The eve of the Primary School Leaving Examination seems to be an emotional affair.

Back in 2021, Singapore was still managing the COVID pandemic. Wearing masks and adhering to safe-distancing measures were the norm for teachers and students alike.

I was in the middle of teaching my P6 class when I suddenly received notice that I had to go home and quarantine myself. I was deemed a potential spreader of the deadly virus because a student from another class had been infected with COVID.

I wish I could say that I handled my exit with poise and calmness, but nay. I looked at my students individually, taking the time to lay my eyes on everyone’s face.

“I love you,” I croaked unexpectedly, “And everything is going to be okay.”

That memory was relegated to the recesses of my mind - until it was retrieved and put at the forefront of my mind. I guess it would be etched in my mind forever.