一个人也可以很开心: An Adventure in the Japanese Garden

It was a gloomy day. I was having a jog in the Botanical Garden. With great interest, I observed the rare trees planted there. Then, something drew my attention. I stumbled across a board with words 'Japanese Garden' painted onto it. Curiously, I stepped in to explore, not knowing what was lurking inside.

I walked down a stairs made of stone. It was very shady and looked ancient. The structure looked like those garden during Ching dynasty but filled with mosses and algae. There were also those Japanese artifacts placed there for people to enjoy. It was located at a quite isolated place, far below from the road but near a shallow river. None might notice its existence should they failed to observed carefully. I was intrigued. Why nobody came down here if it had such wonderful structure. My question was answered.

As I was examining the plants, I had an eerie feeling. The back of my hair stood. I felt awkward and uneasy. Something was staring at me. I stopped my pace and stared around but just only me alone in that garden. My heart started to pump fast. I might have intruded some privacy, my mind thought. Still, I ignored that feeling and ambled slowly, snapping photos. As I crossed a bridge, the feeling came back again. I stood still this time. I listened intently. Creak. Creak. Something was crawling on the ground and it was heading towards me. I have crossed the boundary! I realized I was sweating. Not ordinary sweat but cold sweat.

Creak. Creak. The creature was nearing me. I began to shiver. Shaking, I turned behind. Hold and behold, it was a giant millipede! Startled, I staggered backwards. How on earth such millipede existed in this world? My mind told me to exit. Yes, definitely, exit was the only option. With immaculate speed and bravery, I leaped across the millipede and sprinted to stairs. I ran and ran until I was out of breathe. Panting, I closed my eyes. I knew if I didn't escape from the garden yet, then I was in grave danger.

I opened my eyes. Smiling, I gave a sigh of relief. I had managed to escape from that garden, that evil garden in one piece. I fear that the garden would engulf my existence as I had offended the other living. With a smile still etched on my face, I resumed my stroll, ignoring perplexed joggers.