A Chap Goh Meh Story

It was a quiet Chap Goh Meh for us at the temple.  Ah Phui Kor (APK) had very kindly cooked for us a huge pot of pengat, the traditional sweet delicacy that is taken at the end of the 15 days of the Chinese New Year and it was of course much enjoyed by all the nuns.  It wasn't quite suitable for us cats, so we gave it a miss.  

That same evening, Ah Hoe had also invited us to his hut for a cup of tea, so Ning and I left shortly after dinner.  Mi Mi, who had also been invited, unfortunately could not make it as she had her hands full with Peng Aun.  That naughty little kitty is certainly making her head spin!

The three of us sat on the porch, sipping our tea and looking at the full moon.  It was indeed a splendid sight as it hovered above the trees, scattering its silvery beams far and wide.  Ah Hoe was strangely silent and seemed to be lost in thought.  

"What are you thinking about, Ah Hoe?"  I asked.  He smiled and said softly, "I was thinking of the old times when Lau Lo was alive and how we would spend almost every evening on the porch sipping tea or just talking."

Yes, we all miss him.  How many years had it been since he left his mortal coil?  Two or more, I can't quite remember.  "Don't worry, Ah Hoe," said Ning cheerfully.  "He's enjoying himself up there in heaven.  Wonder whether they also make pengat up there?" Trust Ning to think of something funny to say at the right time - we all had a good laugh and drank more tea.

Just then, a group of youths came strolling by.  They were laughing and singing and obviously having a good time.  One of the boys who knows Ah Hoe waved to us and yelled, "Happy Chap Goh Meh, Uncle!"  Ah Hoe waved back and said, "Same to you!"   The young boy ran up to us and before we knew it, he had taken a snap of us with his mobile phone.  "I will send you the photo tomorrow, Uncle!" he said and skipped off to join his friends.  

"Isn't it great to be young again," said Ah Hoe wistfully.  "Hey, don't look so glum," said Ning.  "Come on, Ah Hoe, sing one of your favourite Chinese songs!"  

We stayed on with Ah Hoe until nearly ten, listening to the old man reminiscing about his younger days.  Ning had decided to stay the night with him to keep him company and since I had early morning temple chores the next day, I bade them goodnight and left.

The next morning, I was surprised to see Ah Hoe and Ning come running into the temple, looking for me.  "What's happened?"  I asked, seeing their excitement.  Ah Hoe whipped out his phone and said, "Look at this, Da.  You won't believe it! Just look!"

I looked and it was the photo the young boy had taken of the three of us the night before.  I couldn't see anything unusual about it.  "Look again, Da," cried Ning.  

I looked again and then I saw with a shock, standing there behind Ah Hoe, the faint image of ...... Lao Lo!  He had come to be with us on Chap Goh Meh - and little did we know it. 

That photo will long be treasured by Ah Hoe together with fond memories of a friendship so lovingly cherished by two old men.

Fond memories of Lao Lo ....