9 aug, one year on.
there was a gathering at my grandparent's place on national day last year. it was sort of my informal farewell party before i left for berkeley; there was sparkling juice. and pretty horrible (but enthusiastic) toasts. and i remember watching the parade, and when they got to the choral rendition of 'home', i recall just suddenly tearing up at the line-
this is home, truly. where i know i must be.
i don't know if it was because of the fear, or because i was worried i would miss home (or if i was missing home already). but it just got me right there in the chest, that place that is always 'gotten-right-there'.
the gathering this year was less memorable. also the parade barely tugged at my heartstrings (chua enlai in drag kills any inkling of the emo).
but just thinking about that line, one year later... makes me a little sad. for very different reasons.
i'm not looking forward to the mope-fest in 2013/2014.
thank God for a great year at berkeley.