Subtle Steps in Solitude

• 5 • A familiar stranger

This weekend was supposed to be as ordinary as any other. Even the coffee date with Jia on Sunday was cancelled due to the unexpected night out we had. Well, ordinary—until Wei threw a wrench into my mundane weekend routine. Apparently he did try to reach out early in the week but I forgot to call back.

"Cici, I need a favor." Wei's voice was unusually sweet in the video call, which immediately set off alarm bells in my head. Whenever he's this nice, it means he's about to drop a bombshell.

"What is it this time?" I sighed, glancing up from my book. I had just settled into my cozy reading nook, fully prepared to spend the weekend in blissful solitude, but apparently, the universe had other plans.

"There's this school field trip for all secondary level to Lim Chu Kang on Sunday, and—"

"What. What? Lim Chu Kang? That's practically on the other side of the island!" I interrupted, already dreading where this conversation was headed.

"Yes, but listen!" Wei pressed on. "I'm not gonna ask you to take me. Vinny's father is taking us both. We do have a tour bus but it's not gonna be ready 'til the trip on Sunday. It's just that my class is also planning to visit the Museum of Ice Cream the day before, and—"

"Wait, wait, wait. The Museum of Ice Cream? That's a long way from Lim Chu Kang. Is that part of the school trip itinerary?" I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Well... no."

"Does Ma know about this?"

Wei hesitated, which told me everything I needed to know.

"She knows about the field trip, but not the museum visit," he admitted sheepishly. "Ma said I can't go to the museum because it's not part of the official trip. But I really want to go with my friends! Besides, I'm gonna be with Vinny. Can I stay at your place the night before?"

I stared at him, weighing my options. Night before means tomorrow night, Friday, and Friday I'd still have to work. On one hand, having Wei crash at my place meant losing my precious alone time. On the other hand, it was rare for Wei to actually ask me for something instead of just assuming I'd do it. Plus, I did have a soft spot for my little brother, though I'd never admit it out loud.

"Fine," I relented, much to Wei's delight. "But you owe me. Big time."

Friday came and I had to clock out of work early to pick Wei up from the train station. He spent the night and was sweet enough to bring homemade snacks my mom has made for him. I must say, I do miss my mother's cooking. But this kid is just having a trade so I can go to the store and buy him the snacks he like.

It wasn't so bad, I thought, as we sat together, laughing over something silly he'd said. He's growing up fast, off to university soon, but for now, he was still my little brother, and maybe, just maybe, that's worth sacrificing a few quiet weekends.

*****

The next morning, after we grabbed a quick breakfast at the nearby hawker center, I drove Wei to the Museum of Ice Cream. The place was packed with families and clusters of teenagers, the air buzzing with excitement and the occasional squeal of a child spotting their favorite flavor.

We waited outside for Vinny, and that's when I saw him.

We were standing outside the museum, surrounded by eager teenagers, and families, both energetic and exhausted parents, when I noticed a familiar face in the crowd. I couldn't quite place where I'd seen him before, but he had one of those faces you don't easily forget—sharp features, intense eyes, and an air of quiet confidence.

"Cici, this is Vinny's dad, Mr. Lim," Wei introduced him, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Mr. Lim, this is my sister, Cici."

"Joshua, please," the man corrected with a warm smile. "Nice to meet you again, Cici."