The last 6 months passed with Tim and Pam surviving the long distance relationship. Not a single day passed without a video call or a message at least over chat app. It was summer in Sydney when the constant communication is broken.
"How long will you be in Dublin?" Tim has just informed Pam that he will be attending a conference. It was supposedly ok but the extended travel is out of the plan.
"The conference is for 3 days. I will stay for at least 5 days in Ireland before heading to US to spend the holidays." Tim saw a hint of sadness in Pam's eyes but it was just in passing and she returned to normal.
"So maybe I'll see you next year already." Pam kept a smile on her face. She was supposed to meet Tim in Singapore as she needs to go back the headquarters at the time of his conference. The plan is for Tim to transit to Singapore before heading back home however he had to go to Boston after the conference. There were some personal matters related to their house which Tim needs to help his mom with.
"I'll find time to visit Sydney."
The plan is after the conference on December 18, Tim will transit to Singapore and spend Christmas with Pam. She arranged to be back at the headquarters in Singapore by then and take a leave. Given the development, Pam will make adjustment and abort the plan.
"Hmmm, it's fine I'd stay in Sydney then." She is a little frustrated internally but it would be unreasonable to whine on this so Pam made a move to cut the conversation, "it's going to be cold in Dublin so bring some warm clothes."
She paused as if checking in something and said, "Now I think my laundry is done, I will catch up with you again." If she stays a few more minutes with Tim she would be crying. She missed him. The arrange for spending Christmas in Singapore but all of a sudden this will be cancelled.
"My Queen, are you mad?"
"Of course not! Things happen, I just missed you. I thought we could spend Christmas together." Mad is overstatement, she is just disappointed. After telling Tim she misses him, she felt that her tear will betray her. "Bye! Love you!" Without waiting for response she put the video call to an end.
Tim knew something is not right just to avoid Pam from being sad he messaged her. For the past months because they were doing video call most of the time, this is the first time he sees sadness in her eyes.
Tim: I am sorry for the sudden change of plan. I will make it up to you! I love you!
Pam: I love you.
Pam did check the laundry, she has been standing there for quite sometime as if guarding the machine. She worked hard everyday so she will not miss Tim during her idle time. She even started to go to the gym and force herself to eat properly. After their marriage there were very few instances that she has thrown up what she ate.
She thought they will spend Christmas together as husband and wife. She terribly miss Tim. Her face is now covered in tears. She was anticipating this moment.
During the time of conference, Pam decided to go back to Singapore. This gave her time to fix some documents with HR and discuss about her work assignment plan. Late in the evening she got a message from Tim.
Tim: Do you have time? I am on break.
Pam: ok
"Where are you?" This is the first question thing that Tim asked upon seeing her on video.
"Home in Singapore."
"I thought you are no longer going there?" Tim notice she was in a new place that looks familiar so he needs to confirm.
"I arranged some HR documents and had work related discussions." She was supposed to surprise Tim that she is moving back to Singapore in the next 6 months and take country director assignment back home in 2 to 3 months.
"Oh will you be back in Sydney then or you stay in Singapore?"
Pam suddenly became emotional regardless if she stay in Singapore or Sydney it doesn't really matter she will be alone anyway. She was still like a little girl who has been denied of candies. "It doesn't matter if it's Singapore or Sydney." She was no longer looking directly at the phone.
"Hey what's the matter? Look at the camera I want to see your face."
Pam looking ugly and cute at the same time, tried hard not to cry and lifted her face. She can no longer hide her frustration,"I thought I'd see you here and surprise you with news that I am coming back to Singapore in 6 months. But you beat me up with your surprise travel plan. Hold on." Tear run down her face and she really does not want Tim to be burdened with her emotions so she washed her face and wiped her face.
When Pam left the phone to wash up, Tim had a smile on his face. He has something up in his sleeves. However, he doesn't want her to be so sad.
"Sorry about that, I know you are just on break."
"Call me or message when you are back in Sydney ok? I'd be flying to Boston the following day I'll send you my flight time so you know when I will land in US."
Pam just nodded her head.
"Hey I am sorry for the change in plan...I didn't know you will miss me this much. I spoiled your surprise. I love you My Queen. I'd be back in the hall. Take care!"
"Bye, love you too!" Pam ended the call. No matter what Tim said, she started to feel gloomy. She managed to run away from him for years so why is it hard to let the 6 months pass. She stared at the ceiling of the room, 6 months ago they slept here before she moved to Sydney. Somehow she thought they will spend cozy days here during holidays.
In the next 3 days Pam is back to Sydney. Although she wanted to spend more time with some friends in Singapore, the thought of staying there alone irritates her. Maybe because she has set her mind on the plan with Tim.
Tim should be in Boston already, remembering his note to tell him when she is back she took her phone out and send him a message. It was also by habit, earlier she sent him message informing him of her departure from Singapore.
Pam: I am back in Sydney.
The message went through but It had not been opened yet. It's early evening in Sydney and may be too early in Boston. He will read it soon.
It is summer in Australia it can be very hot on day time. She is tired so she still decided to have warm bath to relax before sleeping.