john

i first met john at the pool many years back when i was still serving the force. it must have been about 10 years? there's something very different about him that made me remember him - he has a beard. not very common for a chinese. after seeing him a couple of times at the pool, i didn't get to see him again as i stopped going to the pool eventually. i forgot about him altogether after that.

fast forward to about two years ago, i chanced upon him at katong pool again. and since then, i had seen him quite frequently. each time i see him, he would give me that "you look familiar" kinda look. and each time we meet, i would smile at him and he would reciprocate. and all these while, i didn't have the chance to talk to him as we were a distance away. moreover, i am not one to approach people. but last week, things changed. it was during my off day when i decided to head to the pool for a tan. 

i had just changed up after my shower when he walked into the toilet. his entrance took me by surprise. as usual, i smiled at him and he reciprocated. it was then that i thought that perhaps i should just muster my courage and speak to him. and after some initial pleasantries, i asked if he'd like to keep in touch. it had been over a decade and i told myself it was then or never. frankly, i felt really shy doing it and quickly retracted when he paused and showed some hesitance. well, it's ok, thanks, i said and wanted to leave. but after some momentary silence, he agreed and gave it to me. those moments were superbly awkward for me. anyway...

yeah, am glad i've got a new friend. 

:-)