LOVE, this is.

"Xiang Qing...I love you..." I thought I heard this soft, shy voice saying. I was so caught by surprise. I recollected myself, I asked my little brother to repeat what he had just said. "I love you." He did so gently. That moment...was miraculous. It is not as though I do not know that he loves me. But by him plucking this courage to verbalise it, he must have felt it genuine and strong enough. And that matters very, very much to me.

I asked him to repeat himself, teasingly this time, while creeping over to his bedside. I did the unusual too. I told him that I do love him too, and gave him a few deep pecks on his soft, baby fattish cheeks. I was in tears by then, secretly. That was really one of the simplest yet life-shaking moments. It felt like I was instantly strengthened to fight on for his happiness. I felt like I really could.

It has been rather heavy on my heart - my desire, and in fact the sense of committment, to build a good, solid foundation for our sis-bro relationship. Always stressing to myself that I only have these few years to do so, before my little brother grows into his teens; when he starts his new adventure and have lesser time at home. I was such a teenager myself. I do not want another regret. I do not wanna have to save any situation in future. I wanna paint a beautiful picture from NOW. I wanna help him base his heart and home in Daddy's love for him. I wanna be there for him to ensure he knows Daddy's love, and grows strong in Daddy's love.

Hence, these three precious words that came from his little lips, mean so much to me. It is like a reminder. It is like Daddy saying to me, "Terisa, let not your heart be troubled. For I am with you, I am your Strength and your Fortress. In me, you can do ALL things." It can only be Daddy's favour upon me and my little brother. It can only be Daddy...

"Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished. - 1 Chronicles 28:20"