<Continued>
I took out a tissue and wiped the side of her lip. I learnt from those Korean movie scene.
Me:”aiyo, don’t eat so fast. See your lips also have sauce already.”
!!wipe !! Wipe!!
She seem to be taken aback by it. Her beautiful eyes stared into mine. Like a woman voided of love and affection.
The rain got heavier as the sky turned gloomy and is covered by waves of water streaming down from above shattering against the window glass.
I brought the conversation into deeper levels and tugged her emotional heart string. She began sharing more about her hardships to raise a child on her own.
Tricia:” sometimes… I really feel like giving up… I really dunno how…. Really dunno
is so hard you know ? Everyday wake up is so stress. All
The money owe… needs pay for this and that… sometimes I can’t even breathe.”
Her face turned red and started the tear.
!!Sob!!Sob!!
Me:” you know, you are a strong lady. Your family needs you and you must stay strong.”
I offered words of encouragement… but it seems to make her more emotional.
!!Cries!! Cries!!!
She finished the box of tissue on the table. Her tears were like the rain outside. Started with a drizzle and ended up flooding the whole face.
Tricia:” I really don’t know how Liao……. I really don’t know.”
Tears started streaming down her cheeks
I seized the opportunity. Perhaps I was really emphatic towards her; all the hardships she has gone through. I started to have teary eyes , I cupped my hands gently over her face. Using a piece of tissue to pat dry her tears.
Tricia:” really very very very stress sia…..needs pays for childcare center, already deadline liao. They keeps chasing. “
Me:”let me help you…..” I looked into her eyes and spoke to her ears.
I grabbed her gently by her shoulders and hugged her slowly. I felt her chest pressed against mine like 2 soft cushions. She was sweaty from a day of delivery, but this sweaty scent actually smelled sweet. I placed my face onto her neck and inhaled her sweet scent. Blowing warm mist of air all over her neck as I exhaled.
She reciprocated and held on tightly to my old man body.
She needed comfort and She felt like I was her safety Harbor.
We hugged tightly for a good 3 mins or so.
Me:”How much you need for the childcare.”
Tricia:” idk sia…. One month 1K plus just for childcare….even if I clock full Shift. I still need find $400 plus.. already late for many days liao. Nobody want borrow me liao. Stress sia…..”
Me:” Let me help you out. “ I grabbed onto her cold hands.
Tricia:”Huh no need la….. uncle I don’t even know you.
Andd i already owe enough people. I go back think think how find money.”
Me:” My name is Frank, and I am touched by your story Tricia. You are a strong lady, let me be strong for you too.
Now you know me…”
Tricia:” I……I ” she was at a loss of words, touched by my words.
Me:”don’t say anything.”
I wrapped my hands around her back and held her towards my body.
!!doink!!! I could feel my canon come to live.
No…….be patient… now’s not the time for live firing.
Her tears stopped after hugging for a while. Maybe she just needed a emotional release. All the pent up emotions through the flood gates.
The rain stopped.. we chatted for a short while.
I told her about me wanting to see her again after our first encounter. I even showed her the app of the mountain of my delivery orders and I didn’t even get to see her once.
Me:” meeting you is harder than hit TOTO.”
Tricia:”hahaha… uncle you hit liao today.”
She chuckled.
>>Yes indeed I have<<
!!Beeep!! Transaction completed !!
I transferred her using my mobile. You could tell that a huge weight was off her shoulder. Although at that point that amount was not a big deal for me. Honestly I was also bought in to her story and wanted to help her unconditionally.
But that bastard side of me…..wanted a ROI (return on investment) from this “help”
Tricia:” thanks uncle…… I really never expect this sia…I dunno how to thank you. I will pays you back once I earn enough ok ! “
Me:”It’s ok, take your time.”
Me:”and stop calling me uncle….. I know I old enough already. But at least let me have a chance to be cool. You can call my name.”
Tricia:” hehe okie Frank.”
Me:”actually you are quite nice to hug… haha.. one more time?”
This time round she jumped into my arms and held onto my body.
Sometimes hugs feels so good.
I thought of a chance to see her more often….
Before she left I offered her a “deal”
Me:”actually since I order so often…. Why don’t you be my private food delivery person
just help me on a personal level.”
Tricia:” uh huh …”
Me:” maybe when you finish work or off peak period. You help me buy food. I pay for the food and the delivery fee. I don’t mind giving you more, since you are so fast =P.
That way you can earn and also repay the favor. So you won’t feel so bad taking up my help. Uncle old already buy food also starting to get lazy
Sounds good ?? “
Tricia:” HAHA ! Deal ! But you must give me better rate ya.” She joked.
Her smile was like a sunshine, warm and contagious.
Me:” see you Tricia, I WhatsApp you.”
She put on her mask and waved goodbye
At this point I wondered. Have I entered her Den or have she fell into mine ?