This is the 4th All Soul’s Day that I’ve spent away from home, away from my hometown. Too bad I can’t visit my father’s grave. All I could do was to constantly call my mother today so it felt a little like I’m with them at the cemetery. They stayed there overnight, with three little children in tow, and from the sound of it, it was a pleasant day. Despite the painful reality that my father is no longer with us, my mother did (and is doing) well with the support of many relatives.

As for me, I was overcame with paranoia, so I didn’t light a single candle. I was so scared of setting the fire alarm off just like what happened with the occupants on the 7th floor. Now that I think about it, I could have placed the candle right below the exhaust fan! That’s how paranoid I am.

Anyway, thinking much about this day made me dream again of my father. I terribly miss you, Papa.