The Boy Who Thought Me to be Grateful

It's hard not to get exasperated when things start coming to you like there's no end. No matter how bad things can be, they always say there's always a silver lining hidden somewhere that we don't see until it's revealed to us.

Whenever things get so bad that I felt like escaping from my life, I'd think about H.

H was only 10. When I called his name out amongst his friends, they burst into laughther, most probably because I was too young to be his mak angkat. Maybe they expected someone 'older'. Boys. When I saw him, his clothes were his best - smart in crisp ironed shirt, songkok that was too big for him and paired with shiny black shoes. Immediately caught my eyes were his shoes - the size was too big and the soles were detached slightly at the front.

It saddened me for a moment when I remember how I treat my own shoes when some barely have good ones. Sigh.

There he was when I saw a certain sadness in him. He was, afterall, without a father. His mother couldn't afford to take care of him, so she sent him to an orphanage, only to be beatened by morally spoilt older orphans. Thank god, his mother got to her conscious and took him back.

Today was his special day, a day by my employer to make all his wishes come true. I had the honour of becoming his chaperon on behalf of my boss (since he's too busy for meetings etc).

Anyway, my chaperon duties didn't limit to just one kid - I had to take on another anak angkat, an 11 year old girl. Both of them were akwardly shy and they somehow do looked alike, like next of kins.

To Aquaria we went. The kids got along so well as though there the world didn't seem to matter at all. Of course, I had my share of fun too, teasing how they'd look good as each other's girlfriend/boyfriend. :P

That day I also realised it was NOT easy to be a parent. Having two kids already was a handful, what more 3 or more kids! My salutations all the mothers in world for having more than one kid. Halfway touring Aquaria I barely could keep up with their youthful energies.

Our tour came to an end at the gift shop where I gave those two to buy any toy they like at the store.

"Akak nak belanje ke? Betulke? Nanti Akak takde duit. Kita kesian kat Akak."

Meaning: Are you sure you want to spend on me? I'm afraid you'd be out of money. I don't want to burden you.

God knows at that time what I felt, I tried very hard not to show my tears. Contrary to the other girl, he chose a modest gift, while the former chose one of the most expensive one in the shop! Talk about paw.

To be continued (sorry, it's late. :P)