My Longkang

Character : early 80s
Location : Lanang Polyclinic

Mr Wong : You are waiting to see the doctor? ( I sighed and said yes. I knew I would have a difficult time as my comprehension of the Foochow language is at best rudimentary. )

Mr Wong’s tale: I am so sad. I don’t know how it happened. First we were a happy home. We lived an hour away near Sarikei. My land was rich with fruits and vegetables. I was living with my sister’s single daughter. I call her daughter. It was not perfect but still we got along some how. Then entered a new third person to form a triangle.

First the maid complained of biscuit crumbs under the sofa. She grumbled for the whole world to hear about how the bread crumbs would end up with the whole house full of ants. I don’t eat biscuits because of my diabetic condition.

Then she complained of somebody dirtying up the toilets. She complained about how messy somebody was. After that she would point out little defects here and there in the home caused by an unknown third party in the house. Scratches on the furniture, etc etc… doors left unlocked, windows unclosed etc. Honestly I don’t know how they happened. Why would I cause such damage? I am not a child.

I am getting old. I sometimes forget to do things. But I mean no harm. I have little strength left. I have high blood pressure. That is why I am here

Look at my trousers. I have lost so much weight ( it is obvious ) . I am so sad. ( at this point his eyes start to glisten and I hate myself for being unable to help other than to lend an ear. I hope my turn will not come soon because I did not want to leave him alone… not while in this mood )

At first my daughter defended me then she began taking sides. I was the third party. The enemy. Everything I said became wrong. The maid twisted everything I said.

I have no education like all you young ones. I have never driven a car. But I have used a motorbike to go to Binatang and Sarikei. I have never owed money and all my children finished their education. Now everything is forgotten.

Now I am living with other people with only two shirts and a pair of trousers. Yesterday they bought me a pair of shorts. God bless them. I will go back to her one day. Maybe. I am not angry with her. These things happen. She is not having an easy life.

I am so old. I am so tired. The doctor said my blood pressure is 170 – 80. Is that high?

Then he said to my amazement in perfect English , The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want ” He nods off immediately after his short speech.

This entry was posted on Saturday, June 27th, 2009 at 3:57 pm and is filed under interesting characters. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.