A Dialogue With K

Originally uploaded by: Jordi Fosch

Hi, I’m all well and slightly hungry. But don’t worry I eat my food on time. I got milk, it’s a skimmed - the one you always want me to drink, now I have them. It’s great, I can drink two glasses a day. Besides, I am also taking vitamins now and your little boy is healthy, although I haven’t quit smoking, I brush my teeth after a few sticks. Btw, no more chocolates. I know all is hell when I had a toothache. No worries, I’m not eating the boxes of ‘polvorons‘ you sent me - my God I can eat a dozen.

Oh, today I checked my tiny kitchen to cook for dinner. Yes, I try to cook for myself now since Yaya Jane has moved to the US. Remember the guy she was seeing online? Of course you didn’t know - she was excited, they are now married and she didn’t even send a postcard. But that’s OK, perhaps, she’ll remember us one day. I think she has spoken to you that she didn’t want ginger to stay back in SPCA so I still have him. Well ginger, yes the cat, eats a lot more of food than I do, make poo-poo on the bathroom floor & it makes my whole flat smell like a toilet seats when he freaks his ass in the toilet. One day, maybe I’ll just give him to the neighbours. No, not really, I love him sleeping around the bed.

So back to my cooking, I know it didn’t sound complicated. It’s a dried fish, put a little oil in the fry pan and turn the stove on. I was so excited because I will be frying the dried fish you sent me and you know, I was craving for it since lunch. Infact, I had my rice cooked, set my table, brought up the ice cubes & a glass of water. I mean, I can cook the dried fish for 2mins so it’s no big deal, really I can just call the Pizza Hut nearby for delivery, but OK you want me to save then I shouldn’t be spending money to junk foods. I don’t like pizza anyways but I love the Pepperonis. Remember you were here and we went at Spaghetti house? It was the time you said we should always cook spaghetti for birthdays.

So here’s what I had for dinner, it’s a vanilla pound cake from the supermarket. It tastes good.

But Mom, the big problem was, my gas stove was having a scary hissing sound like there’s air puffing out of the burner. It’s from the Town Gas. Yes, that’s right I am now using them - no more cheap hot pot stove. First, I’ve checked the gas ports, it was completely perfect. NO, I didn’t touch it. Everytime I turn them on, I can hear the burner making the usual clicking noise, but it doesn’t light. What can the problem be? Do you think I cooked too much? Of course I would never really invite friends around here - my flat is tiny and you know I love having people around the house. Some of my friends, you know those you hated, I don’t know why, has now left HK so it’s not the same anymore - I’m still keeping friends online tho’, things like that. But it’s difficult when even your two other son’s bring their kids in the house, it turns into a childrens playground. They drink too much coke-in-cans. They are all great, at least you’ve seen them on the webcam. See how they like it here, messing up my study table, punching the keyboard of my laptop - they play online games, don’t you know? Only when it’s Sunday so consider that.

Anyway, I’ve already informed the Town Gas company. They are coming over tomorrow to check on the problem. Maybe I haven’t paid the bills. And suspend the usage of a gas? I don’t think so. I hope I’ll get up early tomorrow so I can go to church, I’ve missed the mass last sunday not that I didn’t want to go, I was tired. I always light candles in the altar, I never forget that.

My plans on the Lent Season? I might come for a visit to our province and see all of you, specially yourself. I’ll let you know the details. Tell sis to cover up my air tickets when I get there - she knows about it. I’m excited and wanted to buy you some sandals, the one you always wear. Did you like the pearl earrings I sent you? It was cheap but promise me you don’t give them to your daugther, you always give-aways the things I gave you.

Well, the winter is over around here so I kind of like, finally I am now getting up straight from bed and drink coffee - oh I mean milk. Anyhow, I just want to let you know that we are all fine. Say my regards to my little nephew. I want to hear him cry over the webcam again. Please take care and don’t clean the house all by yourself, it’s not good for you so ask someone do those chores. Only if I’m around, I’l help you clean the dirty kitchen over there. I’m sure you do miss me doing that, don’t you?

Can’t wait to see everyone back home for your birthday. Are you cooking some spaghetti?

Ps.
Listen to this song I’m playing in here, it reminds me of Dad.

If You Go Away
by: Shirley Horn