1200 HRS 30th September 2009

I was primary 4

at St Stephen's.

Afternoon session

another gruelling day

with Mrs Thambiah.

After school,

I ran up the slope

where you were waiting

in your half squat

arms wide opened.

I ran up to you

and you gave me

a nice bear hug.

Kissed my head.

Boy, Mummy got baby already you know?

I looked up at your grinning face

Boy or Girl???

I demanded.

Girl.

The joyful expression

disappeared

from my face.

I pulled away from

your hug,

ran down the slope

to the tuckshop,

wailing

YOU ALL PURPOSELY ONE!!!

I KNOW!!!

YOU ALL PURPOSELY ONE!!!

I could hear your laughter

What a laughter

Nobody laughs

like the way you did,

a whole hearted

from the bottom of the gut

laughter.

I can still hear

that laughter now.

Pa, can you laugh again

for me

just one more time