When my mother repeatedly failed to get a response from my then two-year-old eldest sister, the family started to worry that it might be her hearing.
After checking her over, the doctor said, “There’s nothing wrong with her hearing. She’s just stubborn!”
(Singapore, 1947)
Last Thursday, I was sitting with students Edouard and wife Monique during the pre-lesson lunch in the canteen.
I’d say things to Edouard on my left, and get no response. “OK, he’s in his 80s, so it’d be his hearing,” I concluded.
When I chatted to Monique on my right, however, Edouard would join in, hearing everything perfectly.
I said to him, “Your eavesdropping skills are excellent! You can go and be a spy.”
I added, “Next time I want to talk to you, I shall speak to Monique instead, then you’ll hear everything!”
(London, 2022)
