The Taste of Red: Remembering Aratilis and Afternoons Under the Sunset

I am still that boy who loves watching the sunset.

Every time the sky turns a shade of orange, pink, or red, I catch myself pausing on track just to look up. Letting myself linger in the moment a little longer. There is something strange even provocative about that soft, fading light that makes everything feel slower, quieter, to the point that you just want to stay and savor the moment. It's like the world is gently reminding us to breathe and appreciate things we are slowly forgetting.

Did I mention before that I used to climb up on trees? Haha, you read that right. I am one of those kids, who is always barefoot, who is always exposed in the scorching afternoons, and who is always sticky from sweat.

I used to climb different trees before just to pick different ripe fruits. Name it, Mango, Duhat (Java Plum), Santol (Cotton fruit), and my personal favorite—Aratilis. I am a certified tree climber. A pro, if I may say so. And believe it or not, I have never ever fallen in a tree even once.

That was before, I am not that kid anymore.

Every time I want to have a glimpse of sunset, I always climb up the roof of our house just to watch. It was not exactly the safest thing to do I know, especially it is third-storey high and if I fall it will be the cause of an extreme injury or it could also be more fatal.

It's quite scary but it is the best seat in the house. From up here, I could see the sky turning into soft oranges and vivid purples, the kind of view that will made you forget about homework, activities, and work.

And from here, I manage to see the tree brushing against the roof's edge. It is the tree that reminds me of my childhood. The Aratilis tree.

It was always there, I remember back then it was still small. Now, it looks slightly wild, its branches growing in every direction, and heavy with tiny red fruits that looked like small apples. Some were ripe and ready to be picked, while others still a pale green indicating that it is still raw. I never really meant to pick them at first, I just wanted to watch the sunset, but you know when your eyes find the fruits of Aratilis, your hands will eventually follow.

One reach, one fruit. Followed by another. And before i knew it, I'd be in a crouching position, hands handful of Aratilis, and mouth full of sweet. I missed the taste, but not like before I found the taste odd, I come not to like it. It's still has the same taste but I find it different, or maybe it's just me who has changed.

Back then, I remember, my friends and I usually climb up this tree altogether. It's one of the reasons why we gather, why we play, why we enjoy. It is the prize that we're waiting for at the end of the climb, and a secret snack every now and then. We did not even care washing them. Just wipe then on our shirts and put it directly on our mouths. It is enjoyable, I guess. There is a joy in the mess, in the sticky fingers, and the spit-out seeds scattered on the ground.

But unlike before, it's quieter. I eat them alone. And I chew slower. Maybe I am trying to bring the taste of the past.

It's funny how certain things stay with us even if we grew up. A tree, a sunset, a fruit that once tasted like adventure. Sometimes, I also wonder if these Aratilis trees remembers too. Just like us, just like our childhood.

I am still that boy, just a little taller, a little busier, and a little more tired. But something has not change, it is my love in watching the sunset, watching the sky burn with colors and glow. At that moment, I am that boy who knew nothing but the joy of watching sunset and the sweet strange taste of the Aratilis.

By yours, truly - Khairro