Currently Playing: Cary Brothers - The Glass Parade.
"Just look up, break down and believe."
A memory crossed my mind today.
It was a couple of days before my brother made his maiden voyage to the Land of the Kiwi for his studies, and I was still at a loss as to what made an acceptable, appropriate going-away gift for him. After seeking consultation from the only dude friend who seemed to be online during that particular period (that would be you, Azlan) and surfing through the Net for ideas, I finally settled on getting him a good copy of translation of the Qur’an and a pair of sunglasses.
True, they were nothing out of the ordinary. But I liked the way I presented it to him the day before he was to fly. It was really a sort of improvisation of Azlan’s suggestion, so Azlan, you are hereby acknowledged.
I wrapped a carton of milk and a box of tissues in fancy paper, and placed them in Lutfi’s room when he wasn’t looking. Later on, he called me over and said he was about to unwrap the gifts. When he pulled out the milk and tissue box, he threw me a quizzical look before his expression tried to sort itself out into what hopefully looked like one of gratitude. I had to stop myself from chuckling because he looked as though he wasn’t sure how he was supposed to react, but to his credit, he managed a confused but nevertheless passable ‘Uh…thankyou?’
I explained to him that the milk was for strength, since I wasn’t going to be as available as I was before, and the tissue was for when he left because I gathered he’d be bawling once I wasn’t there anymore. I pulled off the performance of my life, acting hopeful and genuine so that he’d be fooled into thinking that perishable and disposable items were really what I wanted him to have, and I knew he’d buy it since he knows I’m into symbolism and the metaphorical. He cleared his throat, looked up apologetically and repeated his thanks, but then added ‘But you know Kak Na, I can’t exactly bring these items past Customs. I don’t think they’d allow it. But thanks anyway.’ He sounded like he meant it too.
By then I had to duck from the room to keep from dissolving into a fit of laughter. I don’t think I would’ve been able to control myself if my face had made the slightest twitch.
Aih, adik aku nih…baiknya tak komplen.
I left him to have some time alone with his milk and tissues, before retrieving the book and sunglasses from their secret hiding place and went back to his room. If memory serves me right, he was still sitting on the floor, looking a little bewildered at my idea and choice of a farewell present. I plopped down and handed him the bundles, saying that if the milk and tissues weren’t going to make it past Customs, then he’s going to need a replacement. The Qur’an translations would be his source of strength instead, and if tissues don’t help, then a pair of sunglasses would definitely do the trick if he needs to hide baggy, bloodshot eyes.
I’ll never forget his expression. It was priceless. =)
I was feeling exceptionally low a couple of days ago, and impulsively texted him. He called back, despite it being 11pm over there, despite him having a Calculus test the next day, despite the cost it would cause him. He called back and 50 minutes later, I felt a lot better than I had been in days. I had almost forgotten how much I miss him.
So anyway. Something arrived in the mail for me yesterday:
On the day itself, he waited til 4am so that he could call me once midnight struck on this side of the planet. Yesterday, I got this book as a bonus.
Thank you, little brother. Thank you for everything.
It’s been 6 months. The sooner we get to see you again, the better.
Til then, Insya Allah, my prayers are always with you.
God bless.
Enough said here.
