If small joys have a scent, I think it must be the fragrance of magnolia blossoms.

Photos & Text / Liu Si Ling

At the MRT exit, I saw an elderly lady, undeterred by the intermittent rain and wind, singing loudly in a mix of Mandarin and Taiwanese: “Magnolia flowers… fragrant blooms… magnolia flowers… fragrant blooms…”

Her simple, heartfelt voice carried a gentle warmth, echoing endlessly in my ears yet stirring a deep sense of pity. On this rainy night, she was fighting for her livelihood with quiet dignity, as if she would keep singing until the MRT closed—even if no one gave her money.

I had already gone downstairs to the MRT entrance, but suddenly turned around and ran back to the exit. The lady, seeing me stop, panting, cheerfully said, “Two bunches for fifty dollars.” This gloomy, drizzly night bloomed with the fragrance of kindness all night long, thanks to her smile.

The scent of magnolia is fresh, delicate, and yet long-lasting. If small joys have a scent, I think it must be the fragrance of magnolia blossoms.

Finally... I want to ask...

Are magnolia flowers and bananas related?

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