Fireworks

Worm-like reflections from the surface of Marina Bay shimmered on Neil's face, one that Kate couldn't read, despite being married to him for five years.

What, or who is he thinking of?

A sudden, multi-colored constellation boomed overhead, giving Kate a shock.

Five years, what seemed a lifetime ago, we met at Marina Bay, after I agented a property deal. Here, at this spot where I am sitting now. The kites we flew had entangled, and we chatted while trying to disengage the knotted lines.

Striding two steps up a handicap's ramp, Neil noticed a loose pebble on the concrete ground, next to his Marc Ferragamo orange leather moccasin. He picked it up and flung it over the Bay. The rock sploshed in the distance, out of sight.

He told me the bond trading had become more intense this year... worked nights more frequently. Ending later… And later. Some nights, a scent circumfused from his shirt.

She sat by the water, her chin lifted up, one finger of a hand over each ear. With every flash of the sky, the heaven rumbled. The southern breeze tickled her face, heralding the faint smell of cedarwood mixed with gunpowder. Glancing at Neil's hair, combed straight back and plastered to his thirty-four year skull, she gulped from a frosty can of Tiger beer.

"How did you keep it cold?" Kate asked.

"Brought a good ice bag." The sleeve of his dark green polo shirt brushed her bare shoulder.

She winced and edged a few inches away. Was that impolite? Did that make him uncomfortable?

Does he know I suspect him?

He placed his left hand on hers, but she withdrew before the warmth of it made her change her mind.

The tune of Westlife sang as her mobile phone sprang to life.

Glancing at the lighted display, Kate said,"I have to take this."

Call from a familiar girlfriend.

Neil shrugged his shoulders, sighed, flicking out his left little and ring fingers—meaning go ahead—as he turned his face away from Kate, towards the sea.

Kate smoothened her blouse and stood, putting the phone to her ear.

"Oh God, Kate. Haven't you heard?" The tremulous voice of her friend said.

How dramatic.

"What?" Moving under the street lamp, Kate gripped the phone, expressionless.

Whatever this means, I want to be where I can see myself.

"You put all your money on those Hyflux preferential shares?" The voice stuttered. "It's… It's all over the news now. I'm not sure why, those shares are now worthless."