THEN AND NOW

THEN

Two miniature beds with identical hideous and itchy blankets stand a meter apart perfectly fitting the small children that occupied them. Staring out the huge window framed by the multicoloured plants and out over the city, I felt like a superhero ready to jump into action. A small flock of greedy birds surround a pearl white bird bath filled with fresh water every weekend. The whirling of an old and chipped heat pump serves as an unwelcome guest constantly chattering. A lingering odour of burnt food creates a thick cloud of white and grey making breathing a challenge. A welcoming older couple with warm smiles makes us stagger backwards after finally releasing us from bone crushing bear hugs. Like the back of a scarab beetle the shiny black leather couch crouches beside a shelf colourful in contrast, packed with books of every genre, a readers paradise. Children were often perched in front of the small box tv while it played an innocent movie with popping colours. The new bright white plush carpet is like lying on a cloud. Entering the master bedroom was like walking into a jewellery shop, necklaces of all shapes and sizes remind me of small gum balls threaded on a thin piece of wire. The worlds weakest shower stands tall in the unattractive ocean themed bathroom complete with sea shells from past adventures. A collection of blue and white china lay statue still in the stunning dark wood and glass cabinet.

NOW

Having given up on trying to maintain the large garden years ago, the over grown rose and tussock bushes half hide the city with its vivid green leaves. A group of familiar birds still enjoy the enchanting bath which no longer has the beautiful clean look but is covered in a light tinge of green and brown. An ancient queen bed with broken springs now replaces the twin beds, but the itchy blankets still remain intact. Pictures from the past and present act as a visual family tree displaying the common features passed down through the years. A new sleek and silent heat pump has taken the place of the old buzzing one. The smell of being incapable of cooking an unburnt meal quickly hits me with nostalgia after just one step into the cozy home. Now a short frail lady with a smile still as warm as the sun sits lonely on the ripped leather couch backed up next to the unique book shelf which now carries items of sentimental value and the odd cup of cold tea. Now game shows with flashing lights and loud noises are religiously played on repeat. The carpet still has the same relaxing feeling but looks like a tie-dye gone wrong as the red wine stains all tell their own stories. The master bedroom always looks immaculate even though the only regular visitor is a small spider who decorates the roof and walls with its thin transparent web. The unpleasant ocean theme has been replaced with clean modern white walls but the disappointing shower still remains untouched. The delicate unloved china collection still sits in the same charming cabinet which is now decorated with a deep scratches and dents.