What will be shall be

1998

May 1998. I still remembered that day very well. The 3 of us as usual, after school, skipping to one of the HDB blocks opposite the school for a smoke. We were like little rats, under-aged and in school uniforms, hiding on the 2nd floor, in fear of being caught by somebody.

The mood was more sombre than usual. We have just got our exam results and as expected, we did not do well. I was the worst of the trio, scoring less than 30 marks out of a hundred.

We were only 15. But at that age we already understood that if we don't do well in our studies, that is no way we can go far in the future. Our teacher did not mince her words as well - "You are useless fools and keep going on like this you will be drop-outs and from what I see, I am confident this is what is going to happen to you all. So please don't waste your time nor mine."

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"What now?" I questioned but there was no reply. The expressions on the faces say it all. After a few more drags of the cigarette and letting reality sank in I spoke again, "No matter how long it takes and how tough it is I will never drop out. Even if I take a longer time than others."

I wasn't exactly sure when I said all that way back then. But today, looking back all those years, I am glad that I managed to stand by what I said. Even when most have given up on me. Even when it was tougher than I ever thought it will be.

I am glad. Really glad.

posted by malmoncolo @ 10:30 AM 0 comments

Thank You

"The reason why I still have been hanging around is because of you. You don't know how much of an inspiration you have been to me."

Thank you.

You don't know how much this sentence means to me as well.

posted by malmoncolo @ 9:23 AM 0 comments

How was your day?

It was a birthday card which I have put away for a long time. A card that had been buried in a heap of other get-well cards, valentine day cards and birthday cards. I was lucky to have lived in that era where cards were commonly exchanged during different occasions.

'Happy Birthday' was the cover letter and its contents were short- "A friend to remember forever". I sat back in my chair and smiled warmly.

We were only 14 years old then.

I put the card carefully back into the drawer together with the other cards. The heap of cards that have been neglected but never forgotten. And it was then I wondered:

How was your day, my old friend?

posted by malmoncolo @ 3:46 AM 3 comments