Candle Light

Isn’t it amazing how sounds can carry a person back in time at a moment’s notice? The other night I was sitting at my computer working on a paper. Only my desk lamp was on and an orange and cinnamon flavoured candle burned on my coffee table behind me. I started hearing some crackling noises coming from the table and turned to stare at the candle. Suddenly I was back in Bolinao, sitting with the family around the dining room table. Mom had a book in her hand and Nathan on her lap. Her right hand absentmindedly scratched Nathan’s head as her left held the book she was reading by candle light during the brownout. A nearly empty bowl of popcorn sat near Dad who was methodically chewing on the old maids. Two glass one liter coke bottles sat on the Lazy Susan and tupperware glasses in puddles of condensation sat in front of each person. Seven dice sat silent beside one of the glasses and the scorecard and pencil lay next to another, just close enough that the corner of the paper was damp. The boys were playing with the wax from a few of the candles, re-melting it in the flame and watching the pool overflow and drip down the sides, silently dipping their fingers in the hot puddles to make imprints. The candle light cast a soft glow on everyone’s faces, reddened by the expedition to the beach that afternoon, as each stared quietly into the candles’ flames as their souls flew to Narnia with Eustace and Lucy. It’s amazing to me how one simple sound can carry such strong memories.