I was sad when she had to go back the next day. Although we have just met, but I feel very happy having her by my side. After a few days, her mother called my mother to ask permission if Tina can stay with us here and continue her studies here. We were very happy to have her here. Immediately my mother agreed. My mother also promises to take good care of Tina. A week later, she was reached here. She was enrolled in the same school as me. She was a year elder to me. She was in Standard five and I was in Standard four. I was a little weak in studies as I was mischievous and she was one person who will always be the first in class. She was so kind that when I did not use to do my homework, she did it for me because she did not want me to get scolding from teacher and get embarrass.
During the holidays, she went back to her father’s place. And after the break was over, she returned back. Tina is like a sister, a close friend to me. She noticed that I was very weak in my Mathematics and Science subject. She spoke to me about it and was very keen to help me. She did not want me to be left out. Everyday after school, she spends three to four hours to teach me those subjects. She also learned a lot while teaching. Every time that I had problem with my studies she will always be there to guide me. Final examination was around the corner. The both of us were very scared. Tina actually spent time with me to do revision for my exams instead of hers. As a result, we both did well in our final examination.
I was so happy with my grades. As she sat for the Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) examination, she obtained five A’s. Tina is a very trustable and supportive person. I always know that I can rely on her. She would definitely help me out no matter what the problem is. When I was in Form 1, I lost my grandfather. I was really close to him and could not accept the fact that he’s gone. She stood by my side, gave me support and brought me forward. She has been very loyal to me. I remember once all of my cousin’s stopped talking to me just because I did not invite them to my birthday party, which we celebrated only among my family.
They were so angry that they never spoke to me for one month. At that time, Tina was always telling me not to think about it as it’s not my fault. I remember the words she told me, ‘no matter what happens, remember that you always have me. I am always with you.” I was touched by those words. She definitely changed my life. She thought me how to live life. We did many things together ;we grew up at the same place, played together, went shopping together, share secrets, gossiped, celebrate birthday together although her birthday is in July and mine is in August, and many other things. Every time that I was with her I felt very comfortable and relaxed. She was one person that I do tell everything. She knows every single thing about me and so do I. She’s very caring, loving, understanding and well- mannered girl.
It was my aunt’s wedding after that and she refused to dance. I realized that there was changes in her but I could not figure out what was it. When we got back home, she went to bed early, without telling me. When I joined her minutes later, she woke up. She sat on the bed and started crying. I kept asking her what was wrong but she did not say anything. I was very worried that I was about to call my parents. Before I could step out of my room she stopped me. She told me to sit on the bed by her side as she has something to say. I quietly sat. And she began, “I’ve never met a wonderful person like you before. You never let me miss my home. You were always there during my ups and downs and I really appreciate all that you have done for me. All I have to say now is that God is not willing to let us spend more time. Just remember that no matter what happens, you are always my close friend.”
I was so taken aback to hear all that. I asked her why she is saying all this to me. What is wrong? Is she having any difficulties? If yes, why didn’t she tell me about it? How am I to know what is happening? She just looked at me, gave me a smile, hugged me tight and told me to sleep as it was late and we need to go to school the next day. I couldn’t sleep the whole night. The next day, her mother called and told my mother that they are going to take her back as all of them there are missing her. My mother was also kind of surprised but she couldn’t say anything, after all she’s their daughter. After a week, she went back home. I still could not stop thinking what she said to me. I kept asking myself what does it means. Why did she say all that to me?
She used to give her all to do or get something that I really want. She really loves me a lot and so do I. But we didn’t have enough time to spend together. Her mother called after a month. Like how I lost my close member, my grandfather, I lost her too. She died in 30th September 2005. She died because of cancer. This is one thing that she never told me or maybe she did try to give me a hint but I did not understand. During the first semester school holiday in 2005, she went back home. She did not tell anyone of us here that she was suffering from breast cancer. Neither did her parents. She actually went back to do her treatment but it was too late then. I remember that she was very worried when she got back home. I asked her many times about it but she did not say anything. She never told me anything about her sickness. She left me all alone. I had no one to talk to. I will always remember every moment that I spent with her. My love for her will never die. My one and only close friend, Tina.
