Childhood Memories by Rachael(18)

I was born on 18th August 1992, in Gleneagles Hospital, to the disgust of my possessive elder sister. There were photos of her sulking in the hospital ward, and my aunt even said that she moved her pillows to my grandma’s room because she did not want to sleep in the same room as me. However, as time past, she became my favourite playmate, and now, a confidant whom I can trust.

As both my parents are busy with work, they leave me and my sister in the care of my grandparents, who both spoilt me badly. Being the youngest in the family, I was also used to having my way and became really bossy. I remember throwing tantrums very often, slamming doors and bawling in the room until I got tired and let my father in, who would then talk to me about whatever I was unhappy with. Thinking back, I am amazed by his patience and how he never used beating to educate me (except once), unlike other parents. On the other hand, my mother was never a part of disciplining me in our childhood days, but the one who would listen to my problems, comforting me with hugs whenever something bad happened, like when my sister bullied me. However, even though they are great parents, they never had sufficient time to spend with us. I used to be closer to my mum, but now my dad, who jokes and spends more time with me.

I have never moved and spent all my life staying in Hougang. I think would not move even if I had the choice to. I am very attached to this flat, but I have always suggested renovating the house if we had the opportunity. Also, this is the place where most of my beloved pets died. I had a lot of pets like fishes, terrapins, quails and hamsters in the past but I have none now. I have seriously considered getting a cat but my father dismissed the idea as he insists that cats are good-for-nothings (they do not listen to their owners) and spread diseases. However, I still like the independent and slothful felines most, unlike attention-craving or energetic dogs, which probably don’t suit my character as much.

One childhood game, apart from all the stupid games my sister and I created, is playing Chinese Chess with my father. He was the one who taught me how to play. I hated the game because I was always too lazy to think and would rush my moves just to end the game quickly while my father would take his time to strategize and eventually, win the game.

Unlike other children, I attended nursery school at St Francis Seminary Play Centre, which until today, I still do not know where it really is situated. A few years ago I even thought it was demolished as it was a really old building and I have not heard about it for a long time until I saw it on a map somewhere. Remembering the name of it was also one of my childhood accomplishments as it was quite a lengthy one to memorise for a six-year-old. If I could, I would visit the place again, if only I knew where it was…