A Tearful Farewell

“Ann, I have to go back to Vietnam soon.” This was what Hanh told me through MSN as soon as I returned to Newcastle under Lyme from Spain during the Easter Break. My first instinct, then, was to ask whether she had to return for good. And she said yes... The date was not confirmed, then. However, it would be someday in early May. Her departure was due to some complications – which I should not be discussing here.

Eventhough I only have known Hanh for several months – not even a year, the possibility that I may not be able to meet her again is heart-retching. Hanh is a lively, friendly and giving girl. She knows how to have fun. We share lots of beautiful memories together. And we could have built more of those memories if she didn’t have to leave so soon.

4 May, 2010. I learned that Hanh would be leaving Staffordshire and the UK in two and four days time respectively. She invited me to her farewell dinner. However, the time and location for the dinner were not yet fixed. They could either be indoor or outdoor and early or late evening. I was well aware that everyone was pretty exhausted that day, having just completed Essay 6. This included Hanh herself. In the end, it was decided that the dinner would take place in her kitchen around 9.30p.m. Quite late. However, I still went to the dinner. My thought was this could be my last time hanging out with her. I dragged Nadz and Nike to the dinner. Nadz was well-acquainted with most of the people in the dinner, while Nike was just starting to build a new friendship. The night was spent talking just about anything among the girls. It was great. I wished it did not have to end. However, exhaustion drove Nadz, Nike and I to leave the dinner at midnight.

The Farewell Dinner

6 May, 2010. The last day for our course lectures. A photoshoot of our course lecturers and students was scheduled that day. The same day that Hanh had to leave Staffordshire for London. Hanh dressed cutely – a checker shirt and a denim vest. She used the photoshoot as an opportunity to take pictures with some of our lecturers and colleagues. Despite having other initial plan, I decided to accompany Hanh to the train station, along with Yung Wei, Sandy, Nike and Nadz. It was a tearful farewell – let it be at Hanh’s campus accommodation or in the taxi or at the train station. I never expected I would cry, but I did.

After the Photoshoot

At Hanh's Campus Accommodation

At Stoke-on-Trent Train Station

8 May, 2010. Hanh was catching a flight to Vietnam from London Heathrow Airport. She texted me before her departure. I was with Nadz at that time. I did my best not to cry upon reading her text.

I guess Hanh and I are indeed friends. I hope someday I will be able to see her again.

Love and miss you too.