toa payoh

i stood along two rows of shophouses at toa payoh central around 930pm, somewhat mesmerised and absorbed by my surroundings. there was still an air of activity despite the odd sonorous sound of a closing shop. around me were families and couples strolling down the two rows, coming and going, undoubtedly with a purpose, whilst i stood transfixed on the gaudy sign that read nine dollars for a pair of shoes. unnoticed and undisturbed, i am an alien in a foreign land.

but this was not always so. i used to live in jurong east and still have memories of visiting the burger king with my mum back when i was a child. so often that i used to have a collection of the kiddy meal boxes, which i kept with much pride, my personal counter of every visit. back then the boxes were far more inspired, with puzzles and activities to do. i remember the shops i used to stroll past along clementi, where my parents would send me for piano lessons, back when i was 10. they were not unlike those at toa payoh, selling roughly the same thing.

since those times i realise that i have changed much and so have my surroundings. standing along those two rows of lighted up shops served as a reminder that i live in comfortable enough conditions not to ever need to see the heartland shops. i feel reminded not to take my comfort for granted and to acknowledge that even as i yearn for more and succumb to materialistic needs, that i am already greatly blessed.