Civic Duties

Caiyi Weng | Sefton High School (2022)

Slamming the fly net door shut behind him, Tai Son (Son) paced out the house, down the cold stone steps that encircled the front porch and swiftly got into his friend’s car as the hoodie of his Sean John sweater cupped his face. His mate, Kevin, pulled up in front of the house in a silver Honda civic from the early 2000s with rust peeling on its doors and a strong pheromonal stench leaking from the rear seats — Son wasn’t going to address it this time and the thing was a bit dero if he was going to be frank because this afternoon, it was anywhere other than home for Son.

Nothing, no sound came from the other side. It’s like a tree trunk sitting there instead of Son. Silent, dead. 

Kevin dragged Son out of the silver Honda Civic and lifted up his head. Son noticed the big words above the door.

Mr Stonebowl

Son’s knuckles slightly whitened. This was the place he and his mum would visit on Friday nights for family dinner when she’d come home from work, and they’d often visit when he scored well in school. Tonight however, to say he was against eating here was an understatement. But under the constant nagging and dragging of Kevin, he caved. 

They sat down and Kevin ordered a few dishes. The waiter came out with ‘Deep Fried Chicken Fillet with dry chilli’ but all he could focus on was the ambient clatter and chatter of other patrons. Adjacent to their table was a family of three, twin sisters and their mum. Dressed in tweed pink blazers and parisian black leather boots, Astrid and Mia (that was probably their names) sat picturesque next to mum who was also donning a white korean long coat. Son wasn’t sure if he was confused or feeling queasy but nonetheless, it was hard for his eyes to dart away from this scene straight out of 1960’s Shanghai. They pinched at the handles of their ice teas, and swayed back and forth in light laughter as if they were friends. 

The table in front of him was also occupied by a mum with her baby. Munching on a pod of steamed peas, the toddler was staring at his mother mindlessly. She was, however, completely disconnected with the poor kid as her chopsticks connected more with the condiments at the table and the noodles in her bowl. Son was almost convinced that the noodles were going to drop onto the baby’s nose and face.

As for Kevin, the b*****d slurped away at his Stir Fried Udon Noodle with the stupid beef shanks sticking out from the side, he was totally unaware at Son sitting there, dazed as the mosquitoes buzzed around and above him. 

As the rusty door squeaked, Son and Kevin got back into the silver Honda Civic. Son wheeled down the window looking outside at the Burwood night. The rattling noise of the engine becoming louder and louder. Son tapped on Kevin’s shoulder and asked him to stop. Son hopped out of the car, and dashed towards 85°C Bakery Cafe*. Moments later, Son walked out and headed further down towards Machi Machi**. Kevin was confused, staring at Son as he meandered further away from the car. He eventually circled back, knocking on the window, with matcha tiramisu and plum-juice cupped in his arms. Kevin questioned who it was for, Son said it was for later. 

The rattling noise had eased as the drove further West on the Hume Highway. Kevin lightly tapped on Son’s shoulder and let out a sigh wishing him “Good luck, mate.” 

Hugging onto the matcha tiramisu and plum-juice, Son slowly closed the gate behind him, fearing to even step too hard. It was the middle of winter but sweats were forming and rolling down the side of his face. Facing the door with his shoulder, Son lowered his elbows down on to the handle and pushed through to form a gap large enough for his upper body to fit through. He peeked his head through, swinging left and right and then Snuggled in with the cakes and drinks out in full view.

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* These cafes are iconic amongst the Asian community for selling some of the best baked delights. Gen-Z Asians insist it’s better than Breadtop Bakery. They’re right.
**Taiwan’s newest tea franchise taking on the west. This is the unofficial drink of Burwood Girls’ High School.