Brida

Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?

I was never allowed to buy books in my youth. I was only allowed to borrow or read used books. My mother was very clear about my book allowance and always told me that I need to learn to develop my interest and know my genre before I could buy books.

Having grown up that way, I was always afraid of asking for money to buy a book. I quickly learned that I could read more books with the same money, so that never really bothered me.

One day, we were visiting some mall that had various sections for different types of merchandise. It also had a books section. They are like magnets for me. My heart took me there. I got slightly separated from my family. I must have been 18 or 19 years old.

I started browsing. I knew I couldn’t buy anything but I’d always browse, remember the name of the book I’d like and then begin the search for it. That era wasn’t as digital as now. So the search was real, not Google.

Randomly I picked up Brida. I had never heard of Paulo Coelho. I read the description. First couple of pages. I lost track of time. Suddenly my dad appeared in front of me. He said it was time to go. I asked if I could get this book. He was doubtful. Mum was out of earshot. There was no time to ask her. I insisted. Him being the best dad, got me the book. Mum wasn’t very pleased as she wasn’t consulted. By the way, she is an avid reader and has a collection of her own that she is very proud of.

Anyway, I went home with Brida. There was something about the cover page. Something about the book.

Soon a unique journey began.

Once I finished reading it, it wasn’t enough. I read it again. And again. And lost count of how many times.

Over time, I knew the book. Almost memorised it. So I stopped reading it end to end. I’d just open it randomly and it would offer me exactly what I’d need that day. The book would know what I was going through.

It was my companion through my engineering. Through my heartbreak. Through my challenges.

One day I realised that I might be addicted to it. So I stopped reading it. Of course over all these years I also read many other books but Brida was my constant.

I hadn’t read Brida in a few years but just looking at it on my book shelf gave me assurance. However when I got married and moved countries, I didn’t bring it with me. I thought I am starting a new life, I need to come out of my dreamy world. I cannot be so emotionally dependent on it.

After a few years, on one of my trips back home, I brought it with me. Assured that I am not so attached to it now.

Looks like a sign to me to embark on a journey again with Brida. Now, as a grown woman and a mother, Brida might offer me something new.

It’s been there for a few years and I haven’t read it yet.

Although suddenly a few days back, I thought of it. Out of nowhere. And imagined or rather manifested this blog post. But I didn’t put conscious thought into it and soon forgot about it.

Tonight I wanted to write about my refreshing chilly morning that I had experienced yesterday so I opened my blog. I saw this prompt and this post became reality.