4:15PM

FLOWERS!!!



More birthday surprises from Linz and Licia!
I was told they wouldn't be spending my birthday with me.
Linz would be in Colorado and Licia would be busy.
Uncle KH said Linzy Queen made a reservation at The Tea Chapter...
hardly a place I would wanna spend my birthday this year.

2:55PM
I arrived in Chinatown, completely upset by the maddening crowd of Chinese nationales
loitering the streets and squatting at the street corners.

3:00PM
I climbed the narrow stairway that lead to Casual Poet and found my peace at last.
Spotted a four-sitter in the middle of what seems to be a jigsaw of tables and chairs.
The afternoon sun forced it's way between the posters, cuttings and notices
plastered carelessly on the window panes.

3:05PM
I placed my order for flower tea and spicy fries and waited to be served
while I stroke a tiny lil black kitten napping on the red couch. I scanned the room.
The guy behind was burying his head in "Radar Systems".
A couple behind me peering over a lap-top.
2 ladies taking picture of the kitten from their seats.
A caucasian man studying Japanese or Chinese, can't tell.
2 teachers marking their scripts.

3:15PM
Uncle KH arrived. I was trying to convince them to stay with me at Casual Poet.
But still that nagging feeling.
Didn't want to change the plans Linz made for me.

3:30PM
My orders arrived.

4:00PM
I reluctantly left Casual Poet.
Walked down Keong Siak Street in the steamy heat.

415PM
We made it to Tea Chapter.
I was handed a bouquet of white Gerbaras and a card that said
"4:15PM Flowers!!!"
My heart sank!!! I thought I had ruined the moment Linz and Licia had planned for!
I looked down at my watch...
4:15PM!!! FLOWERS!!!
In perfect timing...

Special thanks to Linz and Licia for planning.
Licia for arranging and delivering the bouquet.
Uncle KH and Aunt QF for being there!