New Year's Eve Hi-Tea with Papa



 The soft background music, punctuated by chattering murmurs, set the dining hall in the right mood.

I looked across the table and saw Papa looking out the window in a trance-like state, his lower lip involuntarily quivering.  Mama, full from eating, pecked at the small dollop of mousse on her plate with a fork. The spread of food at the hi-tea did not appeal to Papa.  He enjoyed the atmosphere more than he did the food. His Parkinson's disease had taken a turn for the worse.  Two weeks prior, Ah Hui had told the doctor to change his medication but Papa's high creatinine level had rendered it unlikely for the doctor to meet her wish.  The illness had made him age drastically, and deprived him of his good looks and alertness. He easily gave one the impression of being dazed, as if a punch had been given between his eyes.

Ah Hui was trying to make Papa eat more desserts, but he refused with a languid shake of his head.  At last she pushed a spoonful of mango jelly into his mouth and he reluctantly swallowed it. A smile flickered across his face and he wiped his mouth with child-like embarrassment.

I ordered a cup of coffee but its bitterness revolted me.  I warned everyone against it and Papa decided to have tea.  Ah Hui tore a sachet and emptied the sugar into his cup.  Mama poured some milk into it and it clouded the liquid immediately.  Papa drank it and sighed in satisfaction.

The afternoon wore on but there was no sign of the waiters refilling the food pans with dishes and desserts. I reminded a waitress about it but she just gave me a silly grin. A bit disappointed, we decided to go home.  Ah Hui asked a reluctant-looking waitress to take our picture and when she returned the camera to us, the picture we saw was dim and unclear.  Ah Hui and I exchanged a wry smile and let the matter rest.

                             

When Ah Hui and I paid the bill, Papa gave us a warm, grateful smile.  I was touched by his fatherly genuineness and my eyes inadvertently moistened with tears.


Comments

Al-Manar said…
That is a nice gathering. Perhaps your dad need this more often. Hope you all have a happy new year and your dad more relief
December 31, 2014 at 2:35 PM
Anonymous said…
Thanks, Pakcik.
December 31, 2014 at 4:43 PM
suituapui said…
Nothing like time spent with one's loved ones. Happy New Year 2015 to you and your loved ones. Cheers!
January 1, 2015 at 1:22 PM
suituapui said…
P.S.
This looks like it was at Dynasty. I sat at that same table before. LOL!!!
January 1, 2015 at 1:24 PM
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