[1991] It's been almost 7 years since I've left this town. I'm currently back at our old home that me and dad used to live in when i was a kid. My mom handles family business and she's busy on most weekdays, so I only see her on weekends. My dad visits her daily and they both share lunch. I'm 23, I have a job now. I'm a construction planner at my mom's family company. They are both happy that I'm finally standing up on my own two feet now.
"7 years, huh.. Strange that a lot of things changed in such a short time.."
I gazed in a somewhat melancholic feeling at the neighborhood. Everything has changed. It looks like everyone abandoned their home and gave little care of what changes have been made to their place. Green, old moss is overgrown in every part of the street, from buildings to street lights. To put this sight in simpler terms, it looks like one of those towns they show in zombie apocalypse movies except there's no zombies and the houses are still functional. There's even a few people crossing by the road from time to time. I see a lot of infrastructure that did not exist when I used to be a kid. The new roads in every street instead of cement pavement walks; a brand new bus stop that connects to whatever god knows what city and more similar things are here. This place looks so new and so old at the same time that it just isn't the same old town that I used to remember anymore. I assume everyone I know has left this town, it would be a miracle if i meet anyone from my school days. While I was knee deep in the reminiscing of nostalgia, I finally arrived on site. This abandoned house right across the street corner will be demolished to build a new gas station which I'm in charge of. I looked at the home from the front yard, with two of my hands clenched together like in a prayer stance. I chose this plot for the project. I'll see through its completion. I opened the rusty iron gate lock with the keys that were jingling in my coat pocket. It has an old cat bell attached with an inscription that reads "Sweet home".
I made myself welcome to inspect what's left of the property. Walking inside, I lightly tapped on the door as if expecting an answer to come from the other side. I pressed the doorbell a couple of times which I might as well assume that it ceased to function properly long ago but I still pressed and waited as if it's going to change anything. Maybe it's the morality of ringing the bell and knocking on the door of someone's home that kept me doing it. Even though the residents have moved out and this is just an empty place for no one to call home. I quietly took out a pen and a small note from my pocket and scribbled about the condition of the door and security of this property. There's no need for me to do this but it's just an excuse for me to be here. This is its last moment and I'm fond of the idea of giving it some company while it still has time. I turned around, gazed at the house for one final time and left for some place to have a drink.