Memory: farewell

The first of many farewells

I had always liked my cousin Dickson even though I might only see him a total of 10 times a year. He lived in Hong Kong, and I lived in Canada, and I only see him when I am off from school/work. We don't really talk or connect online either when we're in different countries, but he was a good kid, thoughtful and polite, and most importantly, I feel that I am close to him. I am glad we got to know each other better during his 5 months here living in Ottawa with me, and I know I'll miss him after he left in mid-October 2012.



A few days before his flight back to Hong Kong, he asked me when I think we would meet face to face again. I said I don't know. At that time, I hardly knew where I would be in a few months. It wasn't like we see each other very often before either, so it never crossed my mind to consider how long it would be until I get to see him again. He was obviously the more sensitive one. Or I am simply desensitized because I have lived away from my family almost all my life. I am definitely more attached to friends and hockey players.
He mulled over his own question, then said that it would most likely be when I get married. I stared at him and denied immediately. It would most likely be when He gets married. I cringe at the very thought of me being paraded around as a bride, and much prefer to elope instead.



On the day of his flight, I got a taxi to get us and her girlfriend to the airport. A few of his friends were also there to say their goodbyes. Dickson was still lighthearted when his girlfriend was getting red-eyed. I wasn't sure if he was just holding it in the whole time, and just couldn't hold it in when he said his goodbye to me. Tears welled up in his eyes as he hugged me goodbye. I wished him a safe flight and tried to make a few light jokes, and he simply told me to remember to get married.
It might have been a weird comment, but I understood his underlying message. He wants to see me again.

I smiled and saw him off.

When I got home, to my surprise, the whole apartment was sparkling clean, and on the coffee table was a card and a pot of flowers. To be honest, I was more touched by the cleaned apartment than the flowers, but nonetheless, I was very touched.

This will be a fond memory that I would treasure for a very long time.