nobody said anything.

10pm. Sunday night. An hour before book-in.

You and her. In a taxi, headed towards Nee Soon Camp.

Nobody said anything.

Tough -- the cost of the long distance phone calls; the time difference; the experiences, your experiences (to you, at least); your mother's disapproval.

Nobody actually said anything.

She held your right hand in her left. But you had forgotten to squeeze her hand, like you usually did. For reassurance.

Still nobody said anything.

The taxi came to a stop along Transit Road.

The gates of duty beckoned. Once more.

Avoiding her gaze, you opened your side of the passenger door.

As you stepped out, you felt a tug on your right hand.

Finally, you turned back. And looked. Into her eyes.

She kissed you, and held her gaze.

She had begun to cry.

Still nobody said anything. You would like to think you both understood.

You closed the passenger door and walked towards the camp gate.

At that moment, you felt as if you could accomplish anything.

Even if it was just for that one more week.