Laura van Cutsem

Leaning against the trunk of a gingko tree. Sitting under it by a pond with ducks. I see them sunbathing at the side, cleaning and adjusting their feathers. The ducks in the pond are diving under, their orange legs sticking out of the water, some are swimming back and fro while chasing each other.

Fallen leaves lay on the water surface of the pond. It is a sunny afternoon in autumn. The sun warms my black clothing. I feel blessed. The soft sounds of jovial chatter, gaggling ducks are around me. A butterfly flies past.

Other students are here too, sitting and chatting in the city park. Some are listening to music, others are not so silent. But I enjoy my spot under the gingko tree, seeing vivid water reflections on the branches’ bark above me.