story.

as the pidgeon soars past the skyscrapers of the Central Business District, a statue overlooks the the river that gently swishes according to the timings of the wind. The occasional pungent sea salt smell gently whiffs itself into the marbled walls of the MNC.

Just as the sun rises and sets, the routine like pattern of an office jobs bites into the lifestyle of the average pre-NS enlistee. The rat race packing into the train at the stroke of half past 6, bustling past Old Lady aunties, the occasional macho mary, and the all too familiar sex-cretaries.

as Goldhill Plaza slowly cascades along with the nocturnal setting ascending, the hollow staircases leading up to a land of potential possibilities seems all to familiar. Unlocking unleashing what you can possess and can do seems like a marketable salesline, but more than just the financial facade, it's a place where dreams do come through if you're willing to pay the price.

Morning sunshine. The dilapidated Katong Mall and its shutters are all down, the echoey meeting point on level 2 shows no sign of human existence, slowly but surely it becomes a family hub where over-eager parents send their stressed out children of 3-9 to violin, piano, ballet, chinese tuition, advanced chinese tuition, higher chinese tuition classes within the vicinity.

the bus stops with a huge chug at the harbourfront bus interchange. sun worshippers and the occasional macho mary traipse towards the newly opened monorail for a chance to experience the island life love it experience. Taking a tram towards the end of Siloso beach, draping and droopy volleyball nets are placed in a strategic form over the carpet of trampled sand. Bouts between aggressive teams are played under the blazing sun as the turquoise coloured waves come crashing onto the wet sand. Sounds of the occasional clapping and grunts come from the court within and handshakes are exchanged after a match is played.

the river is peaceful, far away, you hear boats coming back with exhausted looking rowers with their paddles already wet with the beads of river water. Cox-sons slowly removing the rudder from the tail of the boat, inching towards the pontoon. Out at sea, teams are slowly building up their speed as they trudge towards imaginary finishing lines at the sunspension bridge. Fishermen angrily shaking their fists and using descriptive hokkien to curse at us whenever we enter their fishing line territory. 8, 9, 10... longer.

the gates open with the usual creak and squeak, the padlock is fastened and as the staircase bellows with the footsteps of draggy feet and a very low slung backpack, a tired face rests on the body. Chucking the backpack to the side of his bedroom, he switches on the computer, looks through the familiar msn list of people (eternally) online, and suddenly he has an instant message.

he smiles. he chuckles. and resumes the project. he's at peace with his heart, he knows whatever will be will be. He's done being stupid. He's done being indecisive. He's convicted. He knows that the road less travelled would be a time of surprises, but to reach the finishing line, not only requires perseverance, but sincerity in finishing the line and w.a.i.t-ing.

he takes a long shower and croons his favourite lover songs, and while brushing his teeth, he examines himself in the mirror. great, no choobies, dandy, whiter teeth, alright, facial hair's neat. baby fats still available, darn, but it'll pass.

he gently plops himself onto his penguin-patterned bedsheet, puts his arms behind his head, looks at the ceiling and could almost remember who was the last person next to him on the bed.

Before he rests, he knows he probably has to repeat all the activities within a week again, and thinks whether it's all worth it.

It's time where he experiments in life, knowing what he wants, what he's good at, what he's bad at and who he was meant to be with.

sometimes, he wonders if ever history will repeat itself. then again, he ponders too much and realises that sometimes, sleep is better. but he knows his promises, he knows where his heart lies, he knows who he'll be thinking about. until his love comes back.