A Short October Story III

Maria has decided.

The new flat will be my new home, she concluded. The owner of the flat was late in his reply, as he was away in another state. He left her a voice message yesterday and told her that he has decided to let out his flat to her. The flat is bare, and she would have to get all the furnitures herself so that it will look like a proper home. That means, a lot of work and time.

The flat owned by the middle-age couple was snugly and warm. They had made the place so homely that Maria felt it'd be easy to settle in. Everything has been arranged such that she does not need to put in too much work. It was an as-is unit. Unfortunately, she has agreed the new flat owner that she will take his unit, prior to visit the middle-age couple.

She was pretty confused on the day of decision actually. She thought she was being nasty by visiting the owner when she has already promised another. She felt guilty for wasting their time. It's the first time she has done such a thing, and she didn't feel quite right doing it. It was as if she has committed a grievous sin.

Now that a few days has passed since agreeing to taking the new flat and visiting snuggly apartment, her worries that the nice couple may insist that she stay with them seemed to poof away in a cloud. It's probably the reply from the new flat owner that gave her the assurance that it was a right choice she made. And she reckoned, since the second choice couple can only promise her a place next Monday, she shouldn't have too much difficulty telling them that she has accepted another offer. Or so, she hopes.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Now, the next thing that Maria has to worry about is leaving the old apartment. It's been almost 3 years. Some habits will take a while to kick, like getting breakfast from her favourite cafe from friendly Old Chen would be a thing of the past. Or things like having to wait for the lift, and occasionally meeting the cute guy who works next door.

She hasn't spoken to her aunt about her departure. She hoped she could to let her know when on Monday. Maria wonders when would it be a good time to let her know. Morning, afternoon, or before the her uncle comes home? And how will her reaction be?

But Maria is not going to retreat. She has made a decision, and she knows it's for the better. For herself. For better or worse. She has to move on to a the new place where the opportunities seemed to be in the same vibrant colours as the walls leading to the new flat.

Though the owner, who lives nearby, has said that he will pop by and check to see if she need anything, Maria will have to start from scratch. There will be difficulty in adjustments, because she will be living entirely on her own in the new flat, unlike what she is used to, living under her aunt's roof. It's a bare apartment, with just a simple kitchen and curtains for the windows. But it will be up to Maria to transform this spartan place into something comfortable to live in.

There'll be a lot of changes, she told herself. But I will make it happen. I will do it, whatever it takes, I will make it a better place to live in.

Her mobile phone rang. The owner Wayne was on the other line, giving her a warm welcome to the new apartment. He told her that he has left her some flyers from the furniture shops and locksmiths in her mailbox, in case she doesn't know whom she could go to. He also told her that she might want to start painting the walls first, or maybe do some preparation work before she move in.

This will be a new beginning, Maria grinned to herself as she got off the phone with Wayne. God, please give me the wisdom, the courage and the boldness to take up the challenges ahead. Amen.


image from inmagine.com