As soon as I walked into the karaoke bar he took the remote and started lining up songs for me. Pretending it's my farewell concert for him, I sang a couple and got to order something for dinner. Funny when I spent the last six months in my home I never held a microphone nor thought of singing. It seemed that between my part time work, my mom's house and the gym I didn't need to draw a tune.
So it was fun to do again. I didn't care that new people were there, though Zac and Where were the original Thai colleagues from the first karaoke group that discovered my singing 'talent' so-called. Filipino friends just called it 'stress-busting'. This time there was no Sammy, Thess, Chian Yew, Anelyn or Pinoy. But having Zac there was enough. I was sort of glad Sam in particular was not there to harass the new interns.
And then it was over. Suddenly it was 1:00 am and the machine stopped lining up songs. Tsk, just when the Canadians were getting enough confidence to whip up some CCRs. Then came talk about what Zac would do as soon as he gets to the West, where he would live, the jobs he would take between school, where he would meet friends, who would support him there. He said he did not feel excited or happy. He simply felt anxious about leaving, and about all the packing and choosing winter clothes. I asked if he had wanted to go and he said he did. I warned him though that he would miss us terribly, and to make sure to keep in touch.
Zac is now in the airport, that is if he hasn't taken off already. I hope someone is seeing him off. I close my eyes and try to see him all wrapped up in his sweater talking to his friend or relative. I send him a hug with all my wishes of good luck and good fortune. I now realize that time in the karaoke party was the last time I will see Zac as he is now. When he comes back he will be a different person. He would surely be changed by his life there, away from all the things he's known for so long. When he comes back he'll be a different man. It brings a smile to my face but also sadness because he would've gone through some of the most difficult times in his life, meet some of the most rude people on the planet, and would surely have his heart broken there.
But he would certainly charm them out of their apathy. He'll make friends who will show him a good time and teach him how to survive in that urban jungle.
So bon voyage and all the best Zac. Here's to a grand adventure for you!
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