OH, LET'S REJOICE


Finally, it's finished; over and done with. Full-stop. Period. The End.

Each time, I blink back tears, fold it neatly, keep it tidily in my cupboard, ensure that it's well out of my sight, and wonder earnestly when I'll be seeing it again.

Will I be missing it?

Do I feel a part of me has been taken away?

Is misery weighing down on me?

Do I feel lost or insecure?

Do I detect a tinge of regret or nostalgia?

Do I feel as though my self-identification is compromised in any way?

Does my heart ache?







Definitely not.


After having donned it for 5 years and counting, I can't wait to reduce it to ashes. Seriously. Honestly.

And the thought that it'll be another 3 months later the next time I'll be wearing it; man, it is music to the ears, nourishment for the body, and peace for the soul.


Goodbye to the weekly laboratory reports.
Adios to the 4 walls of the laboratories.
Au revoir to the grueling weekly 7hours-long experiment sessions.



Today is the last. The long-awaited finale.
For this semester, that is.


And now, all that's left is to finish off the laboratory reports that's due tomorrow and next week.
And then, it's the much-dreaded time of the semester again: 3 more weeks to Finals!


And, yes, goodbye to my lab coat and safety goggles. It'll be another 3months before I'll be seeing you again.



My lab coat. Indeed, you've served me faithfully and loyally for the past 5 academic years. You're crisp and clean, durable and reliable. Never once have you failed me. Try as I might, no matter how many times I accidentally contaminated you with bacterial cultures, clinical wastes, strong acids or alkalines, and thus the consequent harsh bleaching and detergent washing on my part; you never once gave up on me. Hell, you never even once complained. Bless you!

I remember back in my Poly days, I once burnt you with a red-hot innoculation needle after having heat-sterilized it. I can still recall the burnt smell of garment, the sizzling sound that's reminiscent of grilled meat on a hotplate, and the resultant spiral coil of hazy smoke. Of course, it was honestly unintentional. I even felt so bad afterwards and gave myself a good, hard mental kick. After all, you're mine. You belong to me. In fact, I can still recall the joy and jubilant on that particular day 5 years ago when I made you mine.

Much as you get on my nerves, it was never my intention - then and now - to hurt you in any way imaginable. Admittedly, at times I get tempted to do so so badly, and I relished and indulged in the heavenly idea of executing it. However, whatever little love I have remaining for you always prevail; albeit it was anything but triumphantly. Perhaps, it's mainly because I still need you, and I WILL STILL BE NEEDING YOU until the day I graduate and kiss my student life goodbye.

Back then, I made you mine for SGD$18; and considering that it's been 5 donkey years (and counting) since we've been together, you're truly indeed value for money.


I may sound like an ingrate. Evil. Heartless and cold-hearted, even.
BUT no, I will not miss you for the coming 3months.

Goodbye, dear lab coat. I loveD you~