June's Primum Cause

June has been my last month in my home country. And it was during this time that every loose ends were tied up, goodbyes were made, and hellos were prepared.

I had stocked my suitcase full of supplies to last me a month or two, and got a new set of wardrobe from my parents, my brother and my aunt; 1/2 of which were winter clothes: scarves, jackets, coats, boots, gloves, and knee-high socks (not much help when I got here just about time when Summer began). But all in all, I was really grateful for all the help and support that I got from everyone. My aunt even gave me a new external hard drive, a digital camera, a business suit, and a free lunch at a Japanese restaurant.

Everything was culminating up to this point of my life that during my graduation speech at my Nihongo school, I was so shaken up and nervous that even though I memorized it all, the moment I stepped in front, I blanked up and read it all from my printed copy. My voice was rattling and I couldn't look straight. But once done, I got a round of applause, a 'superb' from my sensei, and a huge relief when I returned to my seat.

A huge luncheon was served afterwards and I gobbled up to my stomach's fill till I can no more. A Chinese buffet table of noodles, dumplings, fried rice, stir-fried veggies, roasts and lots more. It was absolutely delicious.

The day of my flight was unusually normal. I slept normally, woke up normally, had breakfast normally, and packed my suitcases and bags into the car, had my family drive me up to the airport, and said my goodbyes at the most normal fashion that it was bordering abnormality. I just gave a single hug to my mom and dad, and my brother an advice (or was it a handshake? Or both? I forgot, but it was really corny).

I regret not hugging my parents tighter, nor even shedding a tear or two... I must be the most N.R. person in the world (N.R. being 'No Reaction').

But maybe not having a hysterical sob-a-thon at the airport is a good thing... wouldn't want to arrive in Japan with a red eye, stuffy nose, and depression now would we? That would be very morose indeed.