213th Reflection💬

“Reunion comes when everyone invites❓”

Sometimes not until the Lord invites.

……

01/02/2022 (Tue) 13:30 The Chinese New Year Day Home

Mum said, “Dad, we’re going to have a tea lunch.”

Dad said, “When?”

Mum said, “2 pm.”

Dad said, “Where?”

Mum said, “U-Banquet.”

Dad said, “We’ve got no injection yet.”

Mum said, “But your son and daughter did.”

Dad said, “Only 2 out of 5 did. We can’t sit together.”

Mum said, “Then sit apart.”

Dad said, “If I don’t go, you can sit together.”

I said, “Tell the waiter that we want 2 tables next to each other.”

Dad said, “It’s hard to chat when sitting apart.”

I said, “I can sit aside. You guys talk. I don’t mind just eating and settling the bills.”

Mum said, “Yes, it’s the first day of the Lunar New Year. It’s the most joyful when we can enjoy a meal together as a family.”

Dad said, “No, you go.”

I said, “Alright, call me if you change your mind. Let’s go. It’s time.”

I opened the door.

Mum said, “Wait for me.”

……

01/02/2022 (Tue) 13:45 The Chinese New Year Day Yue Man Square

Mum said, “What’s wrong with you?”

I said, “What’s wrong with me?”

Mum said, “It’s the Chinese New Year Day. Why don’t you make invitations to your dad to come along for a tea lunch together?”

I said, “An Invitation? You’ve already made it.”

Mum said, “But you can make a few more.”

I said, “Hey, I find my invitation quite good already! I not only voluntarily sit aside, eat and settle bills, but also prepares for his change of mind. Yet, he’s made no move yet. Why stay?”

Mum said, “But you don’t have to leave so fast.”

I said, “He said he doesn’t go. The meeting is decided. It’s time.”

Mum said, “You’re disgusting.”

I said, “You’re now hurrying to the restaurant together. You’re as disgusting.”

Mum smiled and said, “Oh boy, it’s a waste of time talking to you.”

……

01/02/2022 (Tue) 14:00 The Chinese New Year Day Restaurant

Mum and I left the lift. We saw sister and auntie.

I said, “Let’s go.”

Sister said, “Where is dad?”

I said, “He said he isn’t coming.”

Sister’s phone rang. She said a few words and hung up.

Waiter said, “Madam, may I know how many of you there are?”

Sister said, “5. 2 of us are vaccinated. We want 2 tables next to each other.”

I said, “5? Only 4!”

Sister said, “No, dad’s just told me on the phone that he’s coming.”

I looked at mum and she smiled.

…….

Another me said, “Your mum and you desire very much to have a tea gathering with your dad.”

I said, “Yes, she and I made invitations by mouth and with action respectively.”

Another me said, “Why didn’t your dad join you in the first place?”

I said, “Ask him.”

Another me said, “Why did he join you finally?”

I said, “He’s already come. Why bother asking?”

Another me said, “Because I’m curious.”

I said, “Ask the Lord.”

Another me said, “Ask the Lord?”

I said, “Since we left home, is there anybody else that has talked to dad anymore?”

(Translated by Lisa Wong; Edited by YipWH)