Have you ever been jolted awake by the cheerful crowing of a rooster at dawn? (I can’t say I have — sometimes even the most alarming alarms fail to rouse me!) But for the early risers heading off to class, that familiar "cock-a-doodle-doo" is likely a regular morning soundtrack. It stirs my spirit and fills me with a burst of energy to tackle the day ahead – or perhaps it’s just the way that sound embodies the essence of morning. Picture this: each day begins with the lively calls of roosters, watching squirrels nimbly dart between the trees, with the murmur of people in the background, walking to the bus stop in the warm sunshine and cool breeze. Fluffy chickens stroll and rest by the roadside—what a vibrant and energetic morning!
Fluffy Warrior — Watch out for pecks!
Alright, I can't shake the memory of my friends being attacked by those deceptively adorable chickens. It still haunts me like a bad dream! I can vividly recall the day my friend and I decided to snap a photo with one of those little fluffballs. Looking at those adorable fluffy creatures, they were hopping and skipping along the path with light steps, their eyes were bright and clear. But when we approached one of the fluffy little chicks, their steps seemed to become forceful and heavy, and their gazes turned fierce. One large chicken with darker "skin tone", which had been sitting and resting, suddenly stood up and joined the flock, striding toward us. Those chickens transformed from adorable fluffballs into terrifying monsters ready to attack.
Photo sources: Clarissa’s Phone
So, what did we do? We ran! (Thank goodness no one was around to witness our embarrassing escape…)
Since that fateful day, I became somewhat traumatized whenever I passed by that perilous path. I would see others taking pictures with the chickens and think, "How brave are they?"
Then came the turning point. After a usual supper at Utown, we spotted one of the chickens outside its coop. Its feathers weren’t not dark and its gaze did not show fierce. When we were approaching it, the chicken let out a few soft clucks, like a child whimpering — a bit broken. But it did not return to the coop. Instead, it continued to linger outside, showing no resistance to my friend's approach, one of my friends even scooped it up, and I took a photo of him with it:
Photo sources: Kim Siang’s Phone
"How on earth is it this soft? It’s the FLUFFIEST being to ever exist!"
Okay, I believe I've conquered my fears of them at last.
Hey! Who’s looking for FOOD?
Early in the morning, I was strolling towards the comm hall when I was told something ridiculous — a squirrel had sneaked into my friend’s room! At that moment, my eyes snapped wide open.
Photo sources: Nathan’s Phone
Look at this cute little creature - it’s going to pounce in and mess up your room at any moment. My friend recounted: “I was still sleeping when I heard some strange sounds that pulled me from my dreams. I opened my eyes, and guess what? “Something” rushed into my view! Can you believe it? A SQUIRREL! It was bouncing around my table, attacking my food and everything else! I thought it was going to bite me any second!”
Then I noticed the gnaw marks on those food cans in the pantry. As I watched those mischievous squirrels climbing and leaping through the trees, I saw myself reflected in their eyes, they seemed to be choosing me as the next target! I immediately snapped my window shut. That’s it, I won’t let these hungry little thieves have any chances to sneak into my room and steal my emergency food stash!
The Adorable Tenant Among Us
"Awww! It's LILY! So adorable, everyone!"
That was the first time I heard about our charming neighbour, a little cat. She had been sneaking around while everyone was busy working on sets (for RHMP), either painting or screwing in nails.
I can't forget that moment when paintbrushes paused, hands stopped working, and lively conversations faded into silence. All eyes were fixed on the delightful creature, savoring the joy of her presence.
The chatter quickly shifted to Lily, and I could see the sparkle of happiness dancing in everyone’s eyes. It became clear that whenever they spotted her, their busy lives would come to a standstill. When strangers approached, Lily would widen her eyes and dart away. But when she stayed put, curling up into a croissant-like shape and grooming her fur while letting out intermittent meows, everyone’s eyes would unconsciously fill with tenderness. At that moment, everyone forgot their hard times, but solely focused on Lily’s cuteness, which seemed to wrap them in a warm blanket of joy.
Photo sources: Shirley (REDnote)
However, she usually hides in the corners of the community hall, relishing her own cozy space. I can’t help but wonder when I’ll catch another glimpse of her. It’s all up to fate now—fingers crossed!
Life with Extraordinary Neighbours
And with that, the descriptions of the non-human Raffles residents draw to a close. These moments of pleasing absurdity spark joy and provide a much-needed break from academics. Residents often find themselves basking in the warm embrace of the sun, sharing their amusing stories with those little beings, all thanks to the lovely creatures that roam the hall.
I still remember the first step I took into Raffles Hall: it felt like I was on a mini safari! Although there are only a few of them, their stories significantly enhance the residents' experiences.
Stopping for the adorable cat, escaping from the fluffy warriors’ attack, and engaging in battles of wits with the squirrels — these are all unique experiences that bleed colours into our monochromic university life. Life is no longer just about studying and rushing around, it now includes vibrant little companions.
Life in a typical hall is enjoyable, but it becomes even more enchanting with these charming little beings around. “How’re your neighbours?” “Extraordinary!”
Written by: En Xin
Reviewed by: Clarissa, Vihaan, E Shen
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