Agam
Aurora Low
Cassandra Lee
Cherish Hiew
Cheryl Koh
ChuiYi Chew
Diana Chua
Dirga
EeMay Ong
Elaine Kwan
Elicia Wong
Eric Teh
Fred
Hann-Shaun Tan
HueiChie Soh
Jenn Tandijono
Jia Law
JiaYuan Tan
JingXiu Aw
Joel
Johann
Jolene
Jon Wong
KaPeng Er
Kenny
MunCheong
Megan Wong
Melody Oei
Sasha
Phoebe
Sharon
SuAnn
Sybil
Tasha
Vincent
WanLin
YeeWa Ho

I've been taking my youngest sister to school and sitting there with her these few days. She cried on her first day of school. She was afraid of being alone, thou this wasnt her first first day of school. She's been going to school the whole of last year. But this time, she told me she was scared and that she didnt want me to leave her alone. New classroom, new classmates and new teachers.

I could feel she felt vulnerable. Because that was how I felt when I first left for KL to further my studies. Even though Dad was there with me, I still cried every night knowing that, the day I have to fend for myself would soon come. Eventually it came - the first day of college. Dad dropped me off in SS15 and told me to go to class. I teared all the way up knowing that I would be alone with no one with me. Every corner I turned, I would steal a glance at my dad and see where he was and eventually I saw him get into a cab and left for the airport. Night fell and I cried myself to sleep with pictures of home playing on my laptop.

I've felt how my sister's felt before, therefore I couldnt bare to leave her alone. If I left home at 16 and still felt so alone and vulnerable, how would she have felt? She's only 3 - security hasnt fully developed for her, she's just starting to understand, still trying to get use to every surrounding she is in. If I, at the age of 16 felt so alone and vulnerable even when Dad was there. Wouldnt she be so too? So I stayed with her the first day and the second day. On the third day, I was able to sit outside and wait for her to finish class. On the fourth day, she waved to me and said "Bye Da Jie (Big Sis). Come pick me up on time." With those words, I knew she was ready.

Althought many would say, its the second year of school and she should be used to it and understand how it all works. When I was about to leave for Brissie, a sudden rush of de javu returned. But this time, I did not tear, I held it in, because I myself felt that this was the second time and I should know how it all goes about. But I still felt fear creeping up me. Its a new place - one I've never even been to once in my life. Its another environment I have to get used to and slowly absorb, discover and experience.

All in all, I know I said I was asked to stay with her, I dragged myself to the school but as soon as I saw how much she needed someone to be there just for a few more days. I just couldnt bare to leave her and see her cry.

Other children scream for their parents, begging and praying them to take them home. But they just leave them behind because they have to get to work and this is the only way. My heart ached. But I know, they're in good hands. Eventually I would be the one dragging the children into class and asking their parents to leave them. And as soon as they stopped crying, I know they're back to being little angels - mingling with others, playing, singing and chatting together.

They actually are the sweet little being's we've always known, the only reason they cry and go hysterical when their parents leave them is because they feel vulnerable and insecure. As long as someone is there for attachment to take place, they will once again be those loveable, innocent, adorable little ones that we oh-so love.

3:35:00 am •