Small Talk

It was rather unusual to walk out of the hospital to find the sky so cloudy with hints of rain; but there was none. It is the same with my neghbourhood. The wind was really strong and I was contemplating just hanging around the playground. It is not everyday that the wind is so strong, the sky so cloudy with no rain, no drizzle. So I checked on the mailbox and took the stack of letters to the playground, found a place and sat down. I was just listening to some old songs while flipping through the many useless mails. Suddenly, in the midst of all the flippings, music and children screaming, I thought I heard someone talking to me.
''The sky is so dark but it is not raining. Jie jie do you think it will rain? I have never really thought the sky will be black black when I came out, but no rain''
I turned to my left and saw this little boy, head shaved, big eyes; unmistakably talking to me. I removed my earphone and apologized for not hearing him. Then he repeated his question.

Do you think it will rain?
I don't know actually
When I came down it was dark but usually it isn't.
Where do you stay?
Just nearby. Block 89. My mom is a malay but she is a PR now.
Your mom is a Malaysian, you mean.
Oh yah (embarrassed smile) I always forget. She is Malaysian. She is from this place Simpang something. I cannot remember.
Is it in Johor?
No I don't remember. It is between Thailand and Singapore. I know Thailand is on top, Singapore is at the bottom. My mom is in the center (Haha! So cute)
How old are you? Any siblings?
7 years old. I don't have. Usually I play with the boys who cycle around with me, but now they.. (I couldn't catch his mumbles..)
So do you go to Malaysia often?
I only go to Malaysia when I have time. Last time 6 months once, now its once a year. I have been busy. I sell things now. (He kept looking at this watch that he held in his hands while talking to me..)
What do you sell?
(Looking at the watch again) I only have one minute so I can only tell you very fast, straight to the point.
O.o? Why only 1 minute?
I have to go back at 5.45pm. I also don't know why but.. (mumbles again..). I used to earn 2 dollars every month but for the month of August I earned 5 dollars! (his five fingers all proudly stretched out with a big smile) and that's not including September yet.
But September just started.. (still haven't told me what he is selling yet.. zzz..)
Ya, so I can't count yet.
Do you play here often?
Not everyday. Tomorrow I have cell group. You know cell group? The church thing. Last time I have to go very far away but now we have 3 people in my house for cell group. I design the computer thing (no idea what that meant haha..)
So what is your name?
My name is Wang Jia Cheng (then he started explaining to me how each word is pronounced and all)
Oh! I need to go home now. One minute already! Bye Jie Jie!

Then he ran away so fast, and left me wondering what his business product was. I guess I'll never know.. And soon the rain started pouring.

Sometimes, no matter
how much faith we have,
we lose people.
But you never forget them.
And sometimes,
it's those memories
that give us the strength to go on..

Happy new year!

I will have faith in my own life, instead of putting my faith in someone else's. I think that should be achievable..