i thought of this memory tonight. it was after the second semester in the US. i wasn't supposed to return home, we were going to meet in london to spend some time as a family, before i headed back to chicago, and my family back to singapore. i remember my dad giving me very specific instructions on which station to meet them in london, and how exactly to get there from heathrow. i remember the whole train ride looking forward to seeing my family so much. i was extremely homesick. as usual, they were late, and i stood outside the station by myself, in anticipation of their arrival. i remember my mom running up to me to give me a big hug, and my sister and dad following shortly behind. my dad was beaming in his green turtleneck. the warmth that filled my heart in that moment is hard to describe in words.

those few years, i felt like i grew up so much. nobody really warns you when adulthood comes. the technical age is 21 i guess, but it hits you when it hits you.