The forbidden fruit of Eden

U Ko Ko was taking the daily morning Singapore International Airways (SIA) flight out of Yangon to Singapore. The aircraft depart Yangon at 1025hours, and the checking in time was two hours ahead. This meant he has to be at the airport by 0825hours, that was just nice for him. The heavy traffic would be all crawling into the city and the journey to the airport should be contra flow, which means the cars ought to be less that way. At least, this was in theory. However these days, the traffic is ultra heavy both ways, maybe a wee bit less to the airport. Yangon today is a haven for second hand reconditioned Japanese automobiles, which found a new lease of life here. Generally, the costs for second hand reconditioned cars are around U$5,000/- CIF (cost-insurance-freight) and most people found it within their reach. U Ko Ko must admit the cars are sturdy, and it would not be wrong to say that this is a land for Toyotas and Nissans. Mostly the cars are less than ten years old. While the standard of automobiles on the roads has risen, regretfully, the roads themselves could not keep up with the increasing cars. Or was better management of the cars the eluding answer? The journey to the airport was by way of narrow lanes and through population centers, as the normal direct main route would be a bad crawl. U Ko Ko live in a urban residential district of Kabar Aye and the normal journey to the airport used to be less than fifteen minutes. Now, he will lucky to make it there by thirty five minutes during off peak periods.

U Ko Ko was taking a trip to Singapore for his follow up with the specialist doctor as he suffered a second stroke about a year ago. As a retired gentleman and well over sixty years of age, he had the luxury of time to the airport. He managed to secure a driver to drive the residence car with his wife beside him for the journey to the airport. She was as usual an automatic non-stop yapping machine of dos and don’ts till arrival at the airport. U Ko Ko is a great believer of always traveling light, the least the better. However, for his wife, this was not done, she must utilize the full twenty pounds of checked in luggage weight, this being the passenger’s right, traveling on economy class. He has two check-in luggage’s full of favour parcels from people he could not say no and foodstuff for his friend Chief U Tin Tun and his lovely wife Ma Ma Margret, plus some presents for the doctor and their son. This was his first time traveling by himself to save on costs and being only a few days trip.

After the checking in at the SIA counter, U Ko Ko stood beside the writing shelves at the spaces provided on the first floor of the departure area, just before the Immigration counters. There he filled his Departure form as required by law.

Beside him, stood a young lady in her Myanmar traditional sarong, who offered words of assistance, “ Can I be of any help? ”

U Ko Ko replied kindly, “ This I can manage, thank you very much."
 
He gazed at her and noticed that she was filling the form with a gold Cross ball point, whereas he penned with a free ball point gift from a hotel. That was it really. He looked no further and made his way to the queue that was the least crowded. Passing the Immigration counter, he made straight for the departure gate no.4. There, U Ko Ko sat and opened his laptop and continued writing his short story, this being his latest habit. He did not take the normal Silk Air flight for the simple reason the aircraft was a smaller Airbus A319 seating for only 128 passengers, while the SIA aircraft was Boeing 777-200 which seats 323 passengers. The SIA aircraft was larger, thus making it a more comfortable and smother flight, and he believe the service was better than Silk Air. Flying time was the same for both airlines.

Boarding time came, and U Ko Ko closed the laptop and packed it in the shoulder bag and boarded the aircraft at his turn. His seat was 38B, portside, middle seat. On his left, in 38A window seat was an elderly European gentleman like himself engrossed in his novel. He sat quietly and buckled his seat belt. Seat 38C was still unoccupied. All of a sudden, U Ko Ko spied the young lady that he encountered at departure area, eased into his right side, 38C seat. She gave him a respectful smile, which he returned graciously. Without much ado, the aircraft took off for the 2hours 40minutes flight to their destination, Singapore. After take off, he opened his laptop to continue writing, and the young lady in 38C put on her earphones and watched the in-flight movie, first putting on her Cartier diamonds studded work glasses. After about a half hour, due to the call of nature, he had to request the young lady beside him to make space for his body. Only then did he observe her single diamond solitaire earrings, each stone nearly as large as a pea. There was not a hint of yellowness and more of blue whitish colour, sparkling, at that. When he returned to his seat, he got a whiff of her Thanakha and Chanel cologne as he eased back into his seat. That woke up his curiosity and his eyes spied her left hand, which was nearest to him. She was wearing a lady’s Rolex oyster movement automatic gold watch and her fingers were void of any rings, not even the fingernails were painted.

When lunch was served, the gentleman in seat 38A ate rather leisurely still glued to his novel, while U Ko Ko dug into his meal with zest, and the lady in 38C just touched an odd piece here and there.

Before the meals were cleared, she smiled pleasantly and said, “ You seem to have enjoyed your meal. “

He replied, “ Yes, it’s delicious food, and there will be no lunch waiting for me at Singapore. Hi, my name is U Ko Ko, on the way for a medical follow up with my doctor.”

“ I would be more careful with the food presented, if you have to control your cholesterol. Hello, I am May Aye Pe, going back after my annual leave.” She replied smilingly.

With his matter of fact expression, replied “ Yes, that’s true. I suffered a second stroke about a year ago and since my wife is not here, I’m taking this opportunity to dig in with no yapping machine to disturb me. I noticed you hardly touched your lunch. ”

She smiled again and said, “ I’m a pathologist, and of all people I should be ever watchful of my food intake.”

“ So, you are a doctor “ he said ever so slowly as he brushed his hair with his right hand.

She replied,” Yes, I work at the National University Hospital (NUH), however, my time is also spent in teaching hospital laboratories, and my best friend is a microscope.”

May Aye Pe did not continue watching her in-flight movie and U Ko Ko also did not went on merrily punching his story writing on the laptop, they talked as though friends meeting again after a long lost spell. She told him that she lived with her retired parents. Father was a General Practitioner in Kalaw, and mother, a Breast Surgeon at the Yangon General Hospital. They live in the classy residential area of Windermere Road in Yangon. Two other siblings, both girls and all doctors, one in The United States and one in Australia. The sisters are all married and she is the only still single left from her family.  Her grandfather from the mother side is of Cantonese Clan from Hong Kong who immigrated to Myanmar, when he met her Anglo-Chinese grandmother in the United Kingdom, while they studied there. May already secured her Member of the Royal College of Pathology (M.R.C.Path part 1) in Yangon and intends to try for her part ll soon. She looked to be around 25 years of age and resides with her uncle and aunty in Singapore, both also retired doctors, at no.12 Rochalie Drive, in a semi-dethatched house near Tanglin Road. Only then did he really found that she was good looking, slim, with long black hair tied like a bun behind her head, fair, about five feet six, but with low heals shoes she appeared to be about five feet seven. Her boobs are not large enough to win any prizes, but the smaller size of maybe cup size 34A still was attractive and presentable. May Aye Pe speaks and write French, English and Burmese fluently. She also talks intelligently and he observed her command of English was surprisingly quite acceptable, but of course not at par with him.

May Aye Pe of course was right, he should watch out and be ever careful of his diet. Food ought to be medicine and vice versa. Prevention was better than cure, no doubt. Both chatted so much, they did not realize the plane would be landing in a few minutes. After the announcement by the Captain, she opened her branded black leather handbag and powdered her nose, it was Chanel to be sure. This girl got expensive taste. Out of his league. After landing, both made their way through Immigration to the taxi stand.

U Ko Ko politely said, “ Please take the first taxi, I just live ten minutes away, no problem.”

May Aye Pe looked up with  surprised eyes and exclaimed, “ I’m going right into town and the taxi is big enough for the both of us. Besides, I am not paying any extra, so jump in and please don’t make a fuss.”

U Ko Ko placed his two luggage’s in the trunk beside her small trolley case and sat beside her in the back and instructed the taxi driver, “ Costa Del Sol, Bayshore Road please.”

It was raining outside the airport. They both sat quietly gazing at the drenched view outside. He quietly eyed again at May Aye Pe and could not understand why such a beautiful young woman was still single. She surely must had or have suitors, he scratched his head and no valid answers came to him. May Aye Pe was thinking what she should give her aunty, the mangoes or the frozen prawns. Next day was a working day and she shall have to bear it again for possibly another year.  Yangon was fun, but not enough jobs paying to what she was earning at NUH. If the pays were similar, she would run back to Yangon and be beside her aging mother and father. Then her mind switched gear again, she thought U Ko Ko looked like a decent person, intelligent, sounds a realistic man with no airs and any pretenses. She wondered how long he would be staying in Singapore and when he will be returning back. She envied him, a life that has been full and now to relax and enjoy the retirement. She does hope that his medical follow up will be okay with no complication. The taxi pulled into Costa Del Sol and when it made a stop, U Ko Ko got out, opened the boot and took out his two pieces of luggage.

U Ko Ko then glanced back into the open back door of the taxi and exclaimed, “ Thank you for the ride and the wonderful conversation we shared. May I give you a call after my check up?”

May Aye Pe opened her black fine leather Chanel handbag, took out her old boarding pass chit out of her passport and wrote her mobile telephone number on the back and passed it to him and commented “ That would be nice, please do that, I would love to know the results and hope all goes well with you.”

U Ko Ko looked sheepishly and said “ I’ll give you a call, meantime I cannot invite you in for a cup of coffee as I don’t know where they stock the damn stuff in the apartment.”

“ That’s quite all right, I’ll take a rain cheque, some other time perhaps.“ May Aye Pe said smilingly and the taxi pulled away from the foyer and proceeded for her town address.

U Ko Ko took a lift up to the 25^th floor and placed the key into the socket and opened the door. All was quiet in the apartment as no one was in. He first called his son on his mobile to say that he was home. Then he called the family friends to collect their favour parcels and also informed Chief U Tin Tun to collect the foodstuff, his wife packed lovingly for them. After all was done, he took a hot shower and prepared his room, as there was no one to do it for him. He then made an appointment to see his doctor, and was allotted ten in the morning, the next day. After all set and done, he sat down and opened his laptop and continued on his short story. Dinner was a bowl of instant Japanese noodle plus a ham sandwich. About ten p.m. his son came back and they talked over a can of soft drink and he explained how he met a nice very young girl on the plane from Yangon. He then called his wife at Yangon with his son’s mobile to save on costs. Mary was happy and he reported that all the foodstuff and favour parcels have been collected, thus his better half said no more except, not to forget his appointment with Dr.Tang the next morning.

The next morning, U Ko Ko appeared for his follow up with Dr.Tang, the Neurologist at Mount Elizabeth Hospital and all was done by before noon. He walked out of the hospital and headed towards Orchard Road in the hot sunlight.

He then pulled out his mobile phone from his trouser and called May Aye Pe with the number she scribbled on the back of her Yangon boarding pass, “ Hello, may I speak to Dr. May Aye Pe, this is U Ko Ko .“

“ Hello U Ko Ko, this is May Aye Pe, how did the follow up with your Neurologist go? “

“ Very well thank you, and I also topped up my medications for another three months. Listen are you free for lunch? I can meet you by the fountain believe in Basement one at Takashiyama. ” U Ko Ko joyfully asked her.

She replied, “ That would be lovely, I know where it’s at, see you in forty five minutes “

U Ko Ko asked himself what he was doing. He’s an old married man as she was young enough to be his grand daughter. Up till now, there was nothing irregular and he has done nothing wrong, thus he consoled himself. At the Takashiyama fountain in Basement one, he sat down and contemplated what and how he should proceed from henceforth. This has never happened before and he was at a loss, however, he decided to tell the truth so that each party was fully aware and there are no illusions at all. He had his hand under the chin while sitting on the thick embankment of the fountain, lost in thought. He was not hungry, just at a loss.

Then May Aye Pe approached him, in her grey dress and addressed, “ Penny for your thoughts, from now on just please call me May, addressing my full name sounds rather official. You must be hungry. What would you like to have?”

“ Oh, hello, I’m fine. Shall we proceed to the level four? I used to know of a dim sum outlet by the name of Summer Palace, I presume you eat pork? Or what would you prefer? I’m buying as you paid for the taxi yesterday, no ifs, no buts.” U Ko Ko got up smilingly and eyed her puzzlingly.

“ Pork is fine, I eat all that are delicious. Summer Palace is renowned for their food. I am surprised you know about them living in Yangon. You mystify me. “ That said, she waited for his comment.

He just laughed it off and led the way to the escalator.  Sure enough, Summer Palace was on level four. They were shown to a small table by the corner of a miniature palm tree.  A quiet place, after enquiring, the waitress bought a pot of freshly brewed Chinese tea for the young lady and a glass of cold water for him. He was surprised to find that the heavy lunchtime crowd was lacking, especially for a weekday such as this. He let her do the honour of ordering while he poured her a cup with hot green tea in the white porcelain cup in front of her.

He opened the conversation with a shot across her bow. “ Look May, I really don’t know how to say this, however I must be totally honest with you from the start. I am an old man, married with a grown up son older than you, and besides, I’m old enough to be your grandfather. I really should not be bothering you at my age. I am thoroughly ashamed, even though I am enjoying every second. I also do not want to see such beauty going to waste with a company such as I. Most of all, no false hope nor do I want you to think that I am a dirty old man.” 

May seemed to enjoy his openness. She did not look at all flustered nor seemed shocked with his opening volley. She slowly sipped her hot green tea, and he could make out a faint lipstick mark on the rim of her porcelain white cup. She then took her time and said, “ I only met you since yesterday, yes, you are an old man and no doubt you are married. I personally see no wrong being friends with an age difference. After all, you are not jumping into my bed and for sake of good order, I do not see you as a dirty old man, so don’t be ashamed. I care two hoots about what others may think, and I have got no time or the energy to be bothered. I do not seek boyfriends or dying for a husband. I am quite happy as I am, but do judge a man, a woman’s intuition you know. For what it’s worth, I’ve yet to find a man, who is man enough for me to be considered for my life’s partner. I also like a man who is frank and honest, caring, tender, loyal with unequivocal love, maybe a small compromise here and there, rather rare quality in a man, don’t you think? ”  

U Ko Ko was taken aback, he did not expect such a return volley, a solid punch at that. He picked up a steamed prawn dumpling with his chopsticks. He asked for it and he could see that May was not yet satisfied with her statement, U Ko Ko remained silent and waited to see what else would be dished out. True enough, she did.

May continued, “ I am sorry should I seem to be giving you the wrong impression. I have done nothing like this before. I have reached a position in life where financial gain is not at the forefront. Maybe because I have enough, or more correctly need not worry for my well being any more. I am a different kettle of fish, first and foremost an individual, where strength in body is not an issue, but strong in mind is at the utmost. I would agree that sex plus physical attraction may be a factor, but in my scale of one to ten, a strong character and an individual intelligence does score a high mark. Maybe because I am a doctor, physical strength of the body does not come into play. All of us suffer from a medical problem of one sort or another, it is only we know of it or still hidden to be surprised at a later stage. After all, we are but humans. That means, with failings of one sort or another. ”

U Ko Ko put his chopsticks down and now it was his turn. “Thank you May. All very clear and precise, I just wanted you to know my inner thoughts. I consider you very beautiful and it seems such a waste for you especially. I did not want you to burn your precious time with such an old fellow like me. I have seen life after all these years and I knew from the things that you use, quality plays a big part, no matter the price. I presume your requirements of a man must be similar, if not even more. You are a seeker of perfection, are you not? Please remember, in the end, life is like marriage, it is a roll of the dice, do all the homework as you wish, it may not turn out as you hoped.” 

May countered, “ True to a point, but as humans, we do try all methods and means to seek perfection. In Myanmar and also in India, in addition to our homework, we even sought the help of astrologers, priests and what not, to know in advance whether the prospective partner would be suitable or otherwise. Do you not agree? “

“ I think enough said on philosophy of life, the main thing is we both now know our own positions. I just hope that you will meet some nice man of your choice in the near future. I asked myself where were you 30/40 years ago. For me, I’ve passed that stage in life where I cannot be useful to anybody but just remain a burden. Even though I am enjoying every minute, I’m just thinking for you, May.” U Ko Ko meant every word he said and she gave an understanding smile back in return, knowing full well what he meant. Both of them continue to enjoy the rest of the menu May ordered. He just remembered and asked, “ How are you on time for your lunch break? “

May replied, “ I took a half day leave, don’t feel bad, I have so much free days left that I usually return them unused. They do not give financial rewards in lieu either. I’m also taking tomorrow off to help you with your shopping. I know I will enjoy it. You are going back the day after tomorrow, right? “

U Ko Ko looked stunned, for a young doll he met only yesterday willing to make use of her precious free day. She was right about one thing though. May was a true individual with good brains, a very rare case, who does things as she sees fit in her own way, on her own terms no matter of other opinions. She does not follow the general guidelines, rather a strong headed girl, must be the genes and take after the parents, he presumed. During the conversation, she told him that she was 27, and passed all her examinations in a single stroke, be it Myanmar or from the United Kingdom. May told him that she rather took her time and only when she was good and ready, she would sit for the examination. May does not believe in rushing into things. Parents also followed her desires, so does all her siblings. The parents gave them leeway and much slack when it comes to their individual instincts. The siblings both married expatriate Myanmar national, one brother in law is a real estate agent while the other is a university lecturer in the States. Money wise, they seem to be sufficient and parents nowadays divide their time between Australia, The United States and Myanmar. Their house in Windermere Road, Yangon, is large with most rooms closed down and her father now dig his hands in gardening, while May’s mother prefer reading English novels and playing scrabble with her group of friends. Believe they also eat rather lightly, being both doctors, they watched out for their wellbeing, and any ailments are under control for their long walk into the sunset.

They finished their lunch and after U Ko Ko settled the bill, both strolled into one department after another. They browsed the presentations and decorations and talked of everything under the sun, from religion, politics to birds and the bees. U Ko Ko found May to be knowledgeable and up to date on current issues also. She has her own theories and comments, which he found to be most interesting. May would laugh at the jokes he said and quick to catch the hidden meaning(s). They toured from store to store and by the time they reached Tanglin Mall, Market Place, she was already tired. They sat by the coffee house inside Tanglin Mall, while May rested her tired feet, thence he refreshed her with a cup of black coffee. He took a fruit juice, as caffeine does not agree with him. He listened to her trials about her work and on her life’s expectations. May also opened up that physical attractiveness scores much less compared to her mental satisfaction and fulfillment. She told him also about her mum and dad and how they long for her to be married, but always refrained respecting to her individual thoughts. May enjoys visiting places rich with history and can be absorbed with the thinking of the day. May was happy for both her sisters and has been to Sydney, Australia and Los Angeles, United States. She stressed that her happiness for them does not necessarily mean she wishes to follow their examples. She found their existence to be tied down and starting a family meant anchoring their roots to one place. May felt that could be her Achilles heel. She wanted to be a free sprit up till her late forties and settle back down in Yangon beside her parents, living in the large house in Windermere Road. May also wanted to go to London and complete her M.R.C. Pathology Part.ll. Work there for a few years, possibly at Saint Thomas’s Hospital, London, to gain more exposure. U Ko Ko now knew a lot more about May and he walked her to no.12 Rochalie Drive, view it was already close to six p.m. He said hello to her aunty and uncle working in their garden and strolled back to Orchard Road MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) Station. On the way, he stopped by a jewelry store inside Isetan and purchased a platinum white gold necklace and hurried back to Bedok MRT Station with the pack of commuters rushing back to their homes at the end of the day.

At Bedok Central Food Court, he had a bowl of yong tau foo with soup, and did not drink the soup for fear of high oil content. Thence he took a shuttle bus back to Costa del Sol and rest for the evening. Back at the apartment, U Aye Pe sat behind his laptop and gazed onto the beach and the blue sea beyond, through his bedroom window. He could not punch a single line on his laptop, as his mind was on overtime, thinking what would be best suited for May. She may not admit but May seemed so lonely, vulnerable without a husband, and he wanted her to be happy till he was long gone, dead and buried. To offer his only son, he was already married, besides it would not be fair to her. She is a difficult girl coupled with a rather strong mind of her own. Not even her parents, has any say on her life. It makes it even more the difficult for any planning. This beautiful creature was a rare individual with independent views on many issues and any suitable match should be at par with her, if not better. That’s a tall order and such a man does not come in a one thousand to one chance. Might be better to leave things as they are and let nature play its course.

U Ko Ko could not resist speaking to her and hearing her voice, so he called her mobile telephone. May recognized the incoming number on her mobile screen, and after two rings, she answered the call.

She said, “ Hello, it must be you, U Ko Ko. Anything? “

He replied, “ Hello, yes it’s me. Just calling you to check whether everything was alright? “ He had no reason to call her and did not know what else reason to give her. The urge just came and he just wanted to be comforted by her voice.

May pointed out, “ That’s a lame excuse and I think you know that. I was discussing about you with my uncle and aunty during dinner and they found my talk on your views fascinating and would like to meet you when you visit Singapore next time around. They also could not believe your age and they swear that you looked around fifty five. I would have concurred with them should you not told me your age which you evidenced with your passport. “

U Ko Ko laughed out loud and spoke,“Lame excuse or not, if you are alright, that’s fine. Please thank your uncle and aunty and I must buy them dinner next time around. See you outside of Bata shoe shop in the main hall of Peninsular Plaza tomorrow at ten in the morning. Too early for you?”

She giggled and replied, “That’s hitting under the belt and not called for. Of course ten a.m. is fine by me, have you had your dinner? And what time is your son coming back?”

“ Yes, I suppose I can be a bit sarcastic, it must be my old age talking. I had yong tau foo and did not drink the soup, looking after my body so that my autumn years can be extended to the full, I hope. My son ought to be back around eleven. Sweet dreams and have a good night sleep.” He was satisfied with hearing her voice and that somewhat cooled him down and he pressed the disconnect feature on his mobile screen.

As usual, U Ko Ko discussed with his son on the things he would buy for the maids and the medicines his mother wanted. He also told his son about the medical check up and May’s continued assistance the next day on buying intended presents for Yangon. With that, they called it a day.

The next morning, U Ko Ko was waiting outside Bata shoe shop in the air conditioned hall of the Peninsular Plaza at 9.30 a.m. He did not wanted to be late. He’s got a million things to be done before leaving Singapore the next morning. At ten a.m. on the dot, May showed up in her Levis jeans and Ralf Lauren’s yellow Polo tee shirt. She was a delightful sight for sore eyes.  As she approached him, he pretended with a straight face to be polishing his glares.

May asked him, “Well, do I look alright?”

He wanted to say she was really beautiful, instead he just commented, “There’s a million things to be done, so let us get cracking.”

That said, both hasted to a traveling agent in the main hall and made a confirmation of his seat on SQ998 flight, the next day at 7.55a.m. Being a weekday, he had no problem on his open return ticket. Then they marched on to level three, to Shwe Myanmar store and May choose batiks for the maids and some for his friends. After that, they crossed over to Funan Center level two, Golf House, where he purchased a few packets of colorful tees for his golfing partners and marched their way to Bras Basah Complex for the opticians to test his eyes. They then crossed over the road into The Raffles Hotel’s Tiffin Room and had their lunch. She liked the ambiance and the food was good plus the service was superb. They spent about an hour there eating and yapping, thence quickly crossed over to Raffles City basement one Cold Storage supermarket, where May picked nice large strawberries, sapodillas, seedless American grapes, big firm persimmons for him. Both then strolled into Begawan Solo to buy a thousand layer cake. Once all that done, her legs were nearly gone, thus, they found a coffee shop near the fountain and rested in a comfortable settee. He ordered a latte for her, which she liked and sugarless lime juice for himself. He was not diabetic, but he did not want extra sugar to be turned into fat in his old body.

While May was enjoying her hot latte, he took out a small packet from his carrier bag that he purchased the evening before, and handed to her while saying, “ This is not much, a little something, especially for you, just a token of my appreciation, and being my young friend. I promise that I shall always be there for you. That is should I be alive, still kicking and be able, even though I’ve known you for three days only. In my heart of hearts, you seemed I’ve known you a lifetime.”

May opened the small package and found it to contain a plain fine necklace of pure white gold. Her face lit up and she hugged him with tears welding in her eyes while muttering, “Thank you, a very good surprise, I like it, and shall wear it for always.  I will be your special friend forever. Will you help me put it on?”

That said, he helped her put it on her neck. She then got up and walked beside a store glass panel and watched at her own reflection with the necklace on. Satisfied, after a few minutes she sat down again, smiling. They continued to chat. She asked him questions, and some of it he had to squeeze it out for an answer. He wished to forget painful parts and does not want it to be remained fresh in his mind. She also wanted to know about the paper qualifications he attained about thirty years back, line of work he had and places he resided at. The background of his wife Mary and his son, plus how he came to be living in Singapore. Even his and the wife’s parents and grand parents were not left behind. He sincerely believed that this was the most detailed grinding or call it questioning, he ever encountered. May eyes were sparkling, and she was truly interested to know all, similar to questioning on ‘This is your life’ programme on television. All very detailed. Even the type of food he like and ailments the family suffered from. Details on siblings were also dug into. He thought they sat there for more than two hours, the waitress time and again enquired whether they needed refreshing. He believe she was hinting to them that they had overstayed their welcome and time to be moving on. At last, her inquisition was over and he felt thoroughly drained. They got up and headed for the MRT station down below. She maybe refreshed, but he felt tired after the grilling.

Getting out at Orchard Station, they walked along Orchard Road in the direction of Tanglin Mall. May voiced out that all was interesting and she never knew so much of someone outside her family. U Ko Ko can believe that, to be sure. He walked her back to her house as the sun was going down. He said his good bye like a true gentleman and did not hug or kiss her, a honest difficulty at that. He already given his Yangon mobile phone number, and she was free to call him should she able get a connection. U Ko Ko walked briskly back to Orchard MRT Station and joined in the crowd for Bedok Station. He had rice with some vegetables and steamed chicken as dinner at the food court, and headed back to the apartment for some serious packing. He put his belongings into the carry on luggage trolley with all the presents, leaving enough space for the fruits, which he intended to store just before departure so that they are fresh on arrival Yangon. He took a nice long shower and rechecked everything was ready for the trip back. Passport, hand phone, Yangon SIM card, ticket, fully charged laptop, hotel gift ball pen, house keys, his shades, small prayer booklet with a photo of Buddha shrine, some tissues were in his shoulder bag and a small plastic carrier bag for grapes and sapodillas were at the ready. He watched television till his son came back and they talked over a can of soft drink. Then he rested for the night as he needed to get up 5.30 a.m. 

The next morning, with the help of his mobile phone alarm, he woke in time for a shower, prayed to Lord Buddha at the alter room where he slept in, quickly got dressed and made his final packing. His son also got dressed and called for a taxi at 6.01 a.m. By 6.15 a.m. they were at the airport and U Ko Ko checked in his carry on trolley, it was 14 pounds only. He was perplexed to see May standing there so early in the morning, and he made necessary introductions to his son. May and his son exchanged pleasantries smilingly, and shook hands. By 6.50 a.m. he was standing outside the entry gate to the Immigration counter. His son kissed him on the cheek and made an offer to May to join him to MacDonald’s for breakfast, which she turned down respectfully. His son made his way there alone for a meal to start his day with a full stomach. May then took out a small packet from her Chanel handbag and handed to him.

She said, “Just a small going away present and by no means an exchange of returns.”

U Ko Ko took and it placed it in his left hand trouser pocket. He wanted to hug and give her a parting kiss but refrained himself and held out his hand instead. May took it and he felt the softness of her right hand while she unknowingly caressed the necklace with her left. He hung on to it just a shade seconds longer than usual and eyed her. Was she smiling? Was she sad? Was she going to cry? Was she mocking him? Was she what? What? This must be the Mona Lisa in person.

He walked quickly to the Immigration Counter and made haste for the Guardian Pharmacy and dared not to look back for fear of himself breaking down. At the Guardian Pharmacy, he got Mary’s cholesterol medication for three months. It’s cheaper here without the value added tax (vat), maybe more expensive than Yangon, but its originality can be assured here and authenticity is a bit dodgy there, no guarantees. After that, he made straight for Gate 38 where his outward flight should be waiting on the apron. By 7.15 a.m. he was inside the boarding gate and filling his arrival Yangon Immigration and Customs forms. By 7.35 a.m, he was in his 31D seat, the front most economy isle seat on the portside. There must be no children on this flight as he got this seat. He handed the fruits carrier bag to the airhostess for fear of damage.  When the aircraft took off and time came to release the seat belts, he took out the small packet May handed to him at the departure gate. On opening, he found a designer silver colour ring with a neatly folded letter written on a fine thin paper. He unfolded slowly and read it.

Dear U Ko Ko,

Please do not think this is a return gift, because you would be so wrong. Actually I bought it day before yesterday. It is just a token of my appreciation for being my special friend. For what’s it worth, this happens to be my first such present to any man. I was touched and pleased with our frank discussion yesterday. I aim to be your wife’s friend, and inform her how lucky she is to have you as a husband. I truly mean it. Furthermore, I also want to be the long lost younger sister to your son, given the chance. Eve may have bitten the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, but I aim not to follow suit. I may have only known you for 3 days, but it seems I know you well since don’t know when. I shall always wear your necklace you gave me. I know I am rather a strange individual with a mind of my own, but there you are. Maybe we should refer it to Mr. Sherlock Holmes, for his opinion. Do you not agree? Should there be no other circumstances, I will be back in Yangon in about a year’s time for my annual pilgrimage to my parents. I have been told many a time that autumn is the best and most beautiful season of the four. May you walk for a long time in your autumn years. Whatever, I shall definitely call you. Enough said, do have an uneventful trip and a happy landing.

Your special friend,

May

PS

Please throw away my letter once read, thank you.

U Ko Ko read it twice and got up, made his way to the toilet where he was thinking of flushing it. On second thought, he ought to show better respect, thus he tore the flimsy letter into tiny pieces and placed it in the litterbin. He then sat again in his seat and changed his SIM card in his mobile for Yangon and tried putting on the ring she gave on his finger. It fitted quite quaintly onto his right second finger, not too tight or loose. She must have been watching his fingers, he thought. He then read the small printed paper which stated the ring is from Cartier’s Juste un Clou collection designed in 2013, to symbolize adamancy and indomnitable sprit made of Rhodium-white gold. Must have cost a bomb. He then tossed the red presentation box into the front magazine holder, while he tried to catch a few winks before landing.

At Yangon Mingalardon Airport, while he waited for his checked in luggage by the baggage carousel, his mobile phone rang. He looked at the screen and knew it was May. He answered, “Hello.”

May voiced out, “Are you out yet? Flight okay? Any problems?”

He replied, “ Still waiting for my checked in luggage. Flight was okay. Thank you for the ring, I shall wear it. Do you have an email address? Are you at work?  How are you? “

“Glad you liked it. I’m at work and well. However, I want to come home badly. My email address is my name all together in small alphabets at gmail.com, and I’m wearing your necklace, it’s nice and I feel well armored. Will try to make it just before Christmas, need anything?” May sputtered all at once.

U Ko Ko replied “ Glad everything with you is okay and no, I do not require anything, but I intend to go see your parents in one or two days time and see for myself how they are doing ”.

May countered, “ You don’t need to do that for me, but thank you if you can make a call on them. It’s no.42 Windermere Road, it will at least put my mind at peace.”

“ No problems, do give me a call before you come here, so that I can greet you at the airport and take you home.” He controlled his emotions and slowly said, “Thank you once again for everything.”

May also controlled herself and whispered shakily, ”I’ll do that, see you when I see you. Take care and bye for now.”

U Ko Ko also concluded with his remark, “You take care too, bye “ and disconnected the line.

The checked in luggage appeared and he railed it out through the green channel to find Mary waving and waiting at the arrival gate. The drive home was noisy with his wife’s automatic mouth clatter. After 40 years of marriage, which was a roll of the dice, he also knows that marriage is a compromise of good and bad, more good actually. He smiled to himself and let the yapping slide while he planned his explanation about the ring, as he intended to tell the truth. His thoughts were a million miles away from the airwaves of his wife. After all, no one took a bite off the forbidden apple from the Garden of Eden, and no illegal crossings were infringed. All was under control with no guilty conscience.

Next morning after a breakfast of oats and resins, as usual he sat by his laptop beside the bedroom window and planned to punch the keyboard in continuation of the short story he started here in Yangon a week ago. Only then, did he become fully aware that the short story was still a long, long way to the final episode.  Somehow, even though pages and pages had been written and added, this must be the longest short story he ever attempted and yet there was still no conclusion in sight.

Strange!  U Ko Ko wondered why?