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Today it still feels the summer, what a hot afternoon, even though it rained a lot last night. The weather still felt warm, and it was even hotter outside the house."I could feel sweat on my neck and face. I looked at the time. It was almost 4 p.m. I had finished all my housework and just wanted to sit down and rest. I called my husband and sat on the balcony. It’s too hot in here. I went to the fridge and saw a few green cans of Heineken. I smiled to myself. That was just what I needed. I took the plastic cups filled with ice. Then I opened the can and poured the cold beer into the cup. I could see the bubbles rising up. It looked so refreshing. And I brought the drinks to the balcony. The sky was so blue, and the city view looked nice. I can see all the buildings, cars, and some people walking far below. Down the balcony is a common garden and it's shady with round garden tables with chairs, and people staying at this condo like to sit in the evening with family or friends. On the table, we had some pork ribs. It's my husband's recipe from his shop, and he can sell 40-50 kilos just of the ribs, it's called sweet and sticky, he has a few flavors as well.
I took one more rib and had a bite. Hmmm, it’s yummy! not bad, my husband is really a good cook; he made it perfectly, so soft and juicy. The taste was sweet and salty, with all the spices. No wonder he impressed his aunt and uncle’s yesterday with the food. Yes, we had a visitor yesterday, his relatives from Singapore, and his dad came and had dinner with us. I also had some fresh yellow melon. This fruit also gives a cooling feeling. This type of melon was not so sweet; normally, the red melon is the sweetest one. And it was also perfect for hot weather. I took a slice of the melon while sipping my ice-cold Heineken, something new for the taste. I felt relaxed. I sat on the balcony enjoying the city and with a cold beer and the view. It’s super. And the only sounds I can hear are the soft hum of cars from the road and birds flying above. After that, I ate more ribs and drank more beer. This kind of unwind alone, being myself alone, a simple can of beer, and a leftover rib from last night, it just makes me feel special. After all the housework and all the kids are having they’re afternoon nap.
In this kind of moment, it makes me feel calm and just makes time by myself, and deeply thankful. It’s just a simple way of paying myself with a can of beer, and it’s so relaxing. the beer was nearly finished too, I took another sip of my Heineken ice cold, crisp, and refreshing. The light bitterness balanced beautifully with its smooth, slightly sweet malt flavor. It had that classic, clean taste that somehow made the heat of the day feel far behind. Every sip was like a little reward for everything I'd done that week. The air was starting to cool as evening gently rolled in. Down below, the city lights began to flicker on, one by one. The view transformed, till beautiful, but in a quieter, softer way. Peaceful and glowing, like the world was winding down for the night. I stayed there until the sky turned dark. No music played, and no party was needed. Just me. Before going inside, I paused for a moment. I looked at the used cup, and I felt grateful that another day was going to pass by. This hot afternoon had quietly turned into one of the best moments of my week, simple, slow. And that cold can of Heineken? It made everything even better.
