Thursday, October 13, 2011

Clichés: When Did You Come Back?

I returned from my 6 months' work assignment in the US last weekend. Thought about writing a tear-jerking farewell for those crazy caring and loving people I call friends there but nothing came to mind. Yet. I imagined that as hard as I try to make them cry, it is more likely that they will be rolling on the floor laughing their asses off. Or maybe they really will cry. In horrid disbelief. Or utter disgust.

But yeah, I took the entire week of this week because I needed the break. And because I wanted to put off meeting people from the office as long as I can. But I can't. Apparently God had other plans for me.

And so began a series of conversations with numerous different people with different words and sentences that basically revolved around the conventional theme of welcoming me back.

Hey you're back! (Yes, I am.)
When did you come back? (Last weekend.)
You look... fit. (Yes I got fat.)
You're back to work so soon? (Nope. I'm playing Santa Claus. I come bearing gifts.)
When are you leaving again? (Back for good. Too bad.)
But I thought they wanted you to stay longer? (Yeap, but not without my family. I woke up at night. Crying.)
Hahaha. (Hahaha.)
Awkward. (Awkward.)
Alright, glad to have you back. (I guess I'm glad to be back.)
Bye. (Bye.)

Aaaaaannnnd.... the next person came along. Repeat.

Maybe getting this seemingly compulsory social exercise done and over with is not such a bad idea after all. At least by next week they will forget about me being gone at all and I can move on.

"At last they rode over the downs and took the East Road, and then Merry and Pippin rode on to Buckland and already they were singing again as they went. But Sam turned to Bywater, and so came back up the Hill, as day was ending once more. And he went on, and there was yellow light, and fire within; and the evening meal was ready, and he was expected. And Rose drew him in, and set him in his chair, and put little Elanor upon his lap. He drew a deep breath. 'Well, I'm back,' he said." -the last paragraph of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King-

Well, I'm back.

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