Together we grow old...

The moment I opened my eyes slowly to peep at the sunlight, I saw these trees lying just outside the window and my morning was greeted by the chirping noises of these small lil birds happily jostling around the tree branches. And that’s when I realized that it’s Saturday, not any working Saturday, but the Saturday Off duty.

I was lazying in bed and pretended that I was still sleeping like no ones business. Yesterday was a tough day. So, psychologically, it’s a compensation. Although I was physically lying still but my mind just couldn’t sleep no more.

I was thinking and kept on thinking. I saw Mr.James last night lying still on his bed. His wife told me that he was lying in bed for the past 3 months and that 1 month ago, he stopped talking and was motionless. He was only able to open his eyes like a soul trapped in a still body. His back was rotten and the stench could turn over ones stomach inside out.

How could he be left at home in such kinda situation? It just troubled me. The reason was that all the children are living in the city leaving both parents fending their life at home. Quickly, I shut my eyes and stopped myself from being judgmental.

Slowly, I picked myself up and went to the bathroom. Then, I sat in the living room while leaving the radio on. It was really a slow and chill morning. I glanced over the couch in front and I saw some outdated newspapers which I bought from that thin aunty who always wore a hat with a bundle of papers on her both arms walking around the town. I called her Aunty Amoi, coz everyone calls her AMoi (Young lady). She is very kind to me coz she would bring me some fruits and biscuits, and sometimes free newspapers.

So, I started browsing through the paper. Oh, how much I realized that I was so detached from the outside world. There are so many things happening outside. Then, an article caught my eyes. There was this lil’ blurred picture of a few elderly people on the street. I thought it was some kinda floaters.

The story went like this. Bulgaria is one of the poorest countries in Europe. Due to the current inflation rate, many pensioners are forced to work just to make ends meet. These people are working in sectors that the younger generations probably won’t be interested working in. It really sounded troubled that I even had trouble swallowing as my throat felt like thickened.

I wonder what would happen to me when I become 70. The society nowadays really is marginalizing the elderly. Have we forgotten who we are if not because of them? Maybe one day I will have to sweep the street when my turn comes. Am I being judgmental? I don’t know but what I see today is a society that we need to salvage. Who am I to say that. Afterall, I am living far away from my parents. But I always pray and be grateful that my parents’ bowls are always filled. What about yours?