Goodbye, Ali.

Ali was found on Wednesday.

I attended his memorial service yesterday at uni. Many were there including his brother and father. It was an emotional occasion. It started off with a guy(his friend I assume) reading a prayer for him. Then one by one, his friends went up and make their speech.

It was Vegard first. Vegard was there with Ali when he went missing. In fact, Vegard was swept into the sea with Ali by the king wave. Fortunately, Vegard was washed back to the shore. Ali was not as lucky. He was swallowed by the sea and Vegard, among others, was there to witness the tragedy. I am really glad that he is okay.

Up next was Jacob. He was very close to Ali. Then there was Claudia, fellow Canadian. All these friendship were formed in Kurrajong Village, the hostel, including mine with him. He loved football and he was always around, practicing with his football. He was always smiling, easygoing and carefree.

My last encounter with him was when he came over to KV to practice football(he moved out this sem) and we had a small talk. I remember opening the gate for him and we were trying to figure out how to keep that gate unlocked(it locks up automatically) and we had a good laugh after solving the problem merely by parking his bike at the door, to keep it ajar. Then he and I were at the BBQ pit at Vegard’s place, cooking food for others. He made a remark when I was cooking saying I was getting ready to get married. Heh. Funny dude.

He was a good friend. A good man. I am sorry he had to leave us so soon but like they all say, he is at a better place now, fulfilling his other duties Allah gave to him.

You will be missed, Ali. You will remain a part of our lives.

Rest in peace.