Taiwan - Day 15 (Last Day)

In desperation, I messaged Ah Boh to fetch us at the Changi Airport. We planned to rush the kids to KKH after we dumped our luggage. Auntie Jessy offered to fetch us in a cab and help, but I couldn't risk spreading the virus to her. After all, she has young kids at home too! Fortunately, both kids seemed alright. We still needed to send them to the doctor once we reached Singapore, but it seemed less urgent now. Maybe we could even let them rest a night.

The flight back was quite frightening actually. I took all the vomit bags and got them ready in case either of the kids (including myself) puke. I also load my handcarry bag with diapers and clothes to change. Then there was a horrible turbulence that sent Alfee scurrying into my arms. I had little choice but to unbuckle him because he was so traumatised. Soon, it was over and he was back watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Just when we thought the worse was finally over and we were moments from the sweet home ground... Alfee refused to be buckled during landing. He kept crying and holding on to me tightly. The air steward came over to tell me to buckle him but I simply couldn't tear him from my arms. So, I buckled him to me. Then he came over again... telling me to buckle him to his own seat... blah blah blah... safety regulation. I couldn't really entertain him because Alfee was screaming to pop his ears then. CK got really pissed and yelled at him for badgering me. 

Fortunately (for the steward), his supervisor came over to explain how Alfee's neck might break during an impact if he's on my lap. She quickly coaxed Alfee into his own seat with all, and I mean ALL, the toys she could gather on board. We managed to buckle him but we couldn't stop his screams of terror. He screamed for at least 5-10 minutes with his eyes wide open, staring straight ahead at nothing. Both CK and I held him down in agony.

In my heart, I prayed that he would not be traumatised too much and please... let Sophie not vomit or cry at that moment. I think our prayers were answered. We survived. I unbuckled and grabbed Alfee the moment the seatbelt sign went off. He lunged into my arms and he was all smiley again.

I have never been happier, more grateful to be finally back in Singapore. The kids were super happy to see Ah Boh. Maybe because she's not associated to any part of our Taiwan trip. She represents all the comfort and relief of home sweet home.

Ah Boh was very kind to follow us home and help us settle the kids in for the night. The kids went straight for their Octonauts DVDs and favourite packet milk. Suddenly, they seemed totally untouched by our ordeal in Taiwan, like everything was just a bad bad dream and they had finally woken up.