I am adjusting my glasses and taking a sip of warm porridge. This here is a new exercise for me; to write on first instinct, and not self edit myself. This will probably be the closest to how open I can ever be. Side note, my desk is completely cluttered- definitely a representation of my state of mind for the recent months. I will arrange It tomorrow, if the universe wills it. The porridge needs more sugar.

So today I was out and about and the weather was lukewarm to my feelings. Nothing harsh about the sun today; I could wear my hoodie. Yes my hoodie is like a breastplate- an extra layer of protection between me and the next person. It gives me the confidence to believe that my mind is thinking of achieving is possible. The confidence stops at belief though.

i barely had breakfast because I was overly anxious at the time I had woken up. 9 am. The time I was supposed to arrive at my destination. 9 am. Sigh. The mandazi was too sweet and as tradition, I just had to drink sugarless tea. There is a limit of sweetness my tongue can handle.

Walking under the sun is a task. Forehead drenched in sweat and the uncomfortable heat that surges through your body. So it was a pleasant surprise that the sun was not bothered with tormenting me today. You can enjoy the atmosphere of cool day with a tiny breeze. I took the side road as I observed the highway with cars rushing towards bypass. A tuk tuk rudely cut me off since mostly the side road are the stage where the passengers alight. The big billboard to the right was advertising for some bespoke furniture; it’s probably going to change in a few months and advertise for some real estate company.

I had to cross the road by the roundabout and just like clock work, a conductor approaches me “Ruaka, Ruaka 80,” he says gripping my shirt. There is a matatu stage close by and the vans are barely full so, it was normal practice for them to poach passengers. I had to politely decline and point the other side to indicate that I was just crossing the road.

This is when I saw it and I need you to believe me when I say it; even though it might sound a bit outlandish. I kid you not, I saw a guy dressed in officials; neat navy blue shirt with a maroon tie and a dark trouser; who was riding a pink themed bicycle. But that wasn’t even the odd thing. He was big; like his build was big. He was probably as tall as me (or even taller). the bike was a small one- a child’s bike at the least. He rode it comfortably, his big feet peddling up and down, as he zoomed through a turn at the road. He must have been late for work.

So after walking for a while, I decided to take a matatu because where I was going, my legs could not carry me that far. Guess what radio station was playing in the vehicle? That’s right, Classic FM. The matatu was half full, and the music was blasting full volume. Fuse ODG, was playing. Fuse the guy who did Azonto; that takes me way back to my high school day watching others trying dancing to the song. I have two left feet.

Since the pandemic, I barely carry physical money. So it is always convenient to know I can pay my fare via M-PESA ( electronic money). I sit comfortable leaning to the matatu window admiring the view outside. Green. this is place is always green, but there is the looming danger of various upcoming developments. Towering apartments, commercial spots- covering spaces and barely having any green covering complimenting their existence.

I really want to see Kijani ridge one day though. Luxury apartments interest me sometimes. I don’t see myself living in them though.