You had an inner confidence that seeped into the way you moved, talked and presented yourself. Naturally, I was intimidated by you, mistaking your confidence and poise for haughtiness. But I was quickly proved wrong after we ended up at the same desk.

I realised that you were a kind and gentle woman; you had a way of making anyone feel calm when the world seemed to be falling apart. And I sure needed that during those crazy deadline days where it seemed as if my story would never turn out right for print.

Yet, during those years, I didn’t take the opportunity to get to know you better. I was still intimidated, I suppose. And yes, more than a little absorbed with the dramas in my life.

And then I moved to Australia.

A friend later told me that you had told her that you would’ve liked to know me better.

When I returned in May, I made a promise to myself that I will do just that – get to know you better. .

But life caught me by the neck as usual. And it was nearly a month before we bumped into each other.

I still remember the day where you stopped your car just as I was crossing the street to the restaurant opposite the office.

You had flung the door open and said, “Liz Tai! Welcome back!” And threw me a big smile.

I was so moved by that smile. You made me feel so welcomed and appreciated!

“We must catch up with each other soon,” you had said.

“We must!” I said.

I thought I had all the time in the world.

But last week, a friend in Hong Kong sent me a message nobody would like to receive.

“I’m so sorry for your loss, Liz. Sorry to hear about Reena.”

And I thought, No. this must be some other Reena. Not the Reena I know.

But it was.

On that day, you left us without warning.

I had to fight back tears when I saw you on Friday. Others couldn’t.

You left such an impact on the people you were with. Even me, a person who was a little more than an acquaintance. You made me feel special enough to feel like I was more than that.

Goodbye, Reena.

PS: The paper did two lovely obits on my friend Reena Gurbaksh. Do read them if you can: