Meeting quotas

End of the year is coming and perhaps, for this reason, quite a number of friends wanted to meet up during this period. Coincidentally, everyone thought that today is an auspicious day.

I had 4 appointments on my agenda.

The first was too early (9am), too far away (Bukit Timah Nature Reserve) and it involved one friend (Chin) and countless strangers, albeit I like the idea of its healthy nature. Oh well, when you have only that much time on hand, you have to be a little more selective.

***

The second was planned way ahead. ST managed to be the first to confirm this appointment months ago and since she was the first, I agreed without any hesitation. In fact, I was looking forward to a lovely afternoon with ST, Ste, AL and his friend.

The food was good and the gathering was the highlight of my day. It feels retro to be barbecuing along a back alley. I would love to be in retro clothes and doing photo shoots along that lane!

I have always been expecting confession from a certain friend, or maybe, another college friend. I even prepared my lines (in my head), just in case the moment came without any advance notice.

Still, I was caught unprepared today from an unexpected friend. I am thankful that friends trust me to love them for who they are (I hope to live up to expectations).

***

The third had a obscure location (not so from my place but since I was in town). Anyway, I gave myself the excuse that I had been to HS' places numerous times and this housewarming was more of a formality.

I would have love to meet her siblings, her secondary school friends and her colleagues again. Lovely people mix with lovely company. It was a painful decision but timing wise was bad as well. I will just visit them another day.

***

Lastly, it was Sab and Stan. The duo whom love to interrogate me, or was it just Sab at work, while Stan was in charge of sniggering at those questions.

Many chose to take a few days off during this season, but I was overly conscious about my workload and my leave entitlement. I assumed it was for frivolous enjoyment purposes.

My heart cracked when I heard this.

Stan: What are you doing later?

Sab (in a nonchalant manner, which I suspect its a disguise): Nothing much. I am going home to watch Korean drama and fold incense paper for my boyfriend.

To many, its just a festive season, to some, its painful memories of losing your dear ones.