I will remember you

A long, long time ago, when I was in Primary school, my sis brought a guy home. My siblings and I immediately hid in our bedroom. See, we're really shy and not used to strangers.

Knowing us, my sis came into the bedroom and told us that she expected each of us to go up to her guy friend, shake his hand and say "Hello".

I knew I was staying in the room forever. I was so, so terrified of meeting people then. One by one, my siblings betrayed me and left the room. Then there were just me and my younger brother.

Our bedroom is raised and both of us sat on the raised platform. I don't know why but in those days there was a curtain in front of the door. So the curtain hid our faces but anyone could see our legs dangling over the floor. We sat there a very long time. Finally my younger brother abandoned me. I heard him do the greeting and I felt so alone. I knew sooner or later I had to do it. Besides, I needed to pee.

Finally, I summed up my courage. I walked up to my sis's guy friend, shook his hand and said, "Hello". It wasn't that hard after all.

And that was the first time I met my BIL. He turned out to be a nice guy. My younger brother and I often tagged along when he dated my sister. He bought us our first board game.

On Sunday, he passed away. I heard the news while I was manning my booth at Velocity@Novena Square. I was expecting it. Still, I felt traumatised. Just like that, another family member is lost. My heart breaks for my sis and her family. For they are robbed of a loved one. I hope they find strength and peace.

It is only this past year that I got to know my BIL a little better. He started to tell me a little more about his hobbies. In March when I saw him, I told him I was selling my bags at Iluma. He told me he would come check out my bags and he did.

Here he was, at Iluma.

Quite honestly I was surprised he showed any interest in my bags. He showed me his latest toy - a camera that takes 3D. And that was the last time we spoke.

Rest in peace, A. I will remember you.