The year that was: 1998

Journey: Memoirs of a childhood
The year was 1998, I was in my third semester in UPM. I was doing okay. I worked in Baskin-Robbins during the May Break. Keeping myself busy. Then I met the cutest boy ever. His name is Chew Shin Hoong. He was only 5. His father and mother opened a stationery shop downstairs from where I stayed. I was staying with Carol, Wai Yoke, Sheau Jiun, Foo Xiong, Victor and Cheng Wei. Seven of us in a two bedroom apartment. The new flat; we called it. RM700 per month. Each person RM100. Life was okay; in fact great. Enjoying my tennis, collected money for Kosovo war children. Sent RM150 to UNICEF. Coming back to Shin Hoong. He was so cute. The way he called my name, “Colburn…” like a voice of an Angel.  Anyway, I approached his mom and say if I could teach him tuition. She said yes. So I taught him English, Malay and Maths.  I was very happy to have a little brother like him. There was another boy; Lim Zheng Ming. He was 6. I taught him too. In the same class as Shin Hoong.  Two little brothers to play with.    I am so happy! Can't stop smiling!