A plate glass wall separates the baggage reclaim area from the arrivals hall at Changi airport. Standing at the carrousel is Jemima, her hair is short – I love it like that. She sees me and we blow kisses. There is familiarity in her movements – are they gangly? They are only Jem and my heart leaps and bounds on the other side of the plate glass wall. The carousel goes around and around.
I recognize my old suitcase and the familiarity deepens when Jem lifts it off the belt. She strides towards the green zone trundling it behind her, then disappears from view. The shipping agent is leaning against a marble pillar, seemingly disinterested.
Whoosh! The doors slide open and she is in my arms. People are trying to get past – I edge us over to the side. My betrothed has arrived in Singapore. She is worried about her unbrushed teeth, I am worried about the waiting agent. There is nervous energy. He takes her suitcase and we turn to follow, hand in hand as we have longed for.
