Open House — CNY Reunion Lunch

With the conversation rolling and the traffic noise it was impossible to hear the call. Suddenly there was Era bounded up from behind to the corner of the table, back again for another weekend’s work.

         Gleaming smiles. Hallo, Hallo.
         Sometime in the last year or so Era had returned to the scarf. She had not explained how or why. Sheathed in the colourful shroud her radiance was more concentrated and focused. Delightful to receive pressing in at close quarters. Era ignored the companion opposite.
         Era beamed more strongly still telling of her little girl's presence up over the other side of the road.
         After a couple of visits alone Era had let her daughter accompany her this time. The girl would be seated at one of the benches outside Joo Chiat Complex swinging her legs no doubt. 
         The fatherless girl had been spoilt more than a bit by her mother, understandably. With money exceedingly tight, for last year's Hari Raya Era had bought the child gold ear rings, necklace and bracelets. Making her classmates jealous in Batam was not a worry; spoiling the child and attracting unwanted attention likewise. It was cheap gold of course, but nevertheless.
         Era had coloured hearing the criticism. These were valuables that could always be converted to cash, Era rationalized. 
         Many in this part of the world did indeed use gold in this way: proud display in good times that also contained a hope that such lustre could attract more of the same; and conversion in rough.
         Earlier that day Era had had cleaning jobs out at Tampines. On the following day, Sunday, it was an open house for CNY.
         Era was an accomplished cook, brought out regularly by a Caterer over in Bedok every week or second week. In the last year the immigration desk had not been a problem armed with the $500 cash for show. 
         Recently the Caterer had returned from Mecca with gifts, gold jewelry for both Era and her daughter. Era did not ordinarily wear rings. She may have observed the notice and explained. 
         Era removed the ring to show.  Cheap gold again of course, but a nice gesture from the man.

         The possibility of the Caterer's angling for a second wife was discounted by Era. The man had brought back a good deal of jewelry that he distributed to family and friends. For Muslims such gifts were sometimes in thanks for safe return from travel.
         The Open House then early morning was out at Pasir Panjang near the dock. The repast to be offered surprised more than a little. Cat and snake.
         What?!
         What? kuching and snake?
         Era made her arm slither in front of her chest. This was no joke. Era was still processing the information for herself.
         Pork of course was standard at a Chinese Open House. But kuching. And snake. In Singapore?
         The female cooks would not be slaughtering of course. Sometimes Indon gals refused work where babi, pork was involved. Handling the meat, breathing its aroma was quite bad enough for some.
         No complaints or reservations from Era. This was the job for the boss; Era would comply. Naturally she would not partake in any of the food she cooked. Even without the snake and pork Era would likely refrain. To be caught eating other people's food—certainly not.
         Had the mother revealed the matter to her daughter, young Angely?
         More brightness from Era when she was told that she had been missed. Over two years there had not been any real time together.
         — You miss me? Era repeated beaming again, wanting the matter clearly confirmed.