I’m sitting in the Vancouver airport, waiting for the connecting flight to board. It’s 2:08 am back home, 11:08 pm here, 3:08 am in Hong Kong, and the terminal is almost empty. I caught scattered glimpses of the lit cities on the way over, lights bright and delicate underneath like rows upon rows of gilded chains.

A loud Julian sat next to me on the flight, telling me about his accomplishments in the IT sector, a bright young worker who’s made his way into a great position in a recovering economy. Only the sound of suitcase wheels grinding on grooved floors can be heard here, with an occasional announcement over the loudspeaker.

I can feel myself getting excited, finally, sitting here remembering all the great times I’ve had in Hong Kong. The fireworks, the family, the food.