Dumped!

It has been six months since we last talked, and we had parted on slightly disagreeable terms. Jane had packed her sandy travel bags and tucked them neatly in one corner. I had tried to stop her, but she kissed me farewell and moved out. The red and white cab parked outside on our worn-out pavement, its engine revving, waiting to carry her off.

Deep in my heart, I knew she had gone forever. She was the best companion I ever had. I gazed at the yellow-blackish weaver birds constructing their grass-thatched nests on our bamboo stems we planted ten years ago, warm saline tears ploughed my haggard, sunken face. Why did I let her go? 

Jane and I had had a few fights, but we had mended fences and moved on. Our close friends envied us. We were an adorable couple after high school. For fourteen years, we had lived together, listened to the same country music, bathed together, and we had cried together when we lost our dear parents.

Since Jane dumped me, my life slid into a dark, unfathomed abyss. I spent several hours in pubs, drinking and lounging lazily with friends. Every evening, I returned to an empty house, drunk and exhausted.

Last night as I rolled back home late from work, I glimpsed at something peculiar. The lights in the kitchen were on, and I smelled sweet-spicy foods cooking. I pulled the cranky door stealthily, hoping to surprise Jane, but alas, she was not there in the kitchen. The earthen pots on the stove simmered, releasing more aromas of sweetness. I trotted to the balcony, then the bedroom and ended in the garage. Jane was not there! Was I dreaming? I sloshed on my leather recliner and nursed a Captain Morgan whisky on rocks, and waited.

A door chime startled me, and I bolted to the opening door. Suki stood in the doorway, holding an oval basket of fresh vegetables and fruits. She pressed the basket and her black handbag on the coffee table and walked toward me. I hugged her and pecked her cheeks.

Suki sensed my disappointment as she squeezed my hand and then released it. 

She peeped into the kitchen and stirred the simmering food. Suki was my younger sister. I guess mother had sent her to check on me. Every item and utensils in my dingy house sparkled after her gentle touch. I loved the glitter and the ambience, the rejuvenated comfort of a home.

Fresh pink roses lined a porcelain vase, Jane had bought as a birthday present. I plucked one rose stem and smelt it. I closed my eyes momentarily, savouring its delicate fragrance.

"Dinner is ready, Suki bellowed out in the kitchen. Take a quick shower, and we eat. I have cooked your favourite spicy meatballs, chicken wings dipped in soy sauce, spaghetti, and baked potatoes sauteed in garlic and butter."

"Wow! Thanks, baby sister!" I replied excitedly, my mouth watered with anticipation.

I had not eaten a decent meal since Jane left. I kicked off my dark-tan leather shoes and stood up.

I placed my whisky tumbler on the sideboard and stared at Jane's portrait, her big, brown eyes smiled at me. I raised my glass to her and mumbled to myself, "We will be together again. You will see!".

My head felt light now. I nudged my bedroom door and walked in, I undressed slowly, gazing at my chubby, hairy body in the dressing mirror. The bathroom door was ajar. Jane's delicate perfumes permeated like the whiff of grey smoke on a starry night.

 I gasped sub-consciously, "Why did you dump me?" I felt the sharp, coarse stubble with my right hand and realised I hadn't shaved for weeks.