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australia flashback @ 17.6.10
the food grossed me out; the slice of radish wedged in the layers of the hamburger stained the buns a sickly, gaudy pink colour. when i first got the food, i thought "is this fit to be eaten?" cause the whole meal seems unpalatable. the humongous-sized fries-probably meant for big-sized autralians rather than asian teens was way too salty. adding on to my misery was the unbearable cold. my teeth were literally chattering and despite shoving my fists deeper into my jeans pockets, it still felt like i was standing naked in the snow; and i cant keep my hands in there for too long cause i need them for feeding.
everyone else also had their bodies huddled up and those who were fortunate enough to have brought along their gloves seemed to be handling the temperature better. i cursed under my breath thinking of my gloves lying on my seat in the bus outside. i could run up to the bus and get them but i wouldn't risk the cold outside. i finished my food in silence, occasionally smirking at the funny jokes a nearby clique were sharing; they're a friendly bunch.
'hey. i'm going up the bus first' i said to N who seemed to want to linger around the friendly bunch longer and headed for the door. the guy in front of me opened the door and stepped out. i felt the chilly breeze blow in my face and shuddered as i stood in the doorway. i looked at the floor in front of me and saw a wet, ragged and furry thing lying on its tummy. it looks dishevelled and when i realised that it was a dog, i frantically stepped back and the glass door started to slide close. it was nearly closing when he caught the handle. he made some room for me and said urgently ' Faster. Faster.' Catching on, i dashed out.
the carpark was almost void of vehicles and this scene here would be unlikely in Singapore context. this petrol kiosk seems so deserted and in the night mist, it looked even more depressing. while pulling up my hoodie over my head, i glanced to my left and thanked him.
he flashed me a smile and i asked ' do you have a dog at home?'
'no i dont. i want to, but my mum wouldn't have it.'
'if it wasn't against my religion, i would've have wanted a dog actually. is your mum afraid of dogs?'
'naw. she used to have a pet dog when she was young and took care of it but i guess now, she's kindof sick of having to clean and feed it. she said if i wanted one, i would've to wait till i finished school and move out of the house.
i grinned at his lament cause it reminded me of my own mum; she said having cats in the house is unhygienic and requires the responsibility that apparently, i lack.
'yeah. my mum says the same thing. but i guess it's partly true cause JC life is so hectic you don't even have time for yourself.'
he nodded in agreement. wow, he's so easy to talk to and so down to earth. plus he did me a favour just now with the dog. how odd- i didn't notice him before this conversation and its already 3 days into the trip. that's when i realised i didn't even know his name.
'umms. by the way, i didn't get your name.'
'it's chan hong.'
'right...do you have an english name?' (i suck at rmbring chinese names, period)
'no i don't have one, sorry. it's easy to remember. just think of jackie CHAN leaving HONG kong'
i can't help but laugh at his innovative analogy,'Aite..aite..' and i stepped into the bus.
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