Road Expansion

Chan watched as the movers carefully wrapped the rickety furniture in plastic and hauled them onto the waiting lorries outside. She was moving out of the village into a government HDB flat, but she felt to pleasure at the “upgrade” in living standards. But why, her children had exclaimed in trepidation, it has running water, facilities, even a nearby wet market.

Chan had shaken her head in consternation, how would they understand the emotional bond that had surrounded this house, they that now lived in the lap of luxury, with posh cars and many servants.

She had built the house with her husband, literally brick by brick, now yellowing with age, the spaces between the laid tiles, coated with a thin layer of grime, that she in her old age could not afford to scrub as thoroughly as before.

As each item was carried out of the house, fond memories and the bittersweet tang of nostalgia swept over her. That portrait of her family, all dressed in the meager New year’s best, the females of the household looking demurely proper, hands clasped in front of them, tiny feet adorned with porcelain beaded slippers.

And she recalled those jade bangles give to her by her mother on her wedding day, where she was reminded to be faithful and devoted to her spouse lest she suffer the wrath of the gods. And she had done so and bore him many children, with sons as well as daughters and his business had thrived and she had led a contented life.

There was that hand tailored cheongsam, made by her grandmother, that when she had donned it, captured the eye of every male in the village, for she had looked most pretty, the dressed adorned with pearls and head combs glinting gold. But while there were no lack of suitors to choose from, she had succumb as tradition dictated to the whims and fancies of her forebears, for it was most improper to anything but, at that time.

Chan frowned with displeasure at the thought of her grandchildren, now so frivolous, all dying their hair and the girls wearing such revealing clothes that would have been the bane of the century back in her age. But times had changes and gone with it were the glory days of old.

It was not three months ago that the government official had visited them informing them of the road expansion plans for the new highway. The young man’s face had lit up with fervor as he described the profits that were to be made, the general hub of the city where all the economic activity was would be linked up with other areas in the island. They would be ensured comfortable housing in the residential areas and be paid a handsome sum besides.

Her children had been delighted. Finally, they had declared, finally, we are able to get mother out of that ulu backwater area, the filth and unsanitary conditions, it’s a wonder she doesn’t get ill as it is. For they as filial children had wrung their hands in vehemence at the poor living conditions she insisted in staying in.

For they did not understand, each drop of sweat and blood had been laid upon the floors of that small, dilapidated house. Where she had toiled to raise her children and many a happy evening dinner had been spent in the soft glow of the kerosene lamp, for though they had been poor, they had been happy.

In the distance, the mournful sounds of the road construction machinery approached.