Last year, my Singapore-based sister insisted my mother and I join her for the Christmas. My mum, a fearless woman, would get strangely nervous on flights. Perhaps the only thing that convinced her to overcome her fears was the chance to piece together our declining bond.
Growing up, moments with Mum were painfully short-lived because I spent most time at the boarding school, reuniting only during the holidays. Every year, she would eagerly await my return, which would always lead to constant loving scenes. Those cherished moments were gradually vanishing as I moved away for university. Soon, our relationship became tense. She seemed unable to comprehend me and her stubborn and old-fashioned advice forced me to shut myself. But the more I pulled away, the more I felt a longing for the bond that had grown so dim. Perhaps Singapore would give us a chance to breathe it back to life.
I assumed the immersive exhibits at Art Science Museum would refresh my mother, who was an art student. However, I was surprised when she just turned her nose up at the Bruges Whale, a sculpture using plastic waste to raise awareness about ocean pollution. “It’s art, Mum! Be more appreciative.” I defended.
Disheartened by the distance between us, I led her to the kid’s zone. We signed up for a joint sketching activity, hoping that would help us connect. As our creative juices flowed, our faded relationship began to take on the hues and shades of something sincere and beautiful.
“Look!” she excitedly pointed towards a digital screen that displayed our creations. “That one’s ours.” Mum went up and reached out, touching the fish as it moved its tail back and forth in the virtual tank.
Looking around, I saw children sharing moments with their parents, and my own childhood flashed back. That rare instance where she let slip an inner innocence and delight at a new experience revealed the little girl in her, who was like me, had lost a vital connection to responsibilities of motherhood.
“Our time together was like that of friends. You were my mother, and I’m a child following you around.” My mum said to me with a smile.
8. What made Mum accept the visit to Singapore?
A.The resolve to overcome the nervousness on flight. |
B.The desire to restore relationship with her children. |
C.The sincere invitation of my Singapore-based sister. |
D.The expectation for Art Science Museum as an artist. |
9. What is the attitude of Mum towards the Bruges Whale?
A.She felt it a huge waste to make it from plastic. |
B.She showed a great interest in this work of art. |
C.She didn’t think it good enough to be exhibited. |
D.She considered it beneficial to ocean protection. |
10. What can we learn from the sketching activity?
A.It revealed Mum’s inner ignorance like a girl. |
B.It explored causes for faded bond between families. |
C.It let Mum totally lose responsibilities of motherhood. |
D.It provided an opportunity to share moments with families. |
11. What do Mum’s words imply in the last paragraph?
A.A good medicine tastes bitter. | B.Life has indeed come full circle. |
C.Actions speak louder than words. | D.Nothing is impossible to a willing mind. |