湖畔回望

By the lake, a wooden staircase stood out. It was a simple viewing platform. Something stirred on the water’s surface. From above, through bare shrubs, I glimpsed white specks floating swans. Their feathers gleamed, long necks curved, reflections clear in still water. Some pecked at the surface, others preened, and a few drifted alone. Further…

I wander along a small path known as the “Poet’s Walk,” lined with lush grasses. Despite it being near my house, I have never been here before. Today, the winding, narrow path beneath my feet ushers me to explore the unknown. On the halfway, I see tall trees with sturdy trunks spreading wide. Vibrant wildflowers…

There he is again—bald head, big nose, that same wistful photo she thought she’d seen the last of. She’s only checking the website for updates, but somehow he sneaks in like a pop-up ad with feelings. His profile still insists he misses his late wife dearly… but also claims she’d want him to find “the right woman to live with.”

I’m drinking green tea—not one I brewed myself, but from Starbucks. It’s slightly bitter, astringent on the tongue, from the tea bag steeping too long. But today, I don’t mind. I take small sips to the last drop, savoring it as if it were fine wine. It’s 10 a.m., and a few scattered customers sit…