Arithmetic

Early January, 2005. T'was a cool summer's night in Singapore (but then again, almost every night in this region is a cool summer's night). I'm visiting my friend Zul, taking advantage of his hospitality before he shoots of to Australia. He drove aimlessly, taking in the city lights and vast, empty roads.

We've often been mistaken for each other, me more than him (being the only two Malay guys in Communications does that for you). Our kinship, however, is based on far more than race alone. In many respects, he's more like a brother at times, giving me guidance and pulling me along when I needed them. More often than not, he's spot on with his views (even if I don't like them at times).

He had just returned from New Zealand on holiday, and was telling me what it's like. "Here, check this out," he said, popping in a CD into the player. "I think you'll like it."

The song, Arithmetic by Brooke Fraser, opened up, the orchestral strains accompanied by a beautiful piano composition. Then Brooke started singing, her voice almost breathless. I felt almost the same, the lyrics words of poetry that resonates within my soul and taking me away. Far away.

As the song came to an end, I couldn't help but smile at the thought that somehow, things always work out, one way or another. Everything kinda adds up in the end (arithmetically or otherwise).

Oh, and for once, Zul is wrong. Kinda.

I didn't like it.

I loved it. Still do.

And now, I have it.

Thanks Jo. :>