Friends

Posted to Norway for an exchange programme for almost a month, Chen Hao was finally back home. Kai Jin, Jian, Juls, Jo, CH and I met up in Sunway Pyramid to catch up with each other. Sharing with us his appealing experiences in Norway, like how the few of them skinny dipped the icy cold water at -10 Celcius, their fame as foreign adventurous travellers, one ponders on how small and short-sighted we stand in our own country, leaving the explorable outside world undiscovered.

Simple confabulations with friends on daily matters (driving) and experiences are sufficient to lighten up your day. Despite being aware that we weren't in decent contact for only countable weeks, our gathering was compatible to a reunion of long lost friends. This cozy feeling lingers and conjures into glows of gratitude acknowledging such caring friends.

The day went pretty well until it was time for me to leave. Not intending to trouble CH like always, I decided to brave myself to take the Rapid KL back to Kelana LRT Station. Yes, if you have known me well, my close to zilch street-smartness succumbs me more willingly to accidents, scams or even attacks!

*shrugs*

And so, was I standing beside the pedestrian bridge opposite the mall, behaving like paranoid most of the time. Clutching to my handbag and handphone, I stole glances at my surroundings every other minute. Frustrated by the side of a busy road, Rapid KL T623 had no trace of passing by. However, considering the inefficiency of the system, I thought patience would do me good. After half an hour, I approached two Malays to ensure that I was on the right track. The first one was positive that 623 doesn't come by Sunway Pyramid and the second one shaked her head profusely in disbelief, "Takda la.. Memang takda.."

Tears started to swell in my eyes and I was panicking within. I quickly dialled Kai Jin's number, and fortunately, CH ,Jian and him were still there and he asked me to cross over quickly to the location where we previously parted. Being a ding dong bell, I misinterpreted his directions and went the opposite direction instead. Alas! I was drifting all alone along the streets, unfamiliar to my surroundings. To make things worse, the poor reception resulted in failed attempts to call and numerous miss-calls. I turned in immediately when an entrance emerged out of the confusion,
and was about to make enquiries when my phone rang.

"Where are you?!!"

And that was when I realised I was at the other end.

After more walk-skip-running, waves of relief washed over me at sight of Kai Jin. He gave me his signature roll-the-eyes, muttering "I knew you would go the wrong way" under his breath. I apologised and pleaded him to not relate the foolish incident to CH and Jian, who were at the hotel waiting. He chuckled.

And, he spilled the beans with a smirk.


All I knew was that I was flushed and embarrassed by my carelessness. An unaccountable anger and guilt mounted in me, and I couldn't find words to express myself.


"Nothing wan laaaaaaa. Just remember to be more careful in Melbourne k?" Jian put a hand around me.

I apologised, having delayed their journey home.

"Nevermind laaaaa. We are friends mar." She laughed it off.

As cliche as it sounds, it certainly warmed my heart. I somehow felt that the other two understood too.

I'm thankful.








Punishment: Two nasty blisters on my foot!! Ouch!