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Tanim, The Deep Thinker…

I was in a meeting. Yet, my mind roamed over to my 20-year old son. He was supposed to call me about his A-level results. He hadn’t called. And I was fidgeting on my seat stealing glances at the handphone. Ah.. it’s almost noon, and still he hadn’t called. Emm…

I sent him a text message. He returned an sms, “I will call you later..”

My heart was racing. Was that a good message? Was that an indication of what will come later? Argh…. No need for hair-pulling… just wait for him to call, I consoled my heart.

At 1.30 pm, I couldn’t wait for him to call anymore. I called him. I asked, “How’s your exam?”.

“Ok”, was his short reply.

“Will you get to go to Germany?”, I asked.

“Yeah”, another shorty.

“But you don’t sound happy. Why?” Deafening silence…

Then he told me in a halting, sad voice that some of his friends couldn’t make it. We spoke for some time, assuring him that sometimes seemingly bad things happen for a reason. That his friends would have another shot at their A-levels. That they will meet up in Germany in six months time.

“Please come home,” I urged.

“OK. I’ll be home tonight”. I sighed a relief. But a tear started to form. And then another. I hate to see him go. I want him to stay with me forever. But life is about nurturing and letting go. Yet the tears keep springing out…

UNICEF