The Man Who Never Celebrated Father's Day

I had invited my clients, Mr. & Mrs. Tan for a Father's Day lunch, but at the 11th hour, they cancelled the appointment. Hence I decided to continue with the lunch since I had invited my ex-staff, Amu, along.

I was so engrossed with my writing that I did not notice the passing of time. As I was running late, I decided to take a taxi. "Uncle, happy father's day", I greeted the taxi man cheerfully.

"Where got such thing", he replied grumpily.

"It's your day, uncle. Happy Father's Day", I greeted him again.

"All these years, my children never greet me or buy me present. If I had good children.... I won't be driving a taxi at my age. Many of my lucky friends have already retired." He paused for quite a while. "Aiya.... commercial only".

I felt kind of sorry for the taxi driver. He cut a pathetic figure, with his weather-beaten face. As I looked at him I wondered at his relationship with his children. I dared not probe further, preferring to give his children the benefit of a doubt. After all the Bible had reminded children to honour their parents, and vice versa, for parents not to provoke their children to anger.

Suddenly, I thought I'd try to cheer up the taxi driver. I shared with him some stories about papa. I had some new red packets in my handbag, and I quickly put some money into a red packet. When I arrived at my destination, I gave the taxi driver a small red packet together with my fares. I told him to treat the red packet as a Father's Day gift.

The taxi driver smiled and thanked me. I felt extremely happy the whole day long.