On the way home from school on a Monday afternoon, after waiting for Kitreena’s orchestra practice…
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Edrick: Mom, we have to have goals in our life.
Mommy: That’s right. You’re not talking about soccer, are you?
Edrick: No, that’s a different kind of goal. I mean… you have to have goals for yourself.
Mommy: Yes you do, and what are your goals, Edrick?
Edrick: I have two goals, Mom. Goal number one is to go to heaven when I die. And goal number two is to have a good job in this life. I want to have a job that can give me at least ten thousand dollars a month.
Mommy: Oh wow! I like your goals, Monch! *starts to look at her own goals now*
Edrick: Oh Mom, and I mean ten thousand dollars okay. Not ringgit.
Mommy: Okay, sure. And that is Canadian dollars eh?
Edrick: Yeah. Or maybe I can win a competition or a contest that gives me ten thousand dollars.
Mommy: But why do you want to win a contest? You don’t know if you are going to be lucky.
Edrick: No, I mean for my age now. That’s all I can do. I can’t get a job yet. I am only 8 and a half.
Mommy: Okay Edrick. All the best! But maybe you should focus on your job now, and that is to do well at school.
Edrick: I am, Mom.
Mommy: But I like your goal number one too, you know.
Edrick: I know.
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I peeked at his reflection on the rear-view mirror, and I could see him smiling.
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Happy Father’s Day, Enida.
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Edrick the man …