What becomes of the broken hearted?

I don't like to think that I'm a touchy feely person in general. But thinking about ES shedding tears as she gave her farewell speech this afternoon, made me delve into a rather extended moment of self reflection tinged with a sliver of sadness. Dare I even say, feeling a lump in my throat?

On the bus ride home tonight, as the restless sun began to slowly set on our sphere of life, I flashbacked the sight of her tears rolling down her cheeks, and as she reached out for the tissue box to wipe them away, ES fought hard to maintain her sense of composure and elegant ladylike demeanour. Yes, that's it, it's her quiet resolve and steadfast absoluteness that I shall remember the most, after her delicious muffins, of course.

I feel so very happy for her, that she is moving on to greater things in life - better remuneration, better boss, better work scope. But I'm sure that she'll miss the great memories here at the Orange. Like MN before her, these two ladies have surely been the bedrock of the Orange people's Viva Le Resistance against the oppressive and repugnant third reich Nazi forces of Orange management.

Blink, blink, blink... I still can't believe that it's been almost 4 months since I joined the Orange, and in this short period of time, have beared witness to, and snapped countless pics of the farewells for fellow Oranges who have decided to pack up and head for more fertile orchards. Not to forget, having also emerged relatively unscathed, save for a few 'hairdryer' treatments from senior editor AN, from a chaotic and adrenaline-charged Primary Science submission. Talk about a steep learning curve and living dangerously!

Those who remain now, are what's left of the clockwork's core - elf, bellydancer, captain haddock, u0201535, -smiles-, ttwins... we are the remaining survivors on Orange island. How do we pick up the pieces? How do we stay together and stay true? How will we embrace the unseen challenges that await us? How do we keep the flame of passion for truth and youthful idealism burning bright?

Where do we go from here?