Memorabilia

English soldier teddy bear.
You got this for me when you were in London for a business trip – perhaps the only time as you’d ever travel so far because you were the kind who preferred the comfort and familiarity of home.
Sitting forlornly on my desk.

A tortoise-shell guitar pick.
You kept a little handful of them in a small pouch and always brought it with you.
I lost it.

Set of acrylic paints.
You gave me this upon realising that the canvases you got me for christmas are typically for oils or acrylics, not watercolours. I remember laughing till my sides hurt, but finding it adorable all the same.
In use.

The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide.
You said you chose it cause of the cat on the cover and the Japanese author. It was subtle, profound and intimate.
Finished and loaned to another of my cat-lover friend.

Bright red alarm clock.
You thought it useful since I had such a difficult time waking up every morning. I couldn’t quite tell if you were serious or trying to poke fun at me.
Spoilt but on display.

Hand-crafted flower mobile.
You said you thought of me when you saw this. Most nights before I sleep, I’d reach out to twirl it with my fingers and it’d calm me down.
Tied to the canopy ring of my bed with rainbow ribbon.

Dolphin wind charm.
You told me you ‘didn’t know what to get me’. I don’t know if I have ever told you that dolphins are my favourite animals.
Strings snapped from a strong gust of wind. Fell out of the window and shattered.

Mister Donut card tag with the words: Hope you’ll get better today so we can go out and have fun tomorrow!
You surprised me with a box of donuts left on the table before you went for school. I’d sprained my ankle and had to stay at your place to rest.
Hanging on the corner of my cork board.

Piano-shaped musical box.
You knew I regretted not getting a musical box from Otaru street in Hokkaido.
On my piano.

Long-sleeved top with embroidered patterns.
You swore you had to get it for me when you saw it. I made it a point to wear it each time I went out with you.
Buried at the bottom of my closet, untouched for over a year.