平凡、陳淑芬《A White Christmas Eve》

A White Christmas Eve ILLUSTRATION • SHU-FEN CHEN | STORY • PINFAN

潑墨書房 A puomo.com publication

episode 1

The Winter

It’s just another day of emptiness.

Very few would bother to visit the shop on a chilly day.

I am always thinking if I really have to live in regret for the rest of my life.

Arriving in the strange country with two years’ saving in wish to get a college degree, I end up spending most of my time moonlighting.

Whenever loneliness hits me, I am reminded of the boyfriend I left behind.

At the time, it felt like the right decision,

but I didn’t know the consequences would be painful to bear.

episode 2

The One

Without any warning, I told him I’m leaving; but he kindly spared me of any argument.

I burst out, made a scene, as if he was the one breaking the relationship.

If I hadn’t known better, I would think he wasn’t even in sorrow.

Wondering what he is up to now...

...last year felt like a century away.

He smoked too much, but he would wave his hands in the air to keep the cigarette fume away from my direction.

Ironically now, the stinky aroma is what reminds me most of him.

People here smoke too.

Same brand of cigarettes, but different faces.

episode 3

The Days

First two months in the new country wore me out completely.

When I finally found a place to stay and work to occupy my time.

But the cigarette aroma, his aroma, broke me down.

Went to school with swollen eyes,

because I couldn’t shut my eyes to sleep without thinking about him.

During the day, it was alright, people pass by, come and go...

... and trivial things fill up my time.

episode 4

The Flowers

The roses in the glass box was the only flower he ever gave me.

He never brought me flowers, after I told him I don’t like lifeless petals.

I keep the roses in two glass chests, one for each of us.

I really shouldn’t have brought this with me.

The roses are like magic that bring him to me.

He just sit beside me with a cigarette, looking at the flowers, and smiles.

Ah.

Time to go. Everyday repeats itself again and again.

episode 5

The Snow

I bought him a flight ticket with months of savings...

...have him received it yet?

I don’t even know if he would forgive me.

It’s so cold...

...almost too cold for winters.

It’s snowing!

My dear lord, if you’re listening...

...please tell him I am waiting here at 139° 45’ east and 35° 39’ on this side of the world.

A White Christmas Eve ILLUSTRATION BY SHU-FEN CHEN STORY BY PINFAN ENGLISH TRANSLATION BY VLADIMIR STOLICHNAYA

潑墨書房 台北市106羅斯福路三段253號6樓之1

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