Sometimes, there are stories that truly makes you happy. This is one such story.
Jimmy is a former Singapore defense force staff. Just after the war and before Malaysia gained independence Jimmy as a 20 plus year old young man was posted to Sabah. Near the base, there were a row of houses and Jimmy often noticed a young girl standing by the gate and watching him. But he was older, she was still a school girl. Before he went back to Singapore, Jimmy managed to find out her fullname.
Jimmy eventually found the love of his life, got married, became a father of three, quit Singapore defense force and migrated to Australia in the 70’s.
Few years ago, Jimmy got divorced.
Now that the kids have flown out of the nest, Jimmy often travels around S.E Asia to go for diving.
He was in KK and the couple who was running the airBNB accommodation he was staying at told him that they were heading to play Balut and asked him if he was interested. He was heading back to Australia early next morning and he did consider telling them No.
Balut is not a very popular game, but some of the Kadazans are very fond of the game and they often host a game or two at various locations in Kota Kinabalu. Jimmy had never even heard of Balut and decided he might as well go and see what it is all about.
When he went, he was introduced to the other players and one of the ladies in the group caught his attention. She had introduced herself to Jimmy using her first name and Jimmy asked is your surname xyz?. Turns out she is the same girl who used to watch him.
She had a difficult marriage and got divorced 20 years ago, promising never ever fall in love again. Jimmy cancelled his flight back home and now they are together.
When I saw them, all I could see is the happiness in their eyes. It is a truly remarkable love story.. all because of a game called Balut.
I’ve been checking every now and then to see if you were back on here and I was soo happy to see that you are (it felt so good to read multiple posts at once!). Hope you’re well Sarahmoo! Also, this story is the cutest!!
T: Kochey, Thank you, how is uni?
First year has been amazing! Oru kochu setback (I have to resit one of my papers tomorrow) but it should be ok. I’ll update you via email asap xx
T: Hope the exams went well.