Codename: Jumping Spider [Published]

Three

WELCOME TO TIRJUAN!

Jenn stared at the bogusly cheerful faded words on the signboard. A wave of nostalgia washed through her as she studied her surroundings. Softly Jenn whispered to herself, “I’m back.”

The sky was still dark when she arrived. The silence around her was peaceful and calming as she walked along an empty street with her shadow stretching in front of her. At this hour of the day, no one was up yet, so she was free to roam around town.

The town was dimly illuminated by street lights. A light, gentle breeze caressed her cheek as if to welcome her arrival. Absentmindedly, she had strolled to the centre of the town – Eiry’s Garden. This park got its name from one the oldest residents in town, Eiry Haste. It was filled with various types of trees and flowers that Eiry had planted.

Glancing around the park, Jenn wondered if Eiry was still around. She would have been more than a hundred years old by now. The park seemed to be in good shape, so someone was still taking care of it.

Moving towards a wooden bench, Jenn heard someone humming a tune from somewhere near her. The melodious tune floated peacefully in the fresh crisp morning air, sounding ever so gay and lively in this timeless little garden.

Jenn glanced around and saw an old woman standing near a rose bush.

Eiry.

Jenn watched her humming softly to her roses. It seemed like Eiry was still in decent condition for her age. Then suddenly the humming stopped. As if sensing someone watching her, Eiry turned her head and spotted Jenn.

They exchanged polite smiles and nods. Then Eiry slowly moved towards Jenn. Seeing this, Jenn stepped forward in attempt to help her, but Eiry stopped her. “I’m still capable of walking, you know,” Eiry said in an age-defying voice. It was quite a surprise to hear such a solid voice coming from her smallish frail figure. She sat down on the wooden bench and patted on the seat next to her.

“Well, I can see that age has not withered you.” Jenn laughed softly and sat down beside her.

“Time has been kind to me,” Eiry agreed in a smiling voice. “So tell me, Jennifer, where have you been all these years?”

Jenn widened her eyes at the old lady, genuinely surprised. Eiry remembered her. “I have been studying abroad in Australia,” she lied, sticking to her cover story.

Eiry arched a delicate eyebrow, nodding. “I see. How about your parents? Are they well?”

At the mention of her parents, her heart dropped. This was the reason she hadn’t wished to return. People always asked too many questions. Plastering a smile on her face, she tried to maintain a normal façade. “They are enjoying life, travelling around the world. I’ve barely seen them in the past few years.” Her answer was simple. After all, the less detail she gave, the higher the chance that her lie would hold up.

“Hmm …” Eiry stared at her, her expression filled with sympathy. She took Jenn’s hand in hers and patted it affectionately. “You must be missing them very much, then. It’s a good thing that you understand them and feel happy for them. Some young people these days are just too self-centred. Good for you, young lady.” A smile flicked the corners of her wrinkled old mouth. “I suppose so.” Jenn returned the smile politely, feeling her chest tighten.