It was still drizzling as we were nearing the school, my Booty and I. Five hundred meters from the school gate, the traffic was a lot more ridiculous than just ridiculous. So Kitreena and I sat in the car holding hands listening to Miley Cyrus, track number seven on repeat, looking out to see nothing much except for a gentleman and his daughter walking in the rain.
.
When they suddenly stopped in their track, Kitreena and I almost synchronously sat up to see what they were going to do next. The Korean Daddy handed the umbrella to his girl and almost effortlessly swooped her off her feet and carried her across the street with one hand, carrying her school bag with the other. Miss Princess helped holding the umbrella for Mr. Daddy. And when they got to the other side of the street, Mr. Daddy put the girl down and they carried on the last few hundred meters hand in hand smiling.
.
Kitreena looked at me and I pretended not to see the tears in her eyes. For a few seconds that felt like one complete circle of four leap years, I took a deep breath and bent down looking for the Kleenex box. If it wasn’t because of the closed windows, I would have thought it was the rain that drizzled on our face this morning. And so I had two pieces of Kleenex in my hand.
.
All I could think to say to Kitreena was, “I can love you like that, Monch.”
.
Questa è Enida 
nid
you both will be just fine, given time.you’ll see.
Amen.
Sometimes I don’t let it get to me, Ida. But when it does get to me, I feel sorry for all the lost time not having a proper family. But you’re right, luv. We will be just fine, given time.
Heart made of metal girls
Tak jugak Cik Nan. Even metal rusts. Lately ni terasa sedih Cik Nan. For Kitreena and Edrick, definitely. But I can’t be with someone who doesn’t love me enough.
You are more Enida, much more.
Oh Wizz, I am still trying to convince myself. It will be a year in just three months. We’ve been fine, though some days are stones! And that was rocky.
Dear Enida, I have been a silent reader for a bit. This article suddenly made my face wet too and it’s not even raining outside… My 3 year old niece went through the same thing some time ago. I know there’s nothing I can say that can make it better but please accept my warmest thoughts and best wishes. Chin up, dear Kireena.
Dear F.H.,
Thank you for being a silent reader, and thank you all the same for breaking the silence… even though it was with tears. Thank you for feeling for me and with me. I am glad to know we are not alone, I am learning from those who have gone through this. And you sharing about your three year old niece makes me feel ‘relieved’ in a way. At least I know there are people who can relate to what I am going through. Thank you for thoughts and wishes, dear. Hugs!