The World of Tai Tai

 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 spoo...

In my eighth year of teaching, a student came up to me and said, 'Teacher, Is it true that you may teach us next year?' 'No, I'm not sure,' was my reply. She then said, ' If you teach us English, I won't be present in your lessons.' 'Why?' I asked, incredulous. 'Miss XXX said that you spoke Manglish, while she spoke Queen's English. I only want a good teacher to Teach me English.' 'How did you know that she speaks Queen's English?' I asked. 'She's great!' The girl piped. ' She speaks with a pure London accent. Unlike her, she said, you speak market English!' I was so angry that I could not utter a word. Of all I knew, that lady was not even a language optionist. And she also spoke with an accent peculiar to all Malaysians.

Time laps and recedes, another Christmas is celebrated and a new year is around the corner. I will be more assiduous in leading a prayerful life. To be a better son to my parents, I promise to give them less trouble. Some men are like babies and I am worse than them. My parents are getting old and I am ashamed of myself for not having done much for them. God, please give me ample time to make it u p to them. They are my life and I love them with all my heart. As for my career, it has been characterized by sluggishness and I am determined to turn over a new leaf next year. More efforts have to be put in to improve the way I plan and execute my lessons. I should not let any personal reasons get in the way of my job performance. As far as language is concerned, I will read more books and experiment more with writing. I find my solace in them and I won't trade them for other things in this world. Health wise, I should start exercising and eating a more balanced die...