Stories · Curiosities · Questionable Ideas · Rather a Lot of Imagination · Farah Sam · Author & Creator ·
The Workmen Arrive in the Cold
The quiet of Avenue de Havilland is replaced by the bustling energy of renovations as the first team of workmen arrives. As tools, drilling, and plaster dust fill the drafty rooms, Mum focuses on protecting Ariadne from the sensory overload of the noisy house.
THE STAR FAMILY BLOG
Farah Sam
12/9/20212 min read
Diary Entry: Thursday Zen level: Tested but holding steady through deep breathing Chapters written: 1/4 page (scribbled in a dusty pocket notebook) Current status: Navigating a house filled with dust, drills, and heavy boots
The house suddenly feels incredibly busy—and very loud. Early this morning, a team of local Belgian workmen arrived, their heavy boots clattering on our cold wooden stairs. They are here to begin the massive task of updating our heating system, replacing the old, frozen pipes, and preparing the walls for the upcoming kitchen and bathroom renovations. The air is thick with the scent of plaster dust, cold drafts, and the sharp, echoing whine of electric drills.
It is a necessary step, but for our silent little Ariadne, the sudden influx of strangers, open doors, and high-pitched noises is a recipe for overwhelming sensory distress. Since she cannot communicate her coldness, I proactively bundled her in thick fleece leggings, her cozy boots, and a warm knitted sweater to protect her from the icy drafts.
Unlike other kids, Ariadne can never sit still, and the moment the heavy metal toolboxes were opened on the floor, she darted straight for them. She was entirely fascinated, trying to pull out heavy, dangerous wrenches and shiny screwdrivers. I was struggling to keep her safe while simultaneously trying to explain our pipe layout to the head plumber.
Seeing me look completely overwhelmed, Farhaan and Yasmeen stepped in beautifully.
"Mum, she's too fast down here with all these open toolboxes," Yasmeen said, gently intercepting Ariadne's hand as she reached for a heavy brass hammer. "Farhaan and I can take her upstairs to my room instead. We can put on some quiet music, and Farhaan can bring up some cookies."
"Yeah, Mum," Farhaan agreed, picking up Ariadne's favorite wooden puzzle. "We've got her upstairs. That way you can actually supervise these guys without worrying about her grabbing a drill."
I felt a rush of pure gratitude. "Thank you, both of you. That is an absolute lifesaver," I breathed. I watched as they carefully guided her up the wooden staircase, leaving me free to manage the plumbing team in peace.
When she got hungry upstairs, Yasmeen noticed the sudden wail. Knowing what to do, she led her to the small independent snack table I had set up in the upper hallway corner, stocked with sliced apples, bananas, and croissants. Ariadne grabbed a croissant by herself, her distress vanishing instantly.
Closing: When the workmen finally packed up their tools for the day, leaving the house in a cold, dusty silence, I took a long, slow breath. I stood in the center of the kitchen, stretched my arms wide, and took a deep, physical exhale, letting the noise of the day leave my body. I sat in a simple kneeling pose, closed my eyes, and let my mind settle into the quiet, holding onto the reassuring thought that each drill stroke is bringing us closer to a warm, complete home.