Today, what did I see today? Nothing much, just a turtle, not a red-eared slider, something else with yellow stripes, and the way its feet are diagonally coordinated, like alternating oars on a rowboat. Rowed him softer home.

Just empty offices, and our young secretary, who's come into the new year newly wearing the tudung. A happy smile, more relaxed maybe. Or maybe that's me, more relaxed now she looks less like a teen, our surly & forgetful one. Stop and say ... congratulations? It suits your face? What made you decide to wear it? What colour was it, anyway? Black and white, 'a feeling of independence and protection'. Tomorrow, stop tomorrow, take time to talk.

Later there was CY bouncing into school, still looking stressed. Aren't you resting, aren't you on holiday? No, Prof, holiday over, have to get started for the semester. But I liked that she was always a day or two behind on assignments. I liked that she 'could do better', then I liked that she did better, and now I'm not sure I like this, doing everything correctly, avoiding embarrassment. I liked the way she wore embarrassment, sort of proudly, with her chin.

Green exit sign in yellow light outside our open front door. Letting the light come down. Letting the aircon fall quiet while jets pick up the thread in the settling sky. Come birds, crying for each other in the dusk trees. Come heavy air & undry.