I stared at her without a word as I deliberated with the decision. Knowing exactly when I will die can be a boon or curse. I realised my heart was beating really fast and I could feel I’m afraid.
I’ve seen first-hand what it could do to a man. I’ve seen it happen to Chua. Imagine spending the rest of your life knowing the exact day, but not the exact moment you will go. It will drive you insane. Even if it doesn’t, it might drive you to do things that you don’t want to do. It’s going to kill you mentally.
We live each day not knowing what is going to happen the next, how can we possibly live with the knowledge of the exact day I’m going to depart ?
“ I fail to see exactly how that would benefit you “ I said.
“Do you think I do this for benefits? “ She laughed. “ so Jerry… deal or no deal ? “
“don’t you already know the answer to that ? “ I said and she chuckled even harder.
“well…. It’s complicated.…” She said, uncrossing her legs as she stepped off the bed.
I asked her how does this work?
Why can she tell the future ? What sort of mad science or alien technology is she employing? Perhaps this whole thing is a scam, designed to drive you nuts.
“Is this a cult ? Devil worship ? Alien technology from the future ? “ I asked.
“first thing first…do you accept the deal ? “ she asked.
“If I do, I can ask anything I want ? “
“yes.”
I hesitated for a moment. The phrase curiosity kills the cat suddenly appeared in my head. She did not rush me, she just waited patiently for me to say the answer I suspect she already knew. I’ve come too far along to stop now. I’ve seen the future before, I’ve seen it happen and yet, there is still this nub of discomfort bothering me.
There is still a part in me that refuse to believe something like the future can be cast in stone.
“yes, I accept the deal.” I said. “how is it that you can tell the future? Do you know everything in this world ? ”
“I don’t know everything….i only know the future of people whose fate are intertwined with mine….if you believe in fate that is….. and….everyone can tell the future, it’s just the degree of accuracy and to what extent it differs.” She said and held up a pen.
Holding it horizontally in front of her, she asked me what will happen if she let go of the pen.
“The pen will drop onto the ground.” I answered.
“Has it happened yet ? “
“No”
“But you know, if I let go, it will drop.. why ? “
“gravity.”
“There, you can tell the future already.”
“it’s not the same.” I argued. “I don’t know if you will drop it in the first place.”
“Exactly, but you know…. If I do drop it… it will fall to the ground at 9.807m/s… as per the gravity on earth…. Yes ? ”
“yes…”
Nodding and shaking her index finger at me at the same time, she went on to give me another example.
“what happens…. When you take a knife and cut yourself? “ she asked. “describe it to me.”
“I bleed, I feel pain…my skin splits apart, blood vessels are ruptured… but why would I cut myself ? “ I asked.
“why would someone drink and drive ? why would someone steal an underwear and sniff it ? why would someone peep at someone in the shower? Why would anyone kill themselves? Why does the chicken cross the road “ She said with a smile.
“So you don’t know everything, is that what you are trying to tell me?”
“Just like you, I know a pen will fall when dropped…..just like I know Chua will die…..and I know Spencer will die….. and even Tan, & Choo, they too will die…”the fortune teller said. “but… i don’t know exactly how they will die…..Anything could have happen in between, that changes how they die….. ”
She dropped the pen without warning and kicked it with her foot, sending it across the ward. The pen fell, chipped off a section of it’s plastic body before rolling to a stop at the bottom of a bed.
“my kick, the chipping of the plastic, the rolling and changing of position, none of these changes the fact that the pen has fallen to the ground…. especially it has been my intention to drop it in the first place.”
I walked over to pick up the pen and handed it to back to the fortune teller.
“do that again.” I said. “drop the pen again.”
She repeated her action but this time, I caught the pen before she dropped it.
“What now? I caught the pen before you dropped it.” I said.
“Good. Good point.” She said with a nod.” Give me the pen.”
I returned the pen to her and she threw it across her shoulder behind her. The pen bounced off a bed and landed on the floor again.
“what is this supposed to mean ? “ I asked.
“You did not change the fact that the pen will be on the ground, you merely delayed it….there’s no way you can stop me from putting the pen on the ground indefinitely.“
“so every life I saved, I merely delayed their death ? “ I asked, absolutely flabbergasted.
“Of course Jerry, all man must die…don’t you know that?” She chuckled.
“you can delay the inevitable, but you cannot stop it.”
“what if I keep holding on to the pen, I refuse to let go, everyone you drop, I will hold it.” I asked.” What happens then ? “
“I just answered this earlier didn’t i? “ She replied calmly. “You delay the inevitable…..life expectancy in Singapore is 83.15 years….when your body stops working, you die…… have you tried using a pen you left on the shelf for a really long time…. ? does it still work ? has the ink dried up yet ? ”
Looking at the fortune teller, I walked behind her and picked up the pen. I put it into my pocket.
“There, I won’t hold it…the pen will not be on the ground and I’m not giving it back.” I challenged
“ahhhhh… good…” She replied. “ you can keep it in your pocket. Go ahead. But for how long ? “
“can you hold that pen, and make sure it never touches the ground, until the day you die ? “ She asked, a smile slowly breaking on her face. “what happens then when you die ? “
“or maybe I’ll repharse the question… how many pens can you hold ? “ She said in the manner of a teacher trying to educate a stubborn student.
I sighed and sat down on the bed opposite hers. Looking at the ground for a few seconds, I made eye contact with her.
“The people I saved so far…. I only bought them more time ? …is that it ? “
“yes…but….for how long ? A day ? a week ? a month? A decade ? Nobody knows.” She replied.
“don’t you know ? “ I asked.
“ahhhh……let’s put it this way….. if you are not here to catch the pen today, I know it will fall immediately to the ground…however… with you here to catch and hold the pen, I don’t know how long you are going to hold on to it.” She said. “ Does that make sense to you ? “
“but..”
She held up a finger, indicating that she is not done yet.
“I may not know how long you are going to hold on to it, how many pens you can hold in both hands, but eventually we will get to a point when I can see …..this…”
Opening a drawer, she pulled out a cylinder pen holder stuffed full of pens in different colours. The base layers are tightly packed in while more pens are stuffed at the top, those looked like they are going to fall out anytime.
Shaking the container gently, I could see the few pens on top moving out of place slowly.
“The container is full, and a gentle shake is all it takes to make the pens drop. At this point, even you can see which ones are going to drop isn’t it ? “ She asked.
Within a couple of seconds, the 2 pens right at the top separated from the pack and fell to the ground, while another 2 hung precariously, balanced against the body of other pens.
From her pocket, she magically produced another 4 pen of different colours.
Holding it up in front of me, she threw all 4 of them at the same time.
I immediately reacted, catching 2 of the 4 as the sound of pen hitting the ground reached my ears.
“you caught 2 “ She said. “ Gesturing to the green and purple pen I caught, she pointed to the piece of paper she wrote when I first walked in.
The same one that was folded and put on the table.
I opened it and saw the words.
“Green and purple.”
“I know I will drop 4 pens today at this moment, I know you will catch green and purple.” She said. “And unfortunately for red and blue, they are now on the ground.”
“Having said that, I do not know which hand you will use to catch the pen, the manner in which you catch it, how far from the ground you catch it and at what speed”
“But you do know, that on this day, I will be here in this room, at this time, watching you drop these pen”
She nodded.
“that’s good enough.” I said.
“Though I must say, I do not know I will be meeting you until recently…” She continued.
“Why is that ? “
“Just like a game of chess, until moves are made and pieces taken off the board, the possibilities of how the game will turn out is limitless….. the more moves are made, the lesser pieces there are on the board….the clearer you can see what is going to happen….. as the day gets closer to the point when something is about to happen, the more accurate I can be…”
“So Chua and Spencer are down to their last pieces on the chess board ? “ I commented.
“Something like that…”
“How is Spencer connected to you ? “
“He stole from me… many years ago… that was when the connection was made…”
I kept quiet and looked at the pens on the ward floor.
Raising the 2 pens I’m holding, I asked the fortune teller if she knows when those will be dropped again. In essence, I want to know if Tan and Choo will die soon.
“It’s going to be a while before those will be dropped again.” She said and laughed. “ we all have better things to do than to keep dropping pens don’t you know ? Besides, I’m not the one who decides whose pen should be dropping. There are greater powers at work here.”
I just stared at her, trying to digest everything she just told me.
“When you mentioned fate… and having your lives intertwined… what do you mean ? “ I asked.
“When you meet someone, you make a connection. Webs of infinite possibilities are formed instantly like hairline cracks appearing on the surface of a glass. What you do, what you say, how you behave, all these will spark off different actions and reactions.” She explained. “the more connection you make, the more complex or rather, the more interesting the webs of possibilities become. Your actions will also affect the lives of the people you have a connection with.”
You won’t bat an eyelid if you read about an accident halfway across the world on the paper, because you don’t know that person, his or her death, it doesn’t affect you. However if someone close met with an unfortunate accident, say a friend, it affects you, because you know each other.
“So you are saying you can read the cracks on the glass of people who you have a connection with ? “ I asked, trying to simply what is happening.
“Something like that.”
“Is this why you stay here… to stop meeting people…. So your glass won’t shatter ?”
“That’s a good way to put it.” She laughed.
Pointing to her friends who left the room earlier.
“They help me block off unnecessary connections.”
“Oh… I thought they were being punished to face the wall or something. What about that giant out there ? Arturo..he’s crazy isn’t he. ”
“He’s not….when you made your connection with Arturo, he holds you back on purpose. It gives him time to…. How should I put it ? hmmm…. Evaluate you… and the possibilities that comes from that connection…..he gets to the point he see something positive among all the cracks on the glass that he thinks I should take a look….. if not… you will not get pass him..”
“wow… this is one hell of a mindfuck…” I said. “ So you had your look, what do you think ?..why am I here ? “
“Well…. I’m not impressed… but I’m intrigued. “ She replied.
“And, I have no fucking idea what you mean by that.”
Seeing me go quiet, the fortune teller sighed and observed me quietly from head to toe. She started talking after taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly.
“you’re special Jerry.”
“why ? Because I can catch pens? “ I tried not to roll my eyes.
“yes.”
“Why is that so?” I asked, taking a seat on one of the bed. My head still feeling the mindfuck that in a moment, I am going to know exactly when I will die.
“Some people just want to know the lottery, some wants to know if the one they love will love them back, whereas for you…. You go to great length to affect lives of people totally not related to you….. even before the connection is made.”
“I want to save Hock Chuan.” I said, going straight to the point.
“then catch his pen.” She said with a simple wave of her hand.
“I need help… tell me how to save him… then me exactly where I should be, what time, what place, where should I position myself to catch it ? “
Without breaking a beat, she replied me.
“30th December, Block 11a, multi-storey carpark, level 3B. 2.15pm”
Referencing back to the time stated in the article, it sounds about right.
12 hours give and take before Hock Chuan’s body is discovered.
“How is he going to die ? “
“I don’t know.”
“Can I save him ? “
The fortune teller went quiet. She said nothing and just looked at me for a long time.
“If I say no, will it make you give up on saving Hock Chuan ? “
“I will still try. Because if I don’t try, I would have already failed.”
“If I say yes, would it make you put in less effort to save Hock Chuan, especially when you know you can save him even before you did?”
“I don’t know.”
“then what is the point of this question?” she said.
I was left dumbstruck and I didn’t know what else to say. Now I know the exact time, the location where Hock Chuan will be killed. There’s no way I am going to let it happen.
“Anything else? “ The fortune teller asked me.
“Why me ? Why am I the one doing all these? Why is it not someone else ? “
“Hock Chuan believes we can all be saved from what is coming. He has sent many my way…so far, I am still not convinced we stand a chance.”
“This is starting to sound like a cult.” I said, lying down on the bed and looking up at the ceiling. “what is coming ? Winter is coming ? Zombie is coming ? Apocalypse is coming? “
I did not receive a reply and I sat back up to see the fortune teller tapping the 2nd piece of paper she had prepared on the table.
She slid it across that table, gesturing to it with her open palm for me to take it.
“what is that ? “
“The day you die.” She replied so casually as if she was directing someone to the bathroom or something.
I took the piece of paper and she waited for me to open it.
Holding it up in front of me, I asked her what she saw me do with that piece of paper. In her vision of the near future.
“You opened it, tore it up, crushed it, sat back down on the bed and start crying.”
Fuck. Her words immediately affected me and I could feel fear creeping in.
My heart was racing so fast by then I thought I’m about to suffer a heart attack. Mere words alone sending my usual calm self into a frenzy.
Why would I start crying ? Is it because I’m going to die soon ?
What is going to happen to my parents when I die ? Who is going to take care of them ?
What is going to happen to all the projects I am doing halfway ?
I need to clear my internet browser history and reformat my hard disk filled with Japanese adult videos before I die.
I need to give my parents my bank account password. My wake, I want it to be simple, throw my ashes into the sea. Make a list of who comes to my wake and burn the list to me so I can haunt my friends who didn’t turn up just for the kick.
Are my insurance policies up to date ? Is my coverage enough for my parents to live till 85 at least without worrying about going back to work ?
My place, rent it out only to pretty hot babes, there’s a stash of cash in various currencies worth about $4000 under a drawer in my bedside table. I need to tell my parents about it.
A thousand questions filled my head as I looked at the fortune teller in her eyes as she waited patiently to see what I will do.
Everything that has happened to me so far tells me I have to believe her. She knows what is going to happen. She knows.
However, a part of me refused to acknowledge that my life, my fate, is cast in stone. I refused to believe in something like this cannot be changed.
It can be changed if I put my heart to it. I refuse to submit my life to a string of numbers written on a piece of paper.
I closed my eyes and took a moment to calm myself down. I waited for my heart rate to go back to normal. Blocking out all other stray thoughts, I concentrated my mind at that very moment.
The lady did not rush me, I took my time. When I opened my eyes, she was sitting cross-legged on the bed in front of me, her palms resting on her knees.
I shook that piece of paper a couple of times in front of me, my eyes looking at the folded paper before I looked at the fortune teller.
Fighting back a smirk, I closed my eyes, I opened that piece of paper. 2 seconds later, I tore it, then I crushed it. Then I sat back down on the bed and I started to cry.
“arhhhhh… boo hoo hoo… boo hooo hoo…!” I cried twice before standing back up to look at the fortune teller defiantly.
She did not look alarmed; she did not look angry nor surprised. Her expression remained unusually calm as I literally took a piss at her prediction.
“There, your prediction came true.” I said as I held up the crushed ball of paper before throwing it at her.
She smiled and said nothing.
I’ve heard enough and I turned and made my way to the exit.
“Aren’t you afraid I’ll shout out the date ? “ She taunted
Turning to look at her, I replied;
“You wouldn’t”
“what made you so sure ? “
“you have already told me and revealed the date when I will die, but I choose not to know it… telling me the date again changes nothing…”
A smile broke on her expression and she nodded slowly.
“This changes everything….”
I gave her a mock 3 finger salute as a farewell and I saw Arturo appear in front of me.
Right as he put his body in between me and the entrance into the private ward, I heard the fortune teller say something which made me stop walking.
“Send my regards to my father.”
Turning around, I came face to face with Arturo’s large frame. He gestured towards the exit with an open palm and I knew my visit is over.
Nothing more needs to be said. The 4 mysterious man and woman who were in the room earlier made their way into the room behind Arturo and resumed their standing position by the corners, facing the walls.
So the fortune teller is Suwen, Hock Chuan’s daughter. There is some serious family issue going on here it seems.
Making my way out to the corridor, I saw Alvin fiddling on his phone.
“Ok boss, sorry, I’m done.”
“sure ? You find out who your grandfather is sleeping with ? A fortune teller ? “ He joked.
“it’s complicated.”
“don’t worry Jerry, I won’t probe too deep into your personal stuff, but I want you to let me know if these issues is going to start affecting your work.”
I reassured Alvin I’m ok.
“I take the personal well-being of my staff seriously…. I’m heading back to office, give you a lift?” he offered.
En route back to Botanic garden, Alvin and I talked a little about work. It’s coming to the end of the financial work year and there’s some left over budget allocated to infrastructure works that need to be spent.
Alvin has spoke with a few colleagues about it and he wants to know what are my thoughts and where to spend them on.
I do have a couple of initiatives and proposals I put up for consideration but those are really low on the priority list.
“ You can give them to Tricia, she’s been wanting to work on the toilets for a long time.”
“the toilets are still pretty new.” Alvin said as he filtered onto the right lane without signalling. “ you have a few idea back then right.”
“ideas you shot down because it’s a waste of money.” I added.
“Well we have money to spend now. Do you want it or not ? “ He said, grumbling as a truck cut into his lane without signalling.
“We can do Project greenfield, or the Daisy initiatives.” I suggested.
Alvin nodded with an audible ‘hmmmm’
“Project deepwater too if we really have the budget.”
“Nah, nah, nah, that one cost too much. The lagoon inside the garden is nice as it is, there’s no need to enlarge it further.” Alvin said.
“How about Project Iron Haven?” I suggested. “It’s been sitting there for years.”
“Hmm, ok, i think greenfield, daisy and iron haven sound doable base on the leftover budget. I’ll see what the rest have on hand first. Can you send me the proposals again.” Alvin said.
“Of course.” I replied, reminding him that the budgetary quote in those proposals is a couple of years old and likely outdated. He should only use the figures as a reference.
“I quite like the daisy initiatives though.” He mumbled, dropping me an obvious hint to where his preference lies.
Alvin dropped me off at my place and I immediately got to work after making a fresh cup of coffee.
I’ve established the relationship between the 2 mysterious figures. One publishes papers, the other throws pen. A family with serious daddy issues.
Family drama aside, Hock Chuan will die on the 30th afternoon at the carpark.
30th is also my date with Sulyani.
It’s been fucking years since I get to ask a girl out, and a pretty hot one at that. However, I can’t possibly let Hock Chuan die either.
The best course of action will be to involve Sulyani in my plan. Perhaps plan a date at the spot where Hock Chuan will be killed.
Suwen did not reveal whether I will succeed.
I groaned out loudly in my living room as I thought about asking Sulyani to a multi storey carpark for the 1st date.
It’s unthinkable.
29th December 2018
Saturday
6am
Hock Chuan goes to the market every morning for breakfast. It’s not a big place to look for a man. I arrived at the market at 6am and it’s already bustling with activity.
Hawkers selling raw food and vegetables are busy attending to the early risers. Mostly the seniors with their helpers in tow.
Configured in a ‘n’ shape layout, the hawker centre faces the main road with plenty of seating in the middle. There are a few more seats scattered on the outdoor patio closer to the road with it’s own umbrella shelter. The aluminium cans filled with cigarette butts is a dead giveaway who those seats are reserved for.
I took a seat in the centre of the market facing outwards. It gives me a clear 180 degree view of everyone coming and leaving. I paid particular attention to the drinks stall because coming to the market in the morning, most people will get a drink. Likely a coffee or tea.
I quietly observed the stalls within the market. At 6 plus in the morning, almost every stall has a queue. Early risers waiting to be served their piping hot breakfast. From Kueh stalls to economic bee hoon to wanton noodles and even Roti Prata, the small market has everything you could possibly want for a hearty breakfast.
I did not have to wait long. Hock Chuan shuffled in slowly from my right near a stall selling traditional kuehs. He bought something from the stall before moving a few steps down to the next one. He gestured what he wanted to the stall owner with the same hand holding the kuehs and moments later, a piping hot plate of fried noodles with luncheon meat, fried fish fillet & sunny side up egg appeared on his hand.
He has not seen me yet.
Turning around to look for a seat, Hock Chuan took two steps before he stopped. With the plate of food on his hand, he broke into a smile without looking at me directly. It’s my turn to pop up on him instead of the other way around.
Hock Chuan took a deep breath before turning towards me. Without a word, he made his way towards my table. Setting his food down, he gestures to the nearest drinks stall, asking if I would like another coffee.
“Of course. Black. No sugar.” I said.
“you must be a bitter man…” he teased before going ahead to place the order.
Hock Chuan sat the drinks in front of me before taking his time to lower his body down into the seat.
I did not speak, I wanted to give him the chance to talk first.
He took a mouthful of the fried noodles before chomping down on a bite of the fried fillet. The crunch and the grease on his lips and the manner in which he is eating is making me hungry.
“You found me, which means you met the fortune teller.” He said in between mouthful of food.
“Yes. I found Suwen.” I said, bringing up his daughter’s name on purpose.
Hock Chuan nodded and continued eating, slurping up the noodles as I felt my stomach rumble.
“This stall has the best fried noodles do you know that? “ He said before gesturing to a vegetarian stall and says that one has the best bee hoon.
Turning to point at a drinks stall, he likes the coffee at that stall, and he eats the fishball noodles at least once a week.
“You have a good appetite for someone about to die.” I said.
“so what ? Everyone dies Jerry.”
“don’t worry. I won’t let that happen. I’ll save you.”
Hock Chuan started laughing as he sweeps the noodles into the centre of the plate to make them easier to handle. He broke the yolk of the sunny side up egg and I swallowed a mouthful of saliva as the yolk cascaded down into the tangle of black noodles.
“what if I don’t want to be save?” He asked.
“Nonsense. Then you wouldn’t have sold me the paper.”
“you think I sold you the paper because I want you to save me? “
“why else would you sell me the paper then ? “
“What have you learnt so far from this bizarre adventure of yours Jerry ? “
“I learned that if I try, I stand a chance, if I don’t, then I don’t stand a chance.”
Hock Chuan nodded as he slurped down another mouthful of noodles.
“Did the fortune teller reveal if I could be save?”
“No”
Hock Chuan smiled but said nothing.
“I know the exact date, the time and the location when you will die. I’ll be there to stop whoever that is going to kill you. You must have offended many people.”
He agreed, telling me that some of the people he sells the papers to threatened to kill him if he doesn’t keep selling them.
“the lottery page can be really attractive to some individuals.”
“Are you not the least bit worried? “ I asked.
“No. All men die.”
“There is no nobility in a senseless death.” I said.
“Neither is there in a meaningless life.” He replied without missing a beat.
I sighed and looked at the man in front of me enjoying his breakfast. He did not seem at all bothered that he is about to die.
He sold me the paper, he pointed me to the fortune teller which turns out to be his daughter.
I took a sip of the coffee as I watched Hock Chuan polished up the rest of the noodles as I put two and two together in my head.
“You wanted me to meet your daughter.” I said, figuring out what Hock Chuan has up his sleeve.
“You are half right.” He said as he sat his chopsticks down. “I wanted her to meet you.”
“Why?”
“you’re a special man Jerry. Destined for great things.”
I rolled my eyes and gave him the finger.
“Fuck off. So what, I’m Neo in the matrix ? You going to offer me the blue pill and the red pill ? can I dodge bullets ?”
“Nothing so dramatic.” Hock Chuan wiped his mouth with a handkerchief before pulling the coffee nearer to himself.
Hock Chuan took a sip of his coffee, closed his eyes as he enjoyed the feeling of the devil’s brew going down his throat.
“Tell me what happened when you met the fortune teller ? “ He asked.
I told him about the throwing of pens.
“That’s interesting. She has never bothered to do that for anyone before.” Hock Chuan said. “I’m guessing you paid the price ? “
“I did. She revealed when I will die.”
Hock Chuan laughed.
“and ? when are you dying ? ”
“She revealed, but I did not look.”
Shaking his finger at me, he told me I merely delayed the inevitable.
“You will… know the day of your death Jerry. There’s no way around it.”
“I’ll worry about it when that day comes.
Hock Chuan revealed that the fortune teller has never bothered to go into the technical details of how things work. This means I’m the 1st person to ever have that conversation with her.
“what does that mean ? “
He shook his head, unwilling to reveal further other than he made the right choice choosing me.
“What else ? what else did she say ? “
“Send my regards to my father.” I said, telling Hock Chuan the last words she left me with.
The coffee cup froze in mid air and I could feel a change in Hock Chuan’s demeanour. It’s like he wasn’t expecting something like that.
He looked at his coffee and I could see him thinking. Then he slowly broke into a smile before he took another sip. Something changed in that moment. He looked relax, almost happy.
He gave me off the vibe of someone ready to go which worries me further.
“enjoy your date with Sulyani.” Hock Chuan said. “don’t worry about me.”
“No. I’m going to save you.” I said, standing up from the seat. “and no one can stop me.”
Hock Chuan just smiled as I walked away.
With the information I have on hand, there’s no way I will let Hock Chuan die on my watch.
I just stepped into my place when my phone rang. It was Sulyani.
“Hey. Just want to check with you what are we doing this weekend. I mean.. we going anywhere that has dress code or something ? “ She asked.
Looking at the blown up map of the estate where the market is at, I asked Sulyani what is the most interesting date she has ever been on.
“Hmmm… definitely not lingerie shopping. Haha.. well, I would say ermm.. it’s rock climbing… a date brought me to a wall once.” She laughed. “what do you have in mind ? You don’t strike me as the outdoor adventure type.”
“How would you like to save a man from dying ? “ I asked.
“wow… are you volunteering at some shelter or anything? “ she asked.
“not exactly.” I replied as I printed out another image of the carpark where Hock Chuan is killed.
“well, if he is suicidal, it’s best you leave it to the professionals.” Sulyani said.
I almost dropped my phone as I connected what she just said with the blissful expression on Hock Chuan’s face earlier.
No one killed him.
He’s going to take his own life.
………………………………………..
“Hello? You there Jerry ? “ Sulyani asked.
“yeah, yeah, I’m here… sorry…” I quickly replied. “ Errmmm.. I think ermmm… maybe something sporty…. Errm… you know….shoes…. ready to run … workout attire should be fine…what do you usually wear when you exercise..? something light ? airy…? ”
Sulyani laughed.
“So you’re saying you want to see me in tights, running shoes and sports bra…?” She teased.
“No no no, of course not… I didn’t mean it that way… I just… I just…” I stammered and tried to think of a reason when Sulyani said she was just teasing me.
“I’m just kidding…. I can do 5km in 50 mins if you’re interested to see me sweat…” She teased.
“That’s really fast, I can only manage an hour at that distance…and I’m probably going to pant like a dog after I’m done…” I admitted.
“Looks like it’s going to be a sweaty date with lots of panting I guess.” Sulyani laughed over the phone.
“wow…. i…ermm… I definitely wasn’t expecting that from you…” I said.
“hahha, sorry, it’s just that it’s been a while since someone asked me out.”
“haha, it’s been a while since I asked someone out too.” I admitted. “ ermmm, I see you at say…11am ? at…. Old airport road food centre… vicinity…“
“ Alright…I’ll call when I’m there…hope we can save your friend.” She said, from her tone, I could tell she thinks I’m joking.
“See you Sulyani…”
“My friends call me Sue..” she offered.
“See you soon Sue.” I laughed and so did she as we hung up on each other.
30th December 2018
Sunday
6am
I’m back at the market again.
If Hock Chuan is going to kill himself, I’m going to fucking knock some sense into him before he does. Hell, maybe I can even knock him out or something, then I get to go pant and sweat with Sulyani in peace.
The seat I took the day earlier is occupied. So I took another table at the corner as I waited for Hock Chuan to appear.
However, when I saw him again, I felt goosebumps appearing all over my body.
It’s weird.
It’s just darn weird.
It’s a different day, a different seat but I’m looking at exactly the same thing.
Hock Chuan shuffled in slowly from my right near the stall selling traditional kuehs. He bought something from the stall before moving a few steps down to the next one.
He gestured what he wanted to the stall owner with the same hand holding the kuehs and moments later, a piping hot plate of fried noodles with luncheon meat, fried fish fillet & sunny side up egg appeared on his hand.
It’s like someone hit the rewind button. He was wearing the same top, the same pants. Hock Chuan bought the same food, from the same stores in the same order.
Turning around to look for a seat, Hock Chuan took two steps before he stopped. With the plate of food on his hand, he broke into a smile without looking at me directly. He knew I was there at another seat.
Hock Chuan turned towards me. Without a word, he made his way towards my table. Setting his food down, he gestures to the same drinks stall, asking if I would like another coffee.
I felt like I was sucked into some ground hog day shit and everything is repeating itself.
“ Ba…..Black. No sugar.” I said.
“you must be a bitter man…” he repeated what he said to me the day before going ahead to place the order.
Hock Chuan sat the drinks in front of me before taking his time to lower his body down into the seat. It’s a Deja vu moment.
I did not speak. I just looked at him, my eyes transfixed at what he is doing.
He took a mouthful of the fried noodles before chomping down on a bite of the fried fillet. The crunch, the grease on his lips and the manner in which he is eating, I’ve seen it all before.
I was rendered speechless as I looked at him.
“Do you see how meaningless my life is Jerry ? “ he said without looking at me.
Hock Chuan told me he does the same thing everyday. If I was not there, he will be having breakfast alone, eating the same thing, repeating his day over and over again.
“what kind of fuck up nonsense are you going about ?” I said a little too loudly, drawing the ire of the neighbouring table.
He can make the choice of what he wants to do everyday, there’s no need to come to the same market, eat at the same stall, do the same thing. It doesn’t make sense.
“do something different for fuck sake, go to another place for breakfast, what is stopping you ? “ I said.
“yes, today, I’m going to do something different..” Hock Chuan said with a grin.
“you’re going to kill yourself today….am I right ? “ I asked.
Hock Chuan nodded as he took another mouthful of noodles while looking at me.
“why…. The fuck would you do that… ? “
“some things has to happen, in order to spark of a chain reaction for other things to happen.”
“bullshit… how would your death change anything ? “ I said.
He did not answer me and I changed my direction of questioning.
I want to know why he went to jail.
“you were jailed for robbery and assault right ? “
“yes.”
“who did you rob ? and who did you assault ? “
“I robbed my daughter, and I assaulted my wife, my wife is now lying on a bed and in a coma for the past few years…”
The coffee I was about to bring to my lips halted in mid-air.
“what the fuck is wrong with you…?” I asked in disbelief.
“it’s what I have to do…” he said with a hint of sadness.” She will wake soon.”
“stop giving me that shit.” I set the coffee down and glared at him while Hock chuan continued giving me the nonchalant expression.
“all of these…..this… you.. killing yourself so something else happens….all these can stop… ok ? you have my attention now…just tell me what you want me to do….i’ll do it… it’s simple as that…I’ll do it… don’t fucking die.” I said in a harsh whisper.
Putting down his chopsticks, Hock Chuan referenced a game of chess while explaining his perspective.
If the situation calls for it, you will have to sacrifice your pawns and knights to check the king.
“Beating up your wife into a coma ? Robbing your own daughter ? Does this even make sense to you ? “
Hock Chuan smiled but said nothing, he went ahead to polish up the rest of his noodles before speaking.
“I am but a small pawn in a big game… and my time is up.”
“bullshit….don’t make sense to me…not a single bit.”
“By that logic you are going by, anything and everything you do not comprehend will not make sense to you.” Hock Chuan said and as the words sank into my heart, I went quiet for a moment.
Seeing that he has me where he wanted, he took a sip of his coffee and continued.
“Algebra and trigonometry will not make sense to a kid just learning to count, Engineering formulas will not make sense to the hawker preparing my breakfast….and I can go on..…”
“but..”
Holding up a palm to stop me from talking, he told me to pay attention to what he is about to say.
“Jerry, you are going to be put in a position where you can save a lot of lives… you cannot save everyone, but I know you are going to try and save as many as you can.” He said. “that’s who you are.”
“Hock chuan… i..” He went on talking, cutting me off.
“Today is the last day you are going to see me alive, nothing you do will change this……”
“woah woah woah…wait..wait wait..relax bro…”
“listen carefully to what I have to say Jerry.” Hock Chuan said. “when the reunion begins….it is a sign that the wheels have started to turn.”
“reunion dinner is not due until fucking Chinese new year dude…what wheels ? apply the brakes on the wheels.” I interrupted but Hock Chuan continued speaking.
“That will mark the start of your next adventure… I know you are someone who will not sit by and watch something happen if you know you can stop it…but my advice to you….. sometimes, choosing not to see what is in front of you is necessary….”
“errrr….can you just use fucking simple English..?”
“the newspaper you have been reading the past few months…there are articles about visually impaired people going missing…”
“oh yeah, what was that about…? “
“you’ll find out soon enough….everything happens for a reason Jerry… the people you saved…the lives you affected…the connections you made so far…it will all come together..”
“something changed when I told you what Suwen said yesterday….” I blurted out abruptly. “ If she did not say that, would it make a difference ? “
“yes it would.” Hock Chuan replied while stirring his coffee.” If she ignored you, if she rejected you, I will say with confidence you can stop my death.”
“I’m going to go where you go, do what you do, you will not take your own life… not on my watch..” I said.
“hahhaha” He laughed heartily as he drank his coffee. “what about your date with Sulyani ?”
“it’s going to be an interesting first date for us…trying to save a life…I’m sure that will leave an impression.”
“I can tell you it’s going to be an interesting first date…. But I’m not so sure about you saving a life.” Hock Chuan taunted.
“we’ll see.” I said.
“we’ll see” Hock Chuan replied without hesitation.
………………………………..
I sat opposite Hock Chuan and he did not seem like he was in a hurry. He took his time drinking his coffee and eating his breakfast, enjoying what I assume will be his last meals.
Not wanting to wait for things to happen, I tried to map out what will possibly happen in the next few hours. I can run pretty fast, there’s no way Hock Chuan can outrun me. I just need to stick close to him.
He can try to lose me in a crowd but there’s nothing stopping me from holding onto him or putting my arm around his shoulder.
Block 11a, multi-storey carpark, level 3B. 2.15pm. That was what Suwen said. I can catch Hock Chuan’s pen if I’m there at that exact moment. I’m not going to lose sight of him but if I do, I just need to make sure I’m at that spot at 2.15pm.
As I was getting lost in my thoughts, a visually impaired man approached our table with packets of napkins.
“Tissue paper ? 3 for $1 “ He said.
Hock Chuan gave him $2 and so did I, we only took 1 packet of napkins from the man.
“thank you, thank you so much.” The man replied.
He looks around my age, his hair is greasy and could probably use a wash. The clothes he was wearing is old and dated but still clean.
Carrying a large bag of napkins and wet tissues on his shoulder, the man moved from table to table, tapping with his stick to feel his way around.
“Eat breakfast already Ah Fu ? “ Hock Chuan said.
“Ehhh.. Hock Chuan…it’s you..”
“come come, sit… I buy you coffee.” Hock Chuan shifted to the side of the table, making space for Ah Fu.
Not wanting Hock Chuan to use the excuse to disappear, I offered to get another round of coffee for everyone.
I kept my eyes on Hock Chuan while ordering. He talked to Ah Fu casually like old friends who see each other everyday at the market.
Bringing the drinks back to the table, I overheard Ah Fu telling Hock Chuan that his mother’s medical bills is coming to 40k.
“how to pay ? I die also no money to pay the hospital.” He lamented. “still got other bills, every time open letter box… every letter asking for money…nowadays, the only people sending letters to you are the ones asking for money.”
Ah Fu’s mother suffered from a slew of ailments from diabetes to high blood pressure. She is wheelchair bound and Ah Fu’s napkin sales really helped with the household expenses. He comes out for a few hours to make some money before rushing back home to take care of his mother. In the evening after she sleeps, he will moonlight as a masseuse around the vicinity.
Ah Fu had an older brother but he passed away in a car accident. The burden of caring for his aged mother then fell onto his shoulder. The conversation between the 2 man then drifted to the usual topics. High cost of living in Singapore, everything is expensive, we are moving too fast, people like them are getting left behind.
“sometimes I think maybe it’s better to die ah… die already no worries…” Ah Fu said.
“don’t say things like that, I’m sure there’s a solution…” I said.
Draining his coffee from the cup, Ah Fu thanked me for supporting his small business and for the coffee.
“I need to go make some more money..” he said
As Ah Fu tapped his way down other tables, it suddenly struck me that this meeting may not be just a simple chanced encounter.
“Don’t tell me he is the next one to disappear..” I said, referring to the people going missing in the previous articles.
Hock Chuan smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
“I don’t know Jerry… I really don’t know.”
10.45am
Hock Chuan got up from the seat and I followed suit.
I asked him which block of flat is he staying at.
“block 12. You want to come up for tea?” Hock Chuan said with a grin.
“sure. Why not?”
Base on what I remembered block 12 is right in front of the carpark which is block 11A.
Taking the path to his place, I was about to ask Hock Chuan about his wife when a car screeched to a stop just when we are about to cross a small road to block 12.
It’s a old Mercedes and I saw the reverse light come on.
The car backed up until the driver’s side is right in front of me. When the window came down, I froze and felt a chill like someone just opened the freezer door in front of me.
Sitting in the car is someone I never thought I would see again.
The businessman.
Bobby.
Sitting on the passenger seat, is the Irish man who is peering out Bobby’s side and squinting his eyes at me.
“OYYY! YOU!” Corner shouted.
I panicked and I reacted instantly.
“fuck !” I cursed and I immediately turned and started running.
I bolted and turned back in time to see Conor and Bobby getting out of the car and staring at me while gesturing wildly. Hock Chuan gave me a eerie grin, adding to the frustration I was feeling.
I don’t know why Bobby and Conor is together but seeing them backing their car towards me, it must not be good news. I checked again and saw that they are not in pursuit, instead, they got back into their car.
Taking a circuitous route, I plot my path back to Hock Chuan’s block. Bobby and Conor are headed into the multi storey carpark. I just need to avoid that place for now.
My phone started ringing and it’s Sulyani.
“Hi Sue,” I picked up the phone while trying to catch my breath.
“You started running without me ? “ she asked.
“No…no… errmm.. where are you… ? “ I said while looking around the estate.
The market is now to my right, to my left is a open field with block 1 at it’s rear. Looking down at my feet, I jumped off the carpark lot 14 I was standing on and back onto the pavement.
“why are you so jumpy?”
Turning again to look at the direction of the market, I saw Sulyani waving at me. My heart skipped a beat when I saw her.
She’s gorgeous.
Dressed in a pair of black running tights complete with white sneakers, she walked up to me while hanging up the phone. She’s dressed for a workout alright with her pastel coloured sports bra showing from under her loose t-shirt.
Her hair is tied up in a tight bun and she carried a drawstring bag.
“hey…”
“hi…” I said, barely able to tear my eyes off her body.
“so… where is the guy you want to save ? “ Sulyani asked.
“I..err… lost him…” I said sheepishly “but I know where he’ll be later at 2.15pm.”
She gave me a raised eyebrow before nodding slowly, probably thinking I’m weird.
I don’t have Hock Chuan’s number, I don’t know his address, it doesn’t make sense to go searching for him around that area especially with Bobby and Conor around, so I figure the best thing I can do, is to go for my date.
Sulyani didn’t mind having lunch at the hawker centre. We got a table at the corner and both of us just started digging into our meals when I saw Sulyani’s eyes widened as she looked behind me.
Raising a hand up as if she was waving to someone, I turned and a dreadful feeling starts to fill my tummy.
“yo bro… “ Sulyani said while fist bumping Chan, her colleague I saved together with her that day near Botanic garden.
“what you doing here ? “ Chan asked.” Come all the way here to eat ah ? “
Looking at me, Chan immediately paused and I could see him searching his memory because he recognised me.
“oh… you’re that weird smoking guy working in the park.” He shook his finger at me as I gave him an awkward smile.
“I’m not the smoking one…”
“Oh oh oh… you’re the one that beat up an old man or something is it ? “
Sulyani came to my rescue and changed the topic.
Chan pointed to a noodle stall at the rear, saying that his fiancé is queuing up for it.
“Next time come here jio (ask me along) me ma, I stay so near.” Chan commented before adding that he will stop disturbing us.
He whispered a little loudly to Sulyani for her to tell him all about this date when they are back at work.
“ Still find it hard to believe you would give your number to a weird AF guy you don’t know.” Chan’s whisper is so loud that I’m sure the table beside us can hear him.
“I gave him more than my number Chan… ask him..” Sulyani replied with a cheeky smile and Chan returned to his normal speaking volume while looking at me.
“Well good luck to you bro….Sulyani is weird…I’m serious…… maybe you guys can stay weird together.” Chan said as Sue threatened to splash her cup of sugar cane juice at him.
“don’t mind him…” Sue said with a smile that came with a glare directed at the man behind me.
Bobby, Conor, Sulyani, Chan.
These are people that I have met and saved in that exact order.
I scooped a spoonful of rice into my mouth and looked at my watch.
It’s coming to 12 noon.
2 more hours before it’s going to happen.
After Sulyani and Chan, the people I came into contact with are, Spencer, Tan, Chua and Choo, who is also Sulyani’s dad.
Spencer and Chua are dead. This leaves Tan and Choo.
“Is your dad working today ? “ I asked
“Yeah… he dropped me off before picking up another fare, why do you ask ? “
“Just… just curious…”
Sulyani and I chatted over lunch. I discovered we have quite a few similarities when it comes to coffee and desserts.
The food centre is not too conducive for an extended stay, we ended up at a café a short walk away.
I kept looking at my watch during the date and it did not go unnoticed.
“am I boring you Jerry ? “ Sulyani teased.
“No, no… i… I just really need to be at the carpark before 2.15pm.”
“Wow, you’re really serious about this aren’t you…”
“it’s really hard to explain…”
Sulyani drained her coffee and gestured towards the exit.
“Well, show me then.”
At 1.30pm, we made our way to the carpark at block 11A. Heading up to level 3B, I could see that it’s pretty much empty with exception of a delivery van parked at the end.
Sulyani rest her hands on her hips and looked at me as if asking me what’s next.
“There’s still some time before 2.15pm”
Pointing to the only vehicle on that level, Sulyani asked if I have some surprise waiting for her.
“ Jerry, just to let you know…. Balloons, flowers and picnic basket surprise from the back of a car on the 1st date will feel weird…”
I laughed and told her I prepared nothing of that sort.
“but if that’s what you like, I’m sure I can think of something.”
“Oh please don’t…” She laughed. “ ok whatever, I want the balloons to be in pink.”
Our laughs were cut off by the screech of a vehicle’s wheels from a level up. This was followed by the revving of it’s engine.
Checking my watch, I could see it’s 1.45pm.
30 more minutes to go.
The screeching of the tyres continued and the sound of the car came closer.
Gesturing for Sulyani to step away from the approach of the vehicle, I braced myself for what is about to happen. The car sounded like it’s going too fast in a carpark.
I cursed under my breath the moment I saw the Mercedes come into view. That’s Bobby’s car.
Grabbing Sulyani’s hand I told her to start running down the carpark.
I heard the Mercedes sound it’s horn several times as it sped up in the carpark.
“what’s happening ? what’s happening ? “ Sulyani asked.
“I’ll explain later !”
Conor has wind down the passenger side window and he is shouting at us.
“OOYY!…STOP!”
Sulyani and I reached the ground floor in no time since the dog legged ramp do not allow vehicles to take the same stack up and down. Vehicles need to travel to the other end of the carpark to descend or come up.
Still, Bobby drove really fast, his vehicle’s tyres screeching angrily in the carpark.
They’re probably fucking mad at what I did to them. Cutting across the carpark towards the barrier, Sulyani and I came face to face with a taxi turning into the carpark.
The cab slammed it’s brakes and blared it’s horn the same time Bobby’s vehicle screeched to a stop behind us.
Bobby and Conor came out of the old Mercedes but before I could figure out what to do, the cab driver came out of his vehicle and I felt my legs go weak.
Choo is the cab driver.
The passenger side of the cab opened up too and Tan looked at me with a puzzled frown. He recognised me.
“Everything ok ? “ A voice came from our rear.
It was Chan.
He arrived with his fiancé by his side.
“Why are you surrounded Sue ? “ Chan asked defensively while looking at the 2 vehicles and 4 men around his colleague.
“why are you running bro ? “ Conor directed the question at me.
“What are you doing here Sue ? “ Choo asked his daughter.
Sulyani looked at me but the commotion at the carpark interrupted by a loud slam that made everyone turned.
No one said a word as all eyes looked silently at the body that just fell from above.
I was frozen when I stood as I looked at the body with a gut wrenching feeling in my stomach.
“fuck…” Sulyani cursed and as professionals, Chan and her are the first to react.
Chan already has his phone out to call for an ambulance while Sulyani is looking up the carpark to try and see if there’s anyone above. She lowered her body and tried to talk to the man on the floor without touching him.
A crowd is starting to gather as I stared at the body in a trance.
Forcing myself to move, I took a step forward.
Then another.
The man is lying face down.
Raising my hand to check the time, it’s not 2.15pm yet.
It’s not.
As I got closer, I saw the walking stick. I saw the tissue packets.
That’s not Hock Chuan.
That’s Ah Fu.
2.05pm.
There’s still time.
I backed away from the crowd and I could see Conor gesturing to me.
“Hey, hey bro, I need to talk to you… I need to talk to you…! “ He didn’t sound like he was angry or out to get revenge.
I told him to give me a minute as I ran back up to 3B. Then I went up to 4th, to 4B and on to the rest of the carpark to see if I could see Hock Chuan.
He’s not anywhere.
Arriving at 3B, nothing changed. Still empty except that delivery truck parked in the corner. I decided to keep running up. Coming to the top floor, I covered my mouth when I was an old lady in wheelchair parked by the parapet near the spot where Ah Fu jumped.
At her feet are two packets of uneaten lunch.
Her hands are on her lap and her head is down.
Approaching her slowly, I called out.
“Auntie…hello Auntie… ? you ok ? “
She’s not moving.
With a trembling hand, I put my finger close to her nose. She’s no longer breathing.
I looked over the parapet and saw Sulyani looking up. She called me on my mobile and I told her about the lady in the wheelchair. She’s got to be Ah Fu’s mother.
“The ambulance is on their way….what is happening Jerry ?“ She asked.
Right then, the alarm on my watch starts beeping.
It’s 2.15pm
Turning around, I braced myself for another surprise but there is none.
Aside from the beeping on my watch, there is nothing else.
“I don’t know Sue… I don’t know… I just saw this man this morning at the market… I … I bought tissues from him and I treated him coffee…”
“Is this the man you are supposed to save ?” She asked.
The beeping on my watch stopped as I saw the digital display changed to 2.16pm
“No… it’s not him.”
Making my way back down the ramp, I paused again at 3B.
My eyes went to the delivery van parked at the corner.
I walked over to the vehicle cautiously.
From the passenger side window, I could see a stack of newspaper on the passenger seat.
I saw a packet of cigarette on the dashboard that is the same brand I know Hock Chuan smokes.
The goods area behind the driver is separated with a wire mesh. I made my way to the driver side and tried to peer into the back of the van.
Then I saw him.
Hock Chuan.
He’s right there all along.
At the back of the vehicle, leaning lifelessly against a stack of newspaper.
………………………
Looking at the lifeless body of Hock Chuan, I backed away slowly from the vehicle. My breathing starts to get irregular. The amount of shock I received within the past hour is stretching my ability to cope with news like these to it’s limits.
My legs refused to support my weight and I find myself lowering to the ground as I tried to catch my breath.
Maybe he’s just sleeping, maybe he is taking a break. Maybe he’s just fucking with me to see my reaction.
Holding onto a wall for support, I got back up and tried the door handle.
The door opened, fear striking deeper into my heart when I realized Hock Chuan remained motionless.
Swinging the door opened, I called out to Hock Chuan.
“Oei… Hock Chuan…. Oei… don’t play ah….Hock Chuan…! “
He didn’t move nor acknowledge me. His head is looking downwards like he was taking a nap while slumped against a stack of newspaper. In his right hand is an empty bottle while his left held the keys to the van.
“Oei… Hock Chuan.!” I raised my voice but there is still no reply.
I took a deep breath and reached forward to his face. Placing my fingers under his nose, I realized he is no longer breathing. Touching the side of his neck, I checked for a pulse and there is none.
He’s gone.
I backed away and mustered up enough strength to shut the door.
The moment the vehicle door slid shut, I literally sat on the ground, hurting my bum as I groaned loudly in despair.
How the hell did things come to this state ?
First it was Spencer and Chua, 2 men dying on the same day.
Now it’s Hock Chuan, Ah Fu & his mother. A total of three.
How many will the next time bring ?
I forced myself to get up and continued backing away from the truck.
I backed away until I reached the stairs. I have never felt my legs go weak before and having my legs buckled upon taking the 1st step made me glad there are railings for me to hold on to.
Instead of taking the stairs, I pulled myself up and head for the lift that serves the carpark. I need to calm down and think.
When the lift door opened, I saw something familiar on the lift floor. It’s the bag of tissues and napkins that Ah Fu was carrying earlier at the market.
There is a buzzing sound coming from it.
I opened the recyclable bag and I saw a phone with a cracked screen. It’s still working despite the spider web like shatter on the top left.
Someone is calling the phone and it’s a private number.
The lift went down to level one as I picked up and answer the call.
“Hello.”
“why you take so long to answer ? “ the voice said. “ you do blind massage one right ? tonight 10.30pm…Lorong 22 Geylang. Gulliemard suites..#04-04.”
“wait… i..”
“Ah Biao recommend you to me one… you need fast cash right… then come at 10.30pm….very fast job..walk 2 street away only..”
“No I mean…Ah Biao..?”
“You better come ah. 10.30pm….don’t fucking waste my time….” The voice said and hung up.
The lift opened on the ground floor and I looked at the phone in my hand. This is not random. This happened for a reason.
If I am to believe that this is somehow connected with everything and everyone that has died so far, surely this phone call did not happen by chance.
I pocketed the phone and checked the bag for other clues that may have been left for me. Finding none, I left the bag as it is and made my way back to the gathered crowd. I went straight for Conor.
He was smoking beside Bobby and they saw me approached them.
I want to know why they are here.
“OYYY! You… hey…!” Conor called out to me with his cigarette holding hand raised.
“why are you here ? Why are you here today ? “ I asked. “why are you with him ? Aren’t you just collecting money from him ? “
The both of them looked surprised at my sudden outburst.
Conor asked me to calm down and he told me what happened after I left the carpark on that day of the collection.
After the debt was paid, Conor could not help asking why Bobby is laughing so hard when he was so angry and confrontational. Bobby told him what he was saying and cleared up the translation on the spot.
Initially Conor was hopping mad but after thinking about it, he too had a good laugh.
His colleague from the debt collection company arrived after sorting out the accident and he was unhappy that Conor succeeded in the collection without him, cutting his share of the commission out.
An argument ensued and Bobby, offered Conor a job on the spot.
The two of them have been working together ever since and business has never been better.
“What you did was fuck up man.” Bobby said to me.” But as a businessman, I believe in fate…. And Conor…helped turned things round for me.”
Bobby’s business improved after he hired Conor and he is now exporting stuff to Ireland. They’re expanding and doing well enough to start giving back to society.
He credits it to the lucky staff he hired thanks to that evening.
Everything has been smooth sailing for him ever since meeting Conor. Even bad debts that he did not think will ever be repaid were cleared.
“We’re here today to distribute groceries to the needy together with other volunteers.” Conor said. “ Then we saw you…and I don’t know why you started running…. Must be the guilt eh…”
Bobby pulled out a name card and gave it to me.
“This is my card. I’m in logistics and furniture now with Conor…if you ever need to move things about, call me….” Bobby said. “I have a huge warehouse, you need to store your stuff while moving, let me know too.”
I looked at the card Bobby gave me and Conor started cursing at me.
“Hey…by the way…” Conor called out to me.” Diu Lei ah. ( screw you in Cantonese ), that was for fucking with my Hokkien… you CCB ( you cunt ).
I was left speechless as I looked at Conor belt out the curses like he was a native speaker.
“Just kidding bro.” Conor smiled and tapped me on my arm.” You’re a life changer man… if not for you fucking with me, I might still be trying to collect debt and getting pushed over… Li Si Yan Dao ah. ! ( you’re handsome ) haha“
Bobby and Conor extinguished their fag and started to walk back into their car which is now parked by the side of the small road.
Turning around, I saw Sulyani and Chan talking intently before looking my way.
Heading over to Choo and Tan, I saw Choo helping Tan unload some boxes from the boot of his cab to the side of the road.
“Jerry…. Hope my daughter never give you any trouble…” Choo said.
“Ah Choo…. This guy seeing your daughter ? Your daughter got people want ah ? “ Tan the cleaner at Kovan chirped in.
“of course my daughter got people want… what nonsense are you talking about ? chey…“
Looking at the both of them, I asked if they knew each other.
Choo laughed and said they are neighbors.
“We stayed in the same estate in Hougang for decades.” Choo added.
After dropping Sulyani off for her date with me, Choo picked up other passengers which brought him back to Hougang. He was considering stopping for a quick lunch when he bumped into Tan who wants to bring some old appliances to his friend’s place at block 10.
“So I gave him a lift here.” Choo said.
My head feels a little lightheaded. It’s like a dream and everything is so surreal as the picture start to come together.
I walked over to Sulyani and Chan like an adventurer looking for NPC characters to talk to. The more people I talk to, the bigger the picture that is forming in my head.
“Sue… i…”
“ You know Jerry…. I was right when I say trouble seems to follow you around.” Sulyani said.
“I… I don’t know what to say…”
“Well….….shit happens…” Sulyani said while shrugging her shoulder and commenting that the whole situation is just so sad.
The ambulance, the police, the reporters, they all came.
I was praying no one will realise there is a missing phone and my prayers were answered soon after.
All of Ah Fu and his mother’s belongings were intact. The phone in the bag must be a spare phone.
Some neighbours revealed that Ah Fu regularly brings his mother to the roof top of the carpark for some sun and they will have lunch under the sheltered area.
Her passing on must have hit him hard, not forgetting he just lost his brother a short while ago.
After giving my statement about what happened, I was free to go with Sulyani.
I was pretty distracted when Sulyani was talking to me and she could tell.
“You ok ? you seemed pretty shakened…” She said.
“Yeah… first time seeing someone jump…”
I did not tell anyone about Hock Chuan, because I don’t know how to.
There’s no way I can explain it without me looking suspicious. I’m caught between a rock and a hard place.
If I tell someone there is a body in a truck on level 3B, they will surely want to know how I came across that information. If I don’t tell anyone, I’m also riddled with the guilt of leaving Hock Chuan alone in that vehicle.
I could come clean with everything from the newspaper to the fortune teller, but by then the authorities will need to decide if I should go to jail or a mental institution.
As I walked with Sulyani to the train station, I was trying to think of a way how to report Hock Chuan’s death.
“come, I’ll recommend a place for dinner…it should take your mind off these unpleasant stuff.” Sulyani said.
We took a train and did a bit of walking before ending up at Arab street. Sulyani brought me to this nice Kebab café. We talked more than we ate. I found out that Sulyani has applied for a transfer from her current position to go into another team.
“I applied together with Chan and he was telling me earlier we both got in.”
“What team is that ? how different is the job scope ? “
“I can’t tell you… it’s secret.” She said with a grin as she dipped her bread into some olive oil. “super exciting stuff.”
“Will I see you on crime watch telling people to be careful of scams and stuff ? “
“hahahaha.” Sulyani chuckled and brushed her hair behind her fringe while straightening her back. “Do I have that crime watch look ? “
“Of course…” I replied and we both laughed as Sulyani did an impression of saying good evening to the audience.
We talked about my work next and I told her my job is boring compared to hers.
“The most dangerous part of my job is probably getting stung by a bee or stepping on an ant’s nest.” I said while sipping my drink. “maybe get chase by the swans occasionally at work.”
“don’t say that, I think it’s interesting. I don’t mind working with plants.. I love gardening… I have a pot of basil along the corridor..”
“A pot of Basil…” I said and gave her a ‘meh’ expression. “Is it still alive ? “
“I hope so, I haven been paying much attention to it for a month now.” Sulyani laughed and I find myself staring at her expression. Her smile is so mesmerizing.
She was the one who brought up the subject of past relationships and I admitted that I don’t have much luck in that department.
“No way !…are you gay Jerry ? “
“Of course not..!”
“Looking the way you do, I’m surprised you are single… you’re not two timing or anything right ? “
“No no no… I’m.. I’m just a boring guy…. And… I don’t know… people get bored around me…”
“I was still afraid you will say people die around you…” Sulyani joked and it took me a couple of seconds before I caught on to the joke.
Sulyani was in two previously relationship before but both didn’t work out.
“why ? “
“Personality difference I guess ? “ She said while scooping a piece of ice into her mouth and started chewing on it.” 1st guy is on drugs… I didn’t know that until I found out by accident….2nd one is just a asshole…”
“so I’m number 3 ? “ I asked with a grin.
“too early to tell Jerry. Hahha.”
We finished our meals and I could see the sky is about to pour soon.
Sulyani’s phone started buzzing and it was Choo. The whole ‘dad want to pick up daughter after her first date with a guy’ scenario starts to play out in front of me.
I could tell Sulyani is embarrassed but she tried to keep her cool when mentioning that her dad is around the corner.
“He’s ermm.. going to pick me up…” Sulyani said while avoiding eye contact. “so you won’t need to send me back..”
“that’s so nice of him..”
Sulyani gave me a raised eyebrow and said I’m the first guy to ever say that. The others usually teased her about being a daddy’s girl.
“Your father is the 1st man to ever love you, the 1st to ever carry and hug you…he’s the only one you can be sure of that will love you till he draws his last breath…there is nothing wrong with being a Daddy’s girl…” I said matter of factly.
Sulyani stared at me with her mouth slightly apart as she took in what I just blurted out.
“wow… did you rehearse that ? “
“No…I just spoke what is on my mind.” I replied.
She took a napkin and used her straw to dip into chilli sauce, using it as a makeshift pen, she wrote a ‘+10’ and flashed it to me.
“That’s bonus points Jerry…haha… you are one step closer to being number 3.. “
We laughed and it wasn’t long before I saw the flash of headlights from a approaching taxi pulling up to us.
I stood up and said hi to Choo who eyed us with a smile.
“do you need a lift Jerry ? “ he asked.
“No its ok… I’m fine…I’ll leave Sue in your hands now…” I said while opening the door for her.
Sue did a little curtsy before stepping into the taxi. Immediately, she hugged Choo and declared her love for him much to his surprise.
Choo gave me a wide eyed bewildered look and I shut the door. As the taillight of the taxi disappeared around the corner, I received a text from Sulyani thanking me for dinner.
‘Really enjoyed the company and exciting first date. Look forward to our 2nd one.!’
‘Me too !’
I replied and got a smiley face emoji in return.
Time check, it’s 9.30pm.
The sky is in an angry shade of red and I could see lightning in the distance.
Pulling out Ah Fu’s phone, there are no missed calls and messages. I looked though the phone’s history. There are nothing in the messages or in the contact list. There are some pictures but they don’t make sense. Mostly are badly taken shots of food and signages.
I walked into a convenience shop around the corner and picked out a pair of sunglasses. I’ll need a guide stick.
My eyes darted to the private hospital further down the road and I quickly made my way to the pharmacy just before it shuts. I picked out a folding cane and paid for it.
I got into a taxi and directed it back to block 11A. The carpark.
From the carpark, it’s a 5 minutes walk to the address.
I could have gone straight to the address in the taxi but I’m afraid it would give away the game that I’m actually not visually impaired.
Opening up google map again, I orientated myself to the development and I could see a large section of it faces the main road that I will have to cross from my side of the street. There’s a high chance that the man who called Ah Fu’s phone will be watching my every move from crossing the street right up to his front door.
Then there is also the issue of my personal belongings. My wallet, money, phone, cash, all these are dead giveaways that I’m not Ah Fu.
It’s too late for me to head back home.
Looking at the carpark, I know there is a place where I can put my things.
Inside Hock Chuan’s vehicle.
It’s got to be the dumbest idea ever, leaving your identifications in a vehicle with a dead body you can’t explain. However, given the time and the situation, that’s my best shot.
It’s unlikely anyone will go around trying each vehicle door to see who forgets to lock their vehicle, and even if they do try, the sight of a dead body is enough to freak any petty thief out.
Making my way up to 3B, I could see the carpark has more vehicles now, most residents around the estate have come home for the day. I opened the sliding door and this time round, Hock Chuan’s body did not disturb me that much.
Looking at his peaceful expression, I found the moment surreal and humbling.
At the end of the day, death comes to all of us. The only difference is when and how.
I bundled up my belongings into a plastic bag I found inside the van, half wondering if Hock Chuan left it there for me. I tucked the bundle into a corner and closed the door.
With only Ah Fu’s phone and $10 in my pocket, I put on the sunglasses and extended the cane I bought. Taking a deep breath, I walked towards the lift.
I don’t know how it’s like to be visually impaired but wearing a pair of shades at night, I might as well be walking with my eyes closed. I could still make out where I’m going, and I just reminded myself to go slower.
I should not be walking that fast.
The development I am supposed to go to soon came into view and I could feel my heart beat faster. Inside my head, the rational side of my is screaming.
‘what the fuck do you think you are doing ? ‘
I’m satisfying my curiosity. That’s what I’m doing.
Things happen for a reason.
As I got closer to the busy junction, I saw the tactile flooring that has been installed on the ground to guide the visually impaired. I felt my way over and a Malay teenager saw me about to head towards the zebra crossing.
Looking too young to have a cigarette in his hand, he picked up his pace and raised his hand at the approaching cars.
“Bro, zebra crossing bro…”
“oh… thank you… thank you…” I said as he took a puff of his cigarette while crossing the narrow turn with me.
At the main traffic light, I could hear the audible beeping of the signal. It’s been there all along and I’ve never understood the importance of it. The lights turned green and the beeping turned into a rapid throb. I started to make my way across the large junction, pretending to feel my way while looking at the dozens of windows and balcony in front of me.
The man that called Ah Fu is probably staring at me from one of those.
The teenager helped me cross one more zebra crossing and I asked him if Gulliemard suites is near me.
“it’s right in front of you… I don’t know where’s the entrance though.”
“Ok. Thank you… thank you…”
He walked away and I saw him wave to his friends down the alleyway.
I paused and thought of what I should do. I can see the fucking entrance to the development but should I walk straight to it as if I knew it’s on my right or should I pretend to head towards the side gate on my left.
Will my acting be too over if I tried to show my helplessness?
In the end, I decided to turn right and go for the main gate. Tapping and feeling my way, I was about to reach the main entrance when I saw a bespectacled man come out. He walked purposefully towards me, I could see him staring at me and I forced myself to continue tapping and swinging the cane.
He might be the guy who contacted Ah Fu.
I must not know he is coming because I can’t see.
He walked right passed me but not before looking at me closely. I continued moving and the man doubled back.
Parking himself a few meters in front of me, I could tell he is determined to make me walk right into him. He wants to make sure I cannot see.
My cane hit his foot and I slowed down but I still came too close. I wanted to apologized but I stopped myself in the nick of time. If I can’t see, I won’t know I hit a person or an obstacle.
Swinging the cane and tapping it about, I tried to feel for a way around when the man suddenly spoke. I recognized the voice right away. It’s the voice on the phone.
“Hey Ah Fu..” He said.
“huh…. You…. Who are you… ? “ I replied.
“I’m Terry…. Ah Biao recommended you…”
“oh hi…”
“Come, I bring you up…” He said.
Terry led the way and I kept telling myself to slow down. Every ramp, every step, I made sure I tapped and felt it with the cane. Terry never stopped looking at me and he never offered any help.
“you looked… pretty well dressed…” Terry commented.
“This is my best set of clothes…a volunteer gave it to me… I went on a tour with the resident committee earlier…we took a bus to…”
“ok… ok… ok… I’m not interested…shut up..” He said.
“oh… sorry…”
I got into the lift and he hit level 4.
Terry waved his hands a couple of times in front of my face. Then I saw him position his body for a swing. I saw it coming a split second before he did it. He’s going to punch me.
If I blocked, I would have given the game away, if I don’t, I’m going to get my face smashed in.
What Hock Chuan said to me that morning suddenly came crashing into my head.
‘Choosing not to see what is in front of me is necessary.’
I gritted my teeth and braced my body for the hit.
Terry’s punch stopped barely an inch from my nose and I was trying hard not to shake. I coughed a couple of times to hide my nervousness and Terry quickly withdrew his fist.
The lift opened and Terry walked out silently.
I remained inside the lift because it did not come with a audio announcement that it’s level 4.
“Come out la, waiting for what ?” Terry snapped.
“ok..ok..”
He asked me how long I have been massaging for people.
I don’t know Ah Fu’s massage skills and resume. Working my way back to his brother’s death a few months ago, I lied that I have a few months of experience.
“I do mainly foot massage… I’m still trying to get good at full body.” I said. “ But I assure you, it will be comfortable for you…”
Terry stopped outside his unit and looked at me from top to toe.
“How did you lose your eyes? “ He asked.
“childhood illness…delayed treatment and everything just went south..i think I lost it before I turned 10.” I lied, amazed at the bullshit I can come up with. “Don’t worry, I don’t need to see to give you a massage.”
Terry unlocked the door to his unit.
“You’re not massaging me today… you’re massaging someone else.”
I entered the really nice done up house complete with burning incense smoke like you just entered a high-end spa.
The door shut behind me and suddenly, I have this dreadful foreboding feeling.
Terry walked to the dining table and removed his phone and wallet. I then watched him pull out a knife from his back.
Ok, fuck this, if he comes at me with that knife, I’m out.
Terry held onto the knife and stared at me without a word while I remained in the living room.
My heart was pounding. My shoes are still on. I’ll have the element of surprise if Terry decides to come at me.
Then he put the knife down and called out.
“The shoe cabinet is on your right, remove your shoes then come into the room.”
“ok…”
Shit, he’s going to kill me in the room, but then he’s not bringing the knife.
My bladder felt as if it was going to burst as I removed my shoes. Tapping with the cane, I followed Terry’s voice towards the room he is waiting in.
The room lights are on and there is a woman lying on the bed in her lingerie.
“You’re going to be massaging my wife Ah Fu..” Terry said “ She has a really stiff back…..don’t you honey … ? ”
Just when I thought this is going to turn out to be some weird cuckold massage fantasy roleplay between husband and wife, I saw something that immediately dismissed that possibility.
“hi…. Hi Madam…” I said as I got closer, forcing myself to spit out the words.
Terry folded his arms and sat down on the dresser table.
“My..my name is Ah Fu…i..”
“Just start with her legs…” Terry snapped. “you can call her Lisa…don’t be shy..”
I folded my cane and set them down on the floor.
The wardrobes and drawers looked like they have been ransacked. The photos on the bedhead and table belongs to that of a beautiful woman.
Someone in her late twenties give and take.
“do you have body oil or lotion?” I asked Terry.
He hesitated before randomly picking one from the dresser table and handing it to me.
“thank you.”
I’ve never felt this level of fear and nervousness before.
It’s worse than seeing Ah Fu jump, definitely worse than seeing Ah Fu’s mother slumped over her wheelchair.
It even beats seeing Hock Chuan in his vehicle.
My hand landed on the bed as I reluctantly move towards the 4th dead person I’m seeing that day.
Yes she’s dead.
And I have no fucking idea why Terry wants me to massage her.
…………………………………….