1 January 2003 (Wednesday) New Years day, and a day of rest.
Time to go to the movies. I want to watch Lord of The Rings. I
thought very carefully about the people I want to go with, and
rounded up father, wife, Dr. Tony, Ah Kan Seng, my personal
assistant and the children. I reminded the personal assistant to
use the Citibank credit card, cos can get 10% discount. Cant be
too careful with money nowadays with this prolonged recession, you
know.
It was quite a sight as the fellowship made its way to the Eng Wah
cinema at Suntec City. There was a troop of internal security men
ahead of us, clearing the way. They were snarling and pushing their
way through the crowd, making men fall and babies cry. Somehow they
reminded me of orcs.
My guest list was carefully chosen. I was at the head of the pack,
striding forward purposefully. My arrogant look and poise was
deliberate, meant to invoke the image of a hero in the eyes of the
crowd: Aragon, the future King. Next to me was my personal
assistant, whom everyone in the civil service and PAP fears, for he
is very good at arrowing people with unerring accuracy. It is a
mere coincidence that I recently forced him to adopt the name
Legolas. Father and Tony cut majestic figures, with their regal
poise and white hair. I would have to admit that Tony is a nicer
guy than father, and so he is more likely to be mistaken for
Gandalf the White. So father would be mistaken for Saruman.
Bringing up the rear was Kan Seng, walking as fast as his short
legs would carry him. Who else can he be but Gimli the dwarf? The
children tagged along, like hobbits.
There was a commotion at the rear. Women were shrieking, men were
fleeing, and babies were crying. People were shouting: Uruk-hai!
Uruk-hai! I turned around and saw dear wife. Oh dear, with such a
grim look on her face, she was scaring everyone.
