I woke up at 1pm feeling like crap after a night of partying. I was almost reluctant to step out of the house and meet up with Mel to attend mass as we had planned. But I’m now glad that I did.

I am not the most religious person as many would agree. In fact many scoffed when they learnt of my intention to go to church. I can’t remember the last Good Friday Mass I attended. It must’ve been that long…

I could not deny the peace and calmness which enveloped me which I stepped into the compound of St. Joseph’s. Just like the feeling I get whenever I am at Novena, I felt like I’ve returned home. But instead of joy, the mood reflected was sombre, afterall, it was the day Christ died.

We were late, and the church was filled. But it didn’t matter as there were many like us standing outside the church, holding onto their lighted candles, eyes closed in prayers.

Thankfully Mel was around as she led me, the lost pup, in buying the candles and finding a suitable spot to stand at. She, like a big sister, was constantly making sure that I was feeling alright and feeling comfortable. I wouldn’t have made a better decision than to have attended mass with her.

Many times I felt goosebumps as feelings washed over me, and many times my eyes welled up. My knees hurt and my back ached from the long mass but it didn’t matter.

It just felt good to be home.