flickering light of the oil lamps cast shadows on his youthful features, highlighting the intensity of his gaze.
The auctioneer, a middle-aged man with a booming voice and a keen sense of showmanship, takes center stage. He clears his throat and begins the bidding, each word dripping with the promise of uncovering hidden treasures. The crowd falls silent, their breath held in anticipation as the first item is presented – a delicate porcelain teapot adorned with cherry blossoms.
Ibu Sari raises her hand with a knowing smile, her bid commanding respect from the other attendees. Budi watches in awe, his heart racing with the thrill of the auction. The tension in the room is palpable, each bid met with a hushed murmur from the onlookers.
As the night wears on, the auction house becomes a stage for the dance of commerce and culture. Ancient relics change hands, each transaction a testament to the enduring legacy of Indonesia's rich history. Ibu Sari leaves the auction house with a satisfied smile, her latest acquisition cradled in her arms. Budi watches her departure with a mix of admiration and longing, his dreams of creating masterpieces fueled by the magic of the auction.
And so, the night fades into memory, leaving behind a tapestry of stories woven into the fabric of Indonesia's vibrant soul. The auction house stands silent once more, a sanctuary for treasures old and new, waiting to be discovered by those who dare to seek the beauty that lies within its hallowed halls.
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••°°THE END°°••
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LIFE IN ONE PAGE
Short Story[Warning English is not my first language] This is a collection of flash fiction stories that "The Weekend Write In" organizes for each week. This story tells about daily life in an Indonesian country. First Chapter: Friday, 20 October 2023. Last Ch...
