My home leave was a blast, well, the activities themselves – some of them – were kinda disappointing (Jings, you know what I mean), but the company more than made up for it. Lots of late nights spent eating, catching up on old times and doing a bunch of inane stuff. Absolutely marvellous.

Things have certainly changed since the last time I went back. The shophouses at Hougang South were repainted, Kovan Melody is already 90% done and the row of private houses across it was demolished, leaving behind a barren wasteland I could scarcely recognize. The changes in landscape were not that startling; it was the speed at which my two youngest brothers had grown that really took me aback – they are almost taller than me, and both their voices had broke. Pubescent boys can really change drastically in 10 months.

There are many emotions and thoughts running through my head now, but alas, I can’t seem to find the right words for them. All I can say is that the ten days back in Singapore had opened my eyes to a myriad of wonderful things that I’ve been missing in Singapore: family, friends, and the existence of nightlife. Do forgive me, 10 continuous months in Brunei can really induce temporary amnesia in one about the good things in Singapore, so I officially take back all the nonsense that I’ve said about how I wouldn’t mind staying in Brunei past Chinese New Year. That’s just utter hogwash.

I want to go home now! Now! Now!