Reunion

We met again last Saturday. The class got together for lunch along with some other ex students at the place where we once went for classes. It was a hurried affair, followed by a quick photo taking session. The few of us went off in Fabian's car to Serangoon Gardens for coffee, where most of us, for most part, sat and listened to him regale tales of his new life in the army.

Every dear friend a mighty mountain...

Outwardly, nothing much seemed to have changed. Fabian lost his voice, as expected, and looked a little gaunt. He seemed happy, though his decision to stay on after his contract ends slightly unnerved me. Gracie's going into teaching and Joe should be on his way to see Tekong for the first time as I write this. How many more get togethers can there be ? Even now, we're all starting to lead different lives. Had not for Fabian's endless stream of army stories, would we have had stuff to talk about ? It's a gargantuan task to stay in touch, keep in contact, when the ties that bind fade with each passing day. Friends, loved ones, fading slowly into the background as the mundane going ons of daily life takes over. New friends, new loves, new lives. Life is an endless struggle against entropy, where most of the time, you paddle hard just so you can stay on the same spot.

I once sought the opinion of a dear friend on the nature of perseverance, and how does one know when it stops being persevering and starts being simply a case of being unable to let go.

When you stop caring...

Thank you, Eugene. I'll never forget that.

To my beloved, you know who you are, you probably won't be reading this, but just so that you know, despite the flare up and all the frustrations, I still care.

...And sometimes, just sometimes, when the going gets a little tough for both of us, I wonder if we'd make time to meet up and find some comfort in a little hug...

For your smile will always be my sunshine, and your laughter the sweetest music of it all.

love,
.eric