Life in Motion: A Day at Christiana Mall

Life in Motion: A Day at Christiana Mall

BY:Khan

Balqis Riyaz was wandering through the Christiana Mall in Wilmington. The mall was alive with activity, yet it had a strange sense of calm. At the center of the expansive space was a fountain, its water dancing gracefully, surrounded by countless stores and shops. Children and adults tossed American coins into the fountain, a small act of charity meant to help the poor and needy. Near this fountain, several tables were arranged for shoppers, and I had a place at one of them.

Close by, a music store was filling the mall with a gentle symphony. The notes spread throughout the corridors, giving the entire space a subtle elegance. Despite the large crowd, there was a quiet concentration among the people—everyone immersed in their own world, with little interaction with strangers. Women dominated the shopping areas; beautiful young women caught the eye, but elderly ladies were also present, moving gracefully from shop to shop. Men's clothing stores or shoe shops saw far fewer visitors, and the occasional man wandering through highlighted the subtle imbalance. Curious, I asked around and learned that men were more visible in office spaces, while women filled the shopping and service sectors. Even there, women could be seen working diligently alongside men.

In another corner of the mall was a bustling food court. Rows of tables were filled with people enjoying their meals, while large screens above them displayed movies for children. The aroma of pizza, fish, Italian dishes, Chinese food, ice cream, fresh juices, and milkshakes wafted through the air. Families and friends would grab a meal after shopping, blending leisure with convenience. One acquaintance told me that some families rarely cook at home; during weekdays, everyone leaves early for work, and weekends might see a home-cooked meal or a picnic outing. She described a typical scene: one person cooks, and four or five others sit together and enjoy the meal.

Children often lived with their parents until the age of eighteen or twenty. By then, they became independent, finding their own jobs and establishing separate households. Parents did not feel pressured to save specifically for their children’s future; instead, they invested in their education and upbringing until they reached adulthood. Marriages, too, were approached with practicality. Guests often brought gifts for the bride, while the groom's family ensured that the couple was ready to handle responsibilities before marriage. Property ownership was usually shared equally between husband and wife, and both contributed to the household’s work and finances.

I often saw my neighbor, an American man, mowing the lawn and tidying the garden before his wife returned home from work. He even prepared meals for her in advance. When she arrived, she would eat, rest for a while, and then he would leave for work again. Curious about family life, I asked one American woman about her children. Smiling, she replied, “I have one daughter. She lives in Canada and visits occasionally.”

I asked, “Doesn’t it make you sad when she’s away?”

She chuckled softly. “Of course it does. But we’ve all become so busy that we hardly find time to call each other. Sometimes days pass without a single phone conversation.”

“And does your daughter insist on visiting?” I asked.

“She’s busy with her own family and life. Her husband works, and she has a job too. Everyone’s life moves forward independently. There isn’t much time left for each other.”

Her words struck me. There was a profound acceptance of life’s rhythm, a balance between personal freedom and family responsibilities. Here, people lived on their own terms. They valued honesty, integrity, and principles. They maintained cleanliness and order, respected others’ privacy, and most importantly, found joy in their own world without unnecessary interference.

Walking through the mall, observing this lifestyle, I realized the depth of their independence. It was a stark contrast to my own culture, where family and community ties often intertwine in every decision. In this society, individuals thrived on personal freedom and self-reliance, yet a subtle harmony existed—people worked, loved, and cared without imposing burdens on others.

The fountain continued to sparkle under the mall’s lights. Coins clinked softly as children tossed them in, and the music store’s gentle melody drifted through the air. Couples, friends, and families moved about, each absorbed in their own little world yet sharing the same space. Women shopped, men walked past quietly, children laughed at the screens, and people ate leisurely at the food court. Everyone was busy yet content.

It was an elegant coexistence, a society where life’s pace allowed personal growth without constant interference or expectation. People did not worry excessively about the future or control each other’s choices. Instead, they lived honestly, respected boundaries, and cherished freedom. In their world, one could feel peace, purpose, and a quiet fulfillment in the simplicity of daily life.

As I observed, I realized that their values—freedom, honesty, self-sufficiency, and respect for others—created a life of subtle joy. The mall, the fountain, the music, the food, and the people—they all painted a picture of a society that thrived not on drama or control, but on harmony, independence, and trust. And in that harmony, everyone found space to be themselves, fully and freely, yet always connected in the rhythm of everyday life.