I
got stranded in an unfamiliar place.
It’s
not as bad as it seemed. It’s just a night market. So, that meant spending the
night there until the hawkers felt pleased with their businesses and decided to
pack, which I heard it could even be till wee hours in the morning.
Only
then could I go home.
Why? It's a long story, anyway, it doesn’t matter.
There were two ways to react in this situation. Should I break down and stand in a
corner awaiting for the Sun to rise? Or go roam the dark streets around and risk
getting murdered?
You
bet I chose the latter.
I’m
more of a ‘Landscape’ person, which means I generally focus more on buildings,
pavements or lighting designs instead of people.
So
today, I’m going to talk about people. Specifically, people at night.
Most
people fear the dark because they are scared of the unknown. Crimes happen
mostly in the dark. Secrets are better kept when hidden in the dark.
No
one wants you to know that somewhere, in the middle of the night, they are
selling illegal products, spoilt fruits, or begging for money, or they are
having fun, partying with friends you aren’t being introduced to and eating a
heavy meal to make up for the skipped-lunch-show in front of colleagues.
Some
are eyeing carefully for the next potential victim, some are quietly studying
at a nearby gas station, some are heading towards a crowded bar, with high
heels that may break at any moment and a mini dress that sparkles like a disco
ball.
The
atmosphere is really energizing, the noise and the vibe the place gives off is
addictive. They are saying: It’s good to be alive tonight. I’m glad I’m not
alone.
There’s
a warm reassurance that you're okay if you do have someone who provides you some company when it’s neither
night nor day. How desperately we need to connect to others, even if it’s past
bedtime.
I
wish all night owls the best of sleep, and may all your secrets be safely kept
in the dark (including what I did that night:))