Winter is coming.

Winter in this city doesn't bring drizzling rain or biting cold. The chill is only fleeting when the north wind blows. At night, wandering the streets, you'll encounter the faint scent of milk flowers carried on the breeze, weaving through the rows of houses, like a joyful song announcing the arrival of winter. That's just how winter is in this city!

Oh, and I should also add that every morning there's a mist hanging in the air, making it quite chilly, giving the ladies plenty of opportunities to wear scarves when going out. Yes, winter can be cold too, even after a whole day of scorching sun.

My friend often says this season is dry and harsh because the north wind blows all day long. The sun and wind make the weather hot and humid during the day, but it gets cold at night. My hands and feet get dry and chapped. My lips crack and bleed. The worst part is my heels, which are so chapped that you can see the red flesh underneath. Some people call this season "unbearable" because it's difficult for the elderly and those with arthritis or aches and pains to sleep. I call it the "dance of the north wind."

The wind blew from dawn till dusk. Sometimes, engrossed in its playful antics, it would wander through the streets even after dark, causing couples to huddle together for warmth. The wind was unaware of this. It was as innocent as a child who loved to sneak away to play. One moment it was roaming the banana grove behind the house, trampling on the young banana stalks that had just stretched out to breathe the fresh air, the next it was wandering past the Taiwanese banyan tree, its yellow leaves falling in a shower. Then it would descend into the rice paddies, teasing the rice plants, their backs bent over as they clung to each other. The wind would laugh heartily, triumphantly, as it saw the rice plants huddle together in fear… And so the wind roamed everywhere, playing all sorts of mischievous games and teasing others.

I don't know why, but I love the wind. When the wind blows, I throw open the back door to welcome it. The wind blows throughout the house, making it cool and refreshing. It blows my hair all messy. Yet I still like it. Strange. My mother scolds me, "This girl, why open the back door? The wind blows dust all over the house!" I laugh and make excuses, "It's to keep it cool, Mom." My mother grumbles, "Okay, then you go sweep and mop the house tonight." I don't mind my mother's nagging; I'm too busy playing with the wind. I welcome the wind with both hands. The wind caresses my hair, caresses my cool skin. I like watching the wind from afar, across the field, swaying the cornflowers—it's so beautiful. I like watching the wind shake the banana trees beside the house. The banana trees, which were quiet, suddenly rustle as if singing. A lively melody, conducted by the wind, captivates the heart. The wind is so adorable, yet why is everyone afraid of it?

The streets at night were brightly lit and even more dazzling thanks to the colorful lights of the shops. Christmas music was playing. Familiar Christmas melodies. Suddenly, my heart felt restless. Yes, Christmas is coming soon. And so is Tet (Lunar New Year). My heart sank. Time flies so fast; before I could do anything, the year was over. The end of the year is always the time that makes people think the most. A sadness crept into my heart. My time is getting a little shorter, and so many ambitions remain unfulfilled. So, I felt sad all the way home. How strange.

Suddenly, the scent of milkwood flowers wafted into my nose. The milkwood tree at the intersection was always covered in clusters of white and green blossoms, filling the whole neighborhood with its intoxicating fragrance. I chuckled, thinking that the owner of the tree must have been infatuated with some girl who loved milkwood flowers, which is why he planted it so early, evidenced by the trunk already being as thick as an adult's arm. That random thought made me smile to myself for the rest of the journey. Sometimes, people find joy in such small things.

This morning, as I was about to start my motorbike, Mom called out, "Get your scarf to keep warm, son!" I took the scarf from her hand, and even before putting it on, I felt warm. That warmth followed me all the way from home to work. It turns out people like the cold winter because they want to feel the warmth of their loved ones. After work, I rushed into a clothing store and bought Mom a sweater, thinking she'd be so happy, maybe even cry. But when I gave it to her, she scolded me, "How much do you earn to be so wasteful? My old sweater is still brand new, I only wore it for a few days at the end of the year, why buy another one?" I was speechless. Then I chuckled to myself, Mom, you're so happy you could die, but you're pretending otherwise! Look, she's even singing while cooking rice, and making my favorite fish in tomato sauce…

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