Freewrite || Memories Under the Red Umbrellas of the Night Market

I took this photo some time ago, when the night market was still bustling and bustling with life. That afternoon, the sky was beginning to change color, slowly shifting from light blue to golden orange. In the open field that housed the night market, the sounds of children's laughter mingled with the shouts of vendors calling out to customers, creating a uniquely harmonious atmosphere rarely found elsewhere.

Under a large red umbrella, a vendor was busy preparing cold drinks. On his small table stood a blender, an ice cube tray, and several jars of colorful syrups. Not far from him, a man stood watching a small child enjoying an ice cream cone with an innocent and contented face. The scene was simple, but it carried an inexplicable warmth. The child looked happy, as if the world around him was filled with only sweet things that made him smile.

Behind them, rows of amusement rides were filled with color and excitement. A large Ferris wheel with small red, blue, and yellow trains spun slowly, taking passengers to enjoy the view from above. On the other side, a golden dragon ride swung, eliciting joyful screams from the passengers. Small lights began to light up one by one, adding to the festive atmosphere even as the sky began to darken.

I can still remember the smell of earth mixed with the sweet aroma of popcorn and cotton candy sold nearby. Children ran around carrying balloons, while parents stood to the side, watching with smiles on their faces. Scattered on the ground were plastic wrappers and used food paper a sign that many small stories were happening and passing by in that place.

Now, when I look back at this photo, I feel as if time stopped for a moment. There's a longing for this simple atmosphere a place where laughter, light, and sweet aromas blend together. Night markets aren't just places of entertainment; they're small slices of life that remind us that happiness doesn't always have to be sought far. Sometimes, it's found amidst the crowds, under red umbrellas, alongside innocently smiling children enjoying ice cream as the afternoon slowly turns to night.

Note: I am writing in Indonesian and using the help of Google translate to translate into English.

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@gunting