Change is the only constant

I walked out of the TriColor Corp building and back into the familiar chaos of Megablock 4, a sense of unease clung to me. The feeling of being watched was like a persistent shadow trailing behind me in the dense crowd. I turned around several times, searching for a lurking figure among the sea of faces, but found nothing concrete. Yet, I couldn't shake off the unsettling sensation.

By the time I reached Uncle Chen's stall, the evening was in full swing. The air was thick with the aromas of sizzling spices and the tangy scent of street food, mingling with the occasional waft of cheap alcohol. Uncle Chen, Castor, Tom, and a few familiar faces from the block were already gathered there, raising a glass to my new opportunity. The atmosphere was heavy with the smell of fried noodles and spiced meats, a comforting blend that felt like home.

Laughter echoed around the stall as we shared stories and jokes. Uncle Chen had outdone himself, preparing a feast that drew envious glances from passersby. The food was rich and flavorful, each bite a reminder of the small pleasures that life in the megablock offered. We toasted with glasses of strong, potent liquor that burned pleasantly down the throat, leaving a warm afterglow.

In the midst of the celebration, Tom, usually the joker of our group, turned serious. He leaned in, his expression earnest. "Marlene, you can't leave the megablock, you know? It won't be the same without you." His voice was thick with sincerity, a stark contrast to his usual playful banter.

The group erupted into laughter, thinking it another one of Tom's jokes, but I caught the genuine concern in his eyes. He wasn't just our local oddball; he cared about the community in his own way.

As the laughter subsided, I inhaled deeply, taking in the mix of food, alcohol, and the distinct metallic tang that always lingered in the air. Uncle Chen caught my eye, his gaze piercing through the merriment. He always had a knack for sensing my true feelings, even when I did my best to hide them.

The night grew older, the crowd dispersed, and the sounds of the megablock faded into a distant hum. Our small group remained, the laughter replaced by a comfortable, reflective silence. Uncle Chen's stall, bathed in the neon glow, felt like an oasis in the midst of the towering concrete structures.

I took another sip of the strong liquor, feeling its warmth spread through me. The alcohol was a bittersweet reminder of the crossroads I faced – the choice between the familiar comfort of the megablock and the unknown promises of a corporate future.

Uncle Chen, breaking the silence, spoke softly, "Whatever path you choose, Marlene, you'll always have a place here." His words were a simple truth, filled with unspoken understanding and support.

I nodded, a lump forming in my throat. "Thanks, Uncle Chen. That means everything to me."

The night wore on, Castor noticed Tom's solemn mood and nudged him gently. "Come on, stop being a sad pumpkin," he said with a brotherly tone. "Let's get you home." Tom, after a moment of hesitation, agreed, and they both said their goodbyes, leaving me alone with Uncle Chen.

In the quiet that followed, the hum of the megablock seemed more pronounced, filling the space around us. Uncle Chen turned to me, his eyes reflecting a wisdom that always comforted me. "So, they offered you the job, but you have to give up the rights to your tech, huh?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mixture of pride and concern.

I took a deep gulp of the strong liquor, feeling its heat sear down my throat. Nodding, I replied, "Yeah, it's a great opportunity, but it means letting go of something that's a part of me." My voice was heavy with emotion, the weight of the decision bearing down on me.

Uncle Chen poured himself another drink, then looked at me. "You know, in the Zen tradition, there's a saying – 'Let go or be dragged.' It means that sometimes, holding onto something can hold you back from moving forward. It's not about forgetting your creation; it's about understanding that its journey may be different from your own."

His words resonated with me, offering a perspective I hadn't considered. It wasn't just about the decision itself but about understanding the nature of attachment and the freedom that comes with letting go.

I looked at him. "Thanks, Uncle Chen. That actually helps a lot. It's just hard to let go, you know?"

He nodded, understandingly. "Letting go is never easy. But remember, the future holds endless possibilities. Your journey doesn't end with this decision; it's just taking a new path."

The evening deepened and the neon lights of Megablock 4 cast their glow around us, Uncle Chen and I continued our conversation.

I hesitated for a moment, then confided in Uncle Chen about the unnerving incidents earlier in the day. "On my way to the meeting, those guys who stormed FreshMart were there... they nearly attacked me," I said, my voice shaking slightly. "And at TriColor, the security guard... he touched my butt." I felt a surge of anger and vulnerability, the events of the day weighing heavily on me.

"Why does it have to be like this? Why do women have to endure such things?" My question hung in the air, a mixture of frustration and despair.

Uncle Chen listened intently, his face a mask of understanding and empathy. After a moment of silence, he spoke, his voice gentle yet firm. "Life is filled with challenges and unfair situations, Marlene. But remember, we learn to see the impermanence of all things. These moments, as difficult as they are, do not define you or your journey."

I nodded, taking in his words, finding solace in their wisdom. "I know, Uncle Chen. It's just hard sometimes. All I ever wanted was to leave this megablock, to escape to something better. But I can't imagine leaving without you, Castor, and even Tom, as annoying as he can be."

Uncle Chen smiled faintly. "Change is the only constant, Marlene. And wherever your journey takes you, the connections you've made, the bonds you've formed, they remain part of you. You carry us with you, just as we carry you in our hearts."

As we talked, I couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. Several times, I glanced over my shoulder, scanning the crowd. Each time, I saw nothing unusual, yet the sensation persisted, adding a layer of unease to our conversation.

"Maybe it's time to embrace the changes, to let go of the past, and step into the future, even if it means stepping into the unknown," I mused, more to myself than to Uncle Chen.

He raised his glass in agreement. "To the future, Marlene, and to all the adventures it holds."