The straw that will not break the back…
Many years ago, I was dragging myself home, my mind filled with dozens of worries. My ventures had failed and we were down to the last dollar…literally!
I bumped into a friend, an old classmate whom I had not seen since the 1960s. He was the Chinese boy with the scaly skin (Ichthyosis Vulgaris) whom most people in school shunned. It did not bother me and we became fast friends but lost touch after he moved (back then, no telephones or social media).
Heng greeted me with a wide smile and we even hugged. We were both in a rush and promised to keep in touch – but never did.
I still recall that fleeting encounter, his brimming smile and the joy in his eyes. Perhaps he was happy to see me but I think it was more to do with Heng – always a happy boy, now a happy man.
I could not fathom then but felt a great unburdening of my heart.
Years later, in a pensive moment, the thought occurred – an angel had touched me – in the form of my friend.
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