LIV - 2.4 Aftermath

We moved into a room in a HDB flat in Hougang. Mom, her bf then and me. 3 people in a tiny room. We cooked on a small portable cooker. There was no fridge. Was even worst when Grandma and Yipoh came to stay. 5 people in a tinny room. Sharing a bed and a mattress on the floor.

Getting to school was hard. Had to change 2 buses. Struggled to get up in the mornings. Felt the resentment building. Tried to hide it away. There was never enough money. Went to school hungry on some days and came home even hungrier. Missed the comforts of home. Having someone to do the laundry instead of washing it by hand in a tiny toilet while bathing. Being able to cook instant noodles properly instead of using a tinny portable cooker. Having privacy.

There were still some good times. Watching midnight movies with Mom on weekends. Going to Geylang to have Xiao Long Bao and Tau Huey. Long drives behind Changi Airport, with leaves falling from above, like autumn.

This lifestyle couldn't last for long though. Was moved back home within 3 months. Only one instruction stood clear in my mind.

Keep the bedroom door locked at night.