My Longkang

“Daddy. I want to use the computer! Daddy, quick I want to go to Sibu town. Daddy. I want KFC. Daddy, I want to stay home,” the last one sentence I heard with joy because I could stay at home and put my legs up and enjoy a short nap.

I looked around and Miss Calm and Collected no longer Miss but still calm and collected glared at me. She looked at me with eyes that indicated ‘ I tolerate no nonsense’ and with the house keys in her hand. I got the message.

“Papa, will the thief come? Will the dog eat the thief, ” prompting me to double-check to see that all the doors are locked.

Dressed in a 3/4 pants and a singlet BengBeng went to town. “Daddy, teacher said we must slow down and stop when the lights are changing to yellow. Daddy, teacher say like this is wrong,” a tiny voice said. I made a mental note of taking note of the way the teacher, Miss Lim drives the next time I see her.

“Daddy, it is Christmas.There are so many christmas trees. It is so beautiful,” as a pair of hands grab my hands. I have no heart to say that it is made of wires lighted up with colorful bulbs. As the sound system comes alive with jingle bells, jingle bells: I feel my hand dancing as the little one feels a need to move with the music.

At Wisma Sanyan, there were a lot of last minute Christmas shoppers. It was so full of energy and many people wearing red santa hats, light green t-shirts with red collars. Daddy had to wait while the long queue of kids waited for their turn to receive gifts from Santa. “Daddy. i am so brave huh no need huh to daddy with me I go see Santa huh?”, mentally I make a note that this kid needs a little independence.

As the notes in my wallet were a little lonely, I decided to go to KFC for a mini bucket. ” Daddy, are you sure this will be enough?” Before I can utter a reply, the table is cleared. “Never mind, I tell myself, “there is the maggi noodles just waiting for me to cook at home.”

Up and down the shopping complex, in and out of every nook and corner that can interest a kid, I go. Finally with a sigh of relief I observed a yawn here and there.

I drive home and worry about the back seats as sweets and candy given by Santa are gobbled up with lightning speed. I speak to the wind, “Please don’t touch the seats. Use tissue to wipe your hands.”

Fierce barking greets me when I arrive home. The dog needs to be fed. In ten minutes the house is silent. “Good night, daddy. Thank you I see Santa Claus today. I so happy I no can sleep,” pipes a voice from a distant corner of the house. I go up to say goodnight but when I reach the room, there is only the sound of soft breathing.

“Daddy Bengbeng,” I tell myself, ” you are a very fortunate man”.