When I met her, I felt that domestic sister was a part of my life, an indispensable family member. However, this kind of feeling began to change when I was ten. The reason why is that her departure and the constant conversion of domestic sisters within these ten years. I always thought that working in my home was uphill work. Taking care of my grandma who suffered a stroke, one side of her body was paralyzed. Due to the move with difficulty, grandma seldom stirred out of her room and need to rely on people to the commode chair. Perhaps this is the reason why my domestic helper worked for one or two years and then leave. I’m trying my best to recall them, maybe some call Nancy, Apple, Dee.
However, there is a special presence in the crowd. Nora.
Dear Nora,
How are you? How is your life in the Philippines? I miss you so much. Don’t you?
Since 2012, we have never had a chance to meet again or even contact. I was just 10 years old when you left and now, I’m 19 years old. I entered The Education University of Hong Kong and even had a boyfriend. Can’t imagine right? The children who you take care of have grown up to become mature ladies. I am growing up gradually while my parents are getting older, so are you. Remember to take better care of yourself. There is another piece of news to tell you, grandma is in a low state of health and getting a stroke, but don’t worry, I will take good care of her.
When you left, I was still very young. There is plenty of wording I still haven't shared with you. Do you still remember the dribs and drabs that we got together? I believe that you will remember more clearly than I do.
On 17th January, I can’t recognize which year clearly. “My sweety, Happy Birthday.” Your words echoed in my ear and kissed my forehead. At that moment I realized that my birthday came. I looked at the surroundings and found that my dad, mum, and brother were not by my side. “Let’s go out secretly. Do you want to go to the playground or go to McDonald eat your favorite chocolate ice cream?” I was exceedingly excited and got dressed immediately. Dragged your hand to the park. When I passed through the stationery shop, I saw a box of watches set on the glass window. My eyes were shining. I stayed there for around 5 minutes, staring at the watch set. Due to its price being high, I just secretly promise myself “When I grow up, I must buy it with my own money.” A pleasant afternoon ended with my chocolate ice cream. It’s not expected that there would be a gift placed on my desk when I got home. I opened the present in a hurry. “Oh my god, is a watch set.” “Why?” I meditated for 5 seconds. “Is Nora, must be her.” You were provident of your money, your life had always been very frugal. Because you came to Hong Kong for the first time, the salary was low and even owed money. It was too expensive for you, not worth paying for me. However, you only said, “As you like it, it worth.” It was heartwarming and touching. Although the watch is broken, I still preserve it well.
Sometimes I feel that the pattern of you and me is just like a friend, like family, like a sister. Sometimes I will think that you care about me more than my mother, but we have never been related by blood.
I recalled that a serious accident happened. I liked to amuse myself and was sometimes self-centered. One day after school, you picked me up at primary school as usual. After returning home, you cooked my favorite fried rice for me. When I was waiting for your scrumptious lunch, I secretly sat on my father’s highchair. You and my dad had left strict orders that I’m not allowed to set on that chair, because it’s very dangerous for me. I didn’t listen to your advice, even rocking the chair. “Boom” a big noise came from the living room. I fell onto a hard surface. You came out from the kitchen immediately and looked for what happened. I hid my face in my hands and burst into a flood of tears. I vaguely heard a voice “Hey, are you okay? Don’t scare me.” Someone holds me in your arms tightly, I think the person must be you, right? I was still biting the bullet and saying I am fine. However, I totally forgot what happened next. That episode was still so vivid to me and of course for you too. When I was conscious, I was already in the hospital preparing to take a magnetic resonance. I have no impression of everything that was happening at the time. I didn't yell and cry, facing the unknown I just held my mother's hand tightly. At the same time, my dad hugged me rigorously and waited for the result. Fortunately, I was intact. My Mom and Dad didn't blame me, maybe I was such a lamb. I just found out later, they kept blaming you that you didn’t take good care of me and protect me from harm. I know this was not your responsibility and my heart has always been filled with pain. I still haven’t had a chance to say sorry to you.
Some of it cannot describe.
On 12th December 2011, it was our last day. A whole day under the rain and the sky was gloomy. In the early morning, when I got up and opened my eyes, I saw you were right here for me. This time wasn’t said “You are such a sleepyhead, time to wake up and go to school. We are gonna be late.” I just saw you got dressed. Wearing a white dress with a black fisherman's hat and said, “Sweety, I’m leaving. I goanna miss you and your family. Remember to take good care of them and keep working hard. One day if I come back to work in Hong Kong, I will meet you again.” I just woke up and was still unwilling to react. I zoned out for a second. It’s definitely not Sarah’s day today, I realize that the day was coming. We looked at each other with such fondness. Suddenly, you took out a small gift from your pocket. I was surprised. I was my favorite Disney cartoon figure (Donald Duck) and its hand was holding a letter. At that moment, I couldn’t burden the tear and the melting mood. I wiped away tears tell myself prohibit to cry. “Wait for me.” I immediately put on my clothes as fast as I can, took your hand, and walked to the lobby. “Will we meet again?” You just simply replied, “Yes, of coz we will. Is time to go, goodbye, my lovely.” She hugged me. “Goodbye,” I shouted. You turned to leave, whereat I began to weep. The scene of you and me in the past ten years is lingering in my mind. I had always told myself we will meet again, message on Facebook, or have a phone call. “Winky, you are such a crybaby. Suck it up.” But it is sad to tell, until now 2021, we haven’t contacted. Aren’t we breaking our word?
Thank you so much for accompanying me in my growth, it has been the most unforgettable moment in my life. Leave your family for 10 years and come to work in Hong Kong alone. Although your presence makes me more dependent and relies on others, it created a pleasant growth environment for me. Forgot to tell you, I also prepared a gift for you on your last day. I believe that one day we will be reunited. I am expecting the coming of that day. Love you.
Yours Sincerely,
Winky.