It is always said that 'fate is in your hands', but I beg to differ. No one can seize fate by the throat. The closest anyone can get is feeling that fate is around and questioning its identity.

I was sort of alone in the office on Saturday when the cleaning lady came in (Nano and I named her the Happy Aunty). I struck a conversation with her in my half past three Hokkien. (Speaking of which, I must give credit to the aunty's amazing understanding ability)

I asked her why she wasn't in on Friday and she told me she went to offer her prayers for her husband and mother-in-law. Then we went on talking about her life, her husband and three sons. She said that her husband died at the age of 59, leaving her with three boys who still refuse to get married or have any girlfriend until today. Her husband passed away after a meal in his sleep one day, with no sickness or disease. I stared into her eyes and although she was visibly disheartened, she still smiled. Smile of resignation, resignation to fate. I couldn't figue out if she was jaded or at peace with what she went through, but I know for sure that she understands very well that time waits for no lady and she could only look forward.

Happy aunty went on saying how her marriage was arranged and against her will. She had someone in her heart and due to the difference in dialect, they were unable to get married and live together. She told me that she did try to put up a fight but decided against it as she wanted her father to be happy. I asked about the man she was in love with and she told me that he spoke of the regrets that he could not marry her. When she told me all these, her eyes clouded and I could almost see the picture in her mind. I knew there was little regret because she had experienced what she wanted to. No doubt she lost more than she gained, but she did not lose everything.

I wish Happy aunty will continue to be satisfied with her life and cherish what she gained while cherishing the memory of what she lost.