There's something undeniably comforting about a plate of spaghetti. It's a simple dish with the power to bring people together, a nostalgic reminder of childhood meals and family gatherings. In the Philippines, I passionately m ade it for my loved ones, knowing it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a warm hug in a bowl. "Something long, spaghetti for long life!" so they would say whenever there's someone to celebrate his / her birthday. The loss of my close friend on 29 April 2024 has left me deeply saddened. Though the wish for 'spaghetti for long life' feels bittersweet now, I hope to find solace and connection as I navigate through this grief. The sad news adds to the melancholic atmosphere as we anticipate another strong storm approaching, with mobile phone alerts already circulating. Christopher Morley , an American journalist, novelist, essayist and poet, said, No man is lonely eating spaghetti; it requires so much attention. Let's see if it ...