Oasis in the Desert

The week seems long to me. Often, I would either be trudging alone or together with another friend of mine in the long stretch of road ahead. The relentless sun would scorch us as we made our way to the train station. My spectacles would turn a shade darker. The air feels stifled as we breathe in exhaust emissions from the busy traffic at the junction.

It was during these treks along the deserted paths that I met up with two ex-classmates. Due to internet security, I will not reveal their names on this public domain. But I must express my feelings of joy when I met up with them. It has been months and for one, even years, since I last saw them. Boy, am I glad that they are well.

It could not have been mere coincidences (even though some might attribute to that) that my overstay in the compound (doing admin work, waiting for ppl, etc) has led to these chance meetings.

Time to continue my journey after a brief respite.

...and I still remember the feelings of lonliness, as I took the bus 975 to my camp every Sunday night. With a civilian bag on my left shoulder, wearing the odd combination of polo-tee, SAF shoes, and jeans, I would board the bus. It would be silence, as I would look at the other sad faces staring out into space as the bus would take a slow journey past cemeteries and deserted roads...