im recounting all of this from memory, so spare me if there are holes in it.

dinner, bintan lagoon resort.
"ehh boy, eat more!", Uncle said, putting more fish into my bowl.
"ya lor, so thin, eat more than can grow taller," Auntie said.
"orhhhh."
the people around the table had to raise their voices to speak in the busy restaurant.
the adults talked about everything under the sun while the children played their own games.
waiters hurried about, serving food and drinks.
a glass of sprite reached the table, and i shared it with Brother.
Cousin Brother looked at me and winked.
"william, got wear your mickey mouse underwear anot,"
our two families burst into laughter, while i turned beet red.
embarassed, i buried my face into the food and chewed.
a waiter seemed to magically appear behind Father, setting down another dish.
sweet and sour pork.
the food did not catch my eye at first. one of the decorations arrested my attention.
a blue flower, its petals made out of carrot and dyed blue, was set on the side.
i instantly reached out for it and grabbed it.
"i want to bring this back to singapore," i said aloud, eyes still stuck to the carrotflower.
"give who?" Mother said, slyly eyeing me.
"so sweet ah," Cousin Sister said, giggling.

the din of the restaurant seemed to be drowned out.
the little boy smiled a gentle smile, childishly cradling the flower in his hands.


foolish days of my youth. hahaha.



that was when i was.......K2.