hk diary eleven -- i didn't mean to hurt & love you
hong kong december thirty one, two hours before new year's eve the phone rang as i was about to step out of my flat. it was a dreary winter night, and the wind was biting cold. i was cold even if i was already wearing a thick outer jacket over cashmere sweater and a scarf. i did not expect that you would call. i was already on my way to meet up with you at our favourite restaurant where we planned to spend the new year's eve. once outside, i answered the phone. "what's up?" i said happily, my other hand tucked safely inside one of the side pockets of my jacket to keep it warm. i was walking briskly, imagining that you were wearing the blue ralph lauren sweatshirt that i gave you as a christmas present while you were driving your car on the way to central. you tried to sound casual. but i knew you. your "hello" did not sound cheerful at all. i was alarmed. i knew that tone of voice. i already braced myse...