yeah....Things will only get better

"I thought you should be pretty expert with this already?" T remarked.

I declined his offer of a stick. Yes, I never believe that someone who once smoke can actually quit smoking. I still hold on to that view. Firmly.

Ever since the broke-up, I felt like smoking. And drinking of course. I bought a pack of Marlboro Lites and I wasted all of it. Not more than a stick, in fact a few puffs. It didn't make me feel any better; in fact it was the exact opposite. I can't imagine why I started in the first place. The second stick was at K-box. Ok, you saw it, but it didn't matter la... you had more than I did.

Alcohol, well.. it's something I drink before or after the break up. No Biggie... Any increased in consumption? Perhaps. It also pointed to something. That I hate Barons.

But did drinking make me feel better? Nope.. defintely not. It didn't make me feel worse though, so I'm alright with that. I can't drink alone. I drink a lot more that way. I need some activities to go along with it. 5-10, dice games and card games, well... they're fine. But I'll prefer a chit chat talk cok session anytime.

T asked for the bill and it came to a total of $300. His treat, he insisted. Before he left, he ordered another chivas for take-away. I have no idea why one would pay an inflated price for a bottle of chivas when he can probably get it much cheaper at the mega marts.

********

As I stepped into the cafe, he was seated at a corner. Sipping beer and having a conversation with J. I pulled over a chair and sat down next to them. They looked at me and gestured to me to go for dinner. The whole place's pretty pack and I haven't had my dinner too, hence I went along.

We had fish head curry and some side dishes. I don't normally take curries but that was good. Or perhaps I was too hungry. He didn't look the bit saddened, though he didn't appear his normal self. He ordered a beer and offered me some. I don't normally drink when I drive but somehow I believe I should take a mug. That would reduce the amount that he had to drink. With a few gulps, it was done. Tried my very best to enagage in some conversation regarding... almost everything.

Him, being the well travelled and well educated one tried his best to answer as we tucked into the wonderful curry. He tried his best to crack some jokes and we tried to laugh along. Something was wrong.

As we made our way back to the cafe and he to his car, he was pretty quiet.

" Life must and will go on" he said.

With that we bade him good-bye.

Back at the cafe, I realised the whole incident. He has just finished signing the papers for a divorce. It can't be good news when you are on the receiving end, know that one of your friends has just gone thru such an ordeal. I can't claim to know him well, but it sure did something to affect my mood.

I turned and look at the fat piece of lard. Well, he and his lady have been together for almost a decade. Their ups and downs are well documented. But what I really admire and envy is their determination to work things out and to ride out the rough times together. Which they did.

You look at Uncle and Auntie Bok. In fact, their surename is Tok but well, he's known by his last name Bok, hence everyone became a Bok. By any standards, one would label Bok as a MCP. A terrible one too. He raises his voice at his wife, uses vulgarities.... He gambles and bets heavily on 4D. His monthly income may not even sustain such a habit. He tried to justify it as a pull towards the booths, something not within his control. And he donates some of his winnings. Among the ladies, hands up those of you who would want such a husband/partner?

But the small gestures he did is sufficient to convince Auntie Bok.... He cooks the meals, does the chores and perhaps the groceries too. He would want her to rest more. And when Auntie Bok refuses, he would raise his voice and all the colourful expletives just come flying out.

When Auntie Bok got a stroke, he ran all over the places seeking help, cared for her and literally nursed her back to the pink.

*********
Now, you don't find fags and alcohol being a substitute or remedy to this, do you?

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