one last hug

Some years ago, I visited a family of my friend and I was surprised to be invited personally by a family relative, an uncle, to walk around the neighbourhood. The area wasn't that far but I won't be able to find my way back as there were many twists and turns. When we arrived the area, I was greeted by hundreds of longan trees but most of them were no longer healthy as they were damaged by the drought. I marbled at the many trees and the several things I found either hanging from branches, or those scattered on the ground. He then told me that the whole place belongs to their families. 

And year after year, when I return to pay them a visit, my uncle would welcome me by giving me some flowers or one, placing it on the table and saying, "I know who love flowers." Auntie would prepare me my favourite Thai sweet and their neighbour would come to chit chat with me about life. They even gave me a piece of their land for me to plant a handful of different fruit bearing trees to commemorate my mom's death, and that was four years ago. The custard apple and mango trees had fruits last year while the jackfruit tree has fruits now.  

Every time I leave the place, I feel that a part of me is taken away. I might be missing my parents as they treated me like their own son, a nephew perhaps. When I first met them through a friend, I felt that they were snobbish. However, the problem was not them, it was me, as I was not friendly to strangers, lest with people I can't speak the dialect. 

Last year, I heard that he was no well so I gave him a visit during the New Year. He was frail and can't speak well as his throat was hurting. He can only have soup, or something soft like boiled rice or oats. When I returned to the city, I heard that he was on IV, as he cannot swallow anymore. And then this early morning, it came as a surprise to hear that he passed away. 

Our last meeting was when I was to board the car to go back to the city. I gave him a hug, feeling how bony he became and gave him a wai. He held my arms and gave me a hug as well, tight as he can, and then I walked away. It was one last hug I will remember. 

May his soul rest in peace.