I got the lift going with a deft turn and a smart tap all in one movement. My parents' house looked way cleaner than ever in my memory. I could navigate through the house effortlessly in darkness and operate fittings, caches and appliances effortlessly. It felt like I never left.
Outside, my neighbourhood remained unchanged. It felt like it had been frozen in time, waiting for her son to return. I woke automatically at 0700hrs sharp on Sunday, after being totally spent the night before, retiring for the night with Jen and Albany at no later than 2100hrs. The living room was vividly quiet, despite all the sounds of life beyond our little 4 room flats outside. I walked towards the only window in the living room, left ajar for ventilation. The morning sun was rising at a placid pace. By now, Perth would be in full sunshine glory despite the same time zone.
I moved closer to the shoe rack to reach out for 1 of the 3 tiny urns placed on top of it. I held in with both hands, closed my eyes and brought it to my face. How I missed his furry flew pressing tightly on my face, while his claws dug into the back of my shoulders. A heartache inflicts not more physical damage that a tiny ant could do to a human being. Yet it can be so severely crippling that it leaves one in a state of desolation, temporary if fortunate.
It was evident we had climatised to Perth's weather. As we walked out of Changi Airport, I experienced difficulties in breathing for the first minute. The air was much denser and there was an accompanying tinge of pungent haze. Beads of perspiration began to form. It would take more than a mere few days to tune the body back to familiarity and we would be on Perth soil again before that could happen.
The road devils were in top form on our way home from the airport. To be honest, it was daunting even for a passenger. There were too many close shaves to my personal taste. A year back, I was a fully qualified Singapore road gladiator when I could take on the roads and these punks with a few eyes closed. That day, I couldn't be anymore happier to have my trusted guardians escorting us back home. I had lost the tenacity critical to survive on Singapore roads, for sure.
When are you going back?
ReplyDeleteMaybe we can meet up for a kopi section =P
David
Mate me same feel the last time back home! I dread going back sin if not for the sake of my parent, frens n som issues to settle. Steph
ReplyDeleteMate me same feel the last time back home! I dread going back sin if not for the sake of my parent, frens n som issues to settle. Steph
ReplyDeleteWelcome back!!!
ReplyDelete(kenobi)
Enjoy Singapore. I love it whenever I am back - family and friends is how I remember SG.
ReplyDeleteWait till you return to Sgp during Aus winter time, the feeling is much worse.
ReplyDeleteI returned once from Syd during winter time, but after that I never do it again.
Welcome back! :-)
ReplyDeleteWe're anticipating my younger brother's later this year.
hot and humid right? cant stand it the last round i went back. was too lethargic to venture out but had no choice but to do so as hv frens to meet,but only on the last and final week.
ReplyDeleteWelcome home!
ReplyDeletehave a well deserved break.
ReplyDeleteJust to say your contributions as a blogger is more worthy than those apathetic sporeans who live here.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, welcome home !
welcome home :)
ReplyDelete