Is Hongkong people doing the right thing clamouring for universal suffrage and more autonomy? After all, we are almost halfway there to the 50 year of "one country two systems". If I was pragmatic and rules from Beijing, I would allow Hongkong to find its own feet - they will find that they barely have two legs to stand on. Prior to 1997, HK was regarded as the pathway to venture into China. Paramount to that strategy was the ability to rely on Hongkong's rule of law, adhering to global best practices when it comes to accounting reporting and industrial law. The seemingly steadfast independence of the judiciary, ICAC and the police was a strong pull factor as well. The robust capital markets was another drawcard plus the large availability of English speakers and using mainly English as the business language.
Are those advantages still apparent? Over the past 10 years or so we have seen Hongkong being more as a recipient of investments and deals/listings from the mainland. It seems the flow has reversed substantially. Tourism, tourist consumption, and real estate investments have been thoroughly influenced substantially by the Chinese from the mainland. Imagine Beijing issuing an edict that their citizens stop traveling to Hongkong and to divert all new IPOs by Chinese firms away from Hongkong for the next 2 years, with zero involvement by any firms based in Hongkong. You can see property prices even halving from here.
The Greater Bay Area In 2018, Shenzhen’s economy surpassed Hong Kong’s for the first time. While economic growth in Hong Kong rose by just 3 per cent to HK$2.85 trillion (US$363 billion) last year, Shenzhen’s gross domestic product last year grew by 7.6 per cent to 2.42 trillion yuan, or HK$2.87 trillion based on the 2018 official exchange rate. If you have been to Shenzhen and Guangzhou, you will note that both areas are more advanced thank Hongkong in so many ways. Guangzhou is about 5 years ahead and Shenzhen even more so.
Free Port? Indeed, the international ranking of the port has fallen over the years – from first to fifth place – behind Shanghai, Singapore, Shenzhen and Ningbo in overall throughput. This year, Hong Kong is slipping out of the top five. Clear, firm and swift measures are needed to arrest this decline. Hongkong's status as a re-export port economy has been dwindling over the past 10 years if you ask the experts. Just judge by the figures. The Hong Kong port’s cargo volumes fell 3.9 per cent in the first six months compared to last year, while other bay area ports, notably Guangzhou (Nansha), surged by over 9 per cent. Meanwhile, the Guangzhou government gives aggressive support, funneling financial incentives to the Nansha port, related shipping lines and the nascent maritime cluster.
Shrink, Shrank, Shrunk Hong Kong is clearly less important than in the past. Its GDP has shrunk from 16% of China’s in 1997, the year it was returned to Chinese control, to around 2% today. That has led many inside China and abroad to conclude that Hong Kong is fading towards economic irrelevance. Hong Kong does remain a major global financial center but it isn’t the only economic jewel under Chinese rule. Shanghai has a larger stock exchange with total market capitalizations overtaking Hong Kong’s by more than 9 trillion yuan ($1.3 trillion) this year. Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong, isn’t far behind. Shenzhen also happens to be at the cutting edge of China’s boom in technological innovation, giving rise to giants such as the world’s largest consumer drone-maker, Dajiang Innovation, as well as gaming titan, Tencent Holdings. Hong Kong is also a top offshore yuan trading center, leading the way for wider use of the Chinese currency in trade and finance -- a priority for Beijing as it pushes for the yuan’s internationalization. Hong Kong can also do more down the road. It can foster an ecosystem for the yuan currency, developing derivatives and indexes to convince people to hold the yuan in larger amounts. Remains Of The Day There is still significant advantages that Hongkong has, and they will need to play them properly with Beijing: a) Rule of law - I don't see how Beijing can go around that issue. b) Independence of judiciary - ditto. c) Adherence to International Accounting Standards - This may be possible to adopt. d) Legal disputes - This one is even worse than the first two for Beijing. e) Free flow of funds - This can be loosened more by Beijing for foreign entities. f) Capital markets - This can still flourish in Hongkong due to the "existence and availability" of the above in Hongkong.
The youths in HK are angry. The extradition bill is just a tipping point for tons of dissatisfaction. We, as observers, would generally think a little protest here and here would suffice. I mean, seriously, you are going up against China. Let's not even get into whether there are foreign forces at work here to create chaos. That's too simplistic an excuse to ignore the source of protests at work. We know very well that if a country has a very high level of unemployment or rather a high level of youth unemployment, it is a recipe for disaster. The same goes for when a country has a very high level of poverty, or in this case, middle-class poverty, as I would coin it for HK. Again, will be problematic. HK youths feel that they cannot survive in HK anymore. It no longer belongs to them. Property prices have gone stratospheric, thanks to the very substantive buying by Chinese from the mainland. Lee Kuan Yew, knew very well how to control and motivate the masses. Everyone needs to have a sense of belonging. That is why the HDB concept was implemented, so much so that at least 80% of Singaporeans and PRs own their own homes. When you own property, you are rooted. HK youths feel the reverse has happened to them. They feel they will forever be trying to catch up to an ever-rising benchmark. Other things have also agitated HKers... the many mainland pregnant mums having their babies born in HK hospitals. If you have time, go to Lo Wu every morning between 6.30-8.00am and see how many kids travel from Greater Shenzhen to go to school in HK. It is a sense that holding a HK ID no longer means much. There is still no universal suffrage. Most of the elected officials are pre-approved by Beijing. The people of HK feel they have no power or identity anymore as the HK government mainly is seen as a tool for Beijing and wealthy businessmen. It is the feeling of being sidelined, not being listened to, marginalized ...
The average monthly salary is HK$19,100 (US$2,446) for men and HK$14,700 for women. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom flat in the city centre is HK$16,551. In 2018, average home prices were 20.9 times the gross annual median household income, according to the Annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey. Imagine in Malaysia, say you are making RM8,000 a month and the AVERAGE rental is RM10,000. See how you feel. You would question that the place does not belong to us anymore. That you'd be forever working for The Man. The gulf between property owners and non-property owners has just continued to widen no end. Plus whatever you make just goes towards paying for rents, paying your hard-earned to property tycoons - via car space parking, via restaurants F&B, even shopping. The extradition bill is feared mainly for political dissension or rubbing Beijing up in the wrong way. Nobody really cares if you wish to extradite murderers, rapists or big-time criminals. It has to do with the way Beijing has behaved. I mean, the still missing HK bookseller; the atrocities in Xinjiang; the way many top business owners have been hauled up; and the fact that Beijing prosecutors have a 99% record of succeeding to jail you when they prosecute. It is this kind of happenings that HKers don't trust Beijing. You cannot shout that we are all one China as HK was a colony before. You agreed to 50 years no change, but HK people keep seeing a gradual erosion of that promise over the years. Of course, those who have made it in HK, would criticise the HK youths for overdoing things. Youths will overdo things, esp in this case, where they seemingly have little to lose.
I see no possible "nice ending" for the protests vs the HK government. Beijing has refrained from sending in the PLA because that's way way extreme and send so many wrong signals. I am saddened to say that it is likely to result in much more bloodshed and a large number of lives lost before saner minds would prevail. My advice to HKers: You are fighting for a greater good but you are also fighting a losing battle. It is China we are talking about. Hong Kong, similar to Tibet and Taiwan, just wishes to be left alone by the CCP. I think if you really cannot stomach it, you have to leave because China will not bow down to HK.
Are we just cheapskates? Why we keep posting on how much some dinners cost as if you are getting ripped off? Is there a Central Bureau of Proper prices For Local Food?
I think Soo Kee has the right to charge with whatever they can get away with. Why no one says rm350 pp is expensive at a nice over-decorated pretentious outlet? No like, go home n cook or go to mamak (as if it’s cheap). It’s about time to discard our silly attitude to cap people’s salaries. Why can’t a hawker make rm90,000 a month? We have a weird class n caste mind when it comes to food. Come on ppl.
You want another example. This was at Siow Tiow in Klang, better known as Klang Hilton. This was for a table of 9. The food was fantastic. Yes the prices were fantastic too. Everybody knows that they have been around for more than 30-40 years. You go don't complain. Food is not a necessity, they are not a controlled item. There are controlled prices for basic necessities. Anything else, you don't like, don't go or cook yourself. Its like bitching why you bought a Camry for RM160,000... don't like, buy cheaper car la. It is not a must-have, that all Malaysians deserve the best-cooked charkuayteow at decent prices.
Most of us wouldn't know this. We take so many things for granted. Read and weep joyfully. This also bodes well for Thailand and Malaysia to continue to prosper as "tourism healthcare hubs". We are very close with Thailand on a competitive scale with cost being a strong factor for both countries. We win on language skills for sure. Need to see more capital being deployed in this growth sector. BEST PLACESBy International Living January 22, 2019 6 Countries with the Best Healthcare in the World Healthcare is one of the most important factors potential expats consider before moving abroad and in the right places overseas it’s possible to access world-class care for a fraction of the cost back home. The six countries that take top places in our Global Retirement Index offer retirees first-rate care, the service is top-class–and its affordable. Measuring the quality of healthcare is difficult, and it’s hard to put a number on it. We can, however, put a number on the price of medical procedures. And these costs (as well as quality) helped us score each of the 25 countries in the healthcare category of our 2019 Global Retirement Index. Read on to learn more about the top countries in the world for healthcare. In each of these countries you’ll find clean, excellent hospitals, highly trained doctors, and affordable care. Costa Rica and Mexico are tied for fifth place. #5 Costa Rica (tie) Healthcare in Costa Rica As well as having a great climate year-round, neighborly atmosphere, and a no-hassle residence programs, Costa Rica also offers excellent healthcare. There are two systems, both of which expats can access: the government-run universal healthcare system, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, known as Caja, and the private system. Both health systems are constantly being upgraded—new hospitals, new equipment, and improvements in staff training. Many doctors, especially in private practice, speak English and have received training in Europe, Canada, or the U.S. But despite the advancements, costs are low in comparison to those back home. IL Central Valley Correspondent, John Michael Arthur, a medical doctor from Texas, has a lot of praise for the Costa Rican healthcare system. “Having both the public healthcare system and the private healthcare system available to residents gives great options as you “shop” for care,” he says. “High quality healthcare—medical, surgical, and dental—is easily found and at about one third the cost of U.S. prices in the private system. “For example, I recently had a new state of the art zirconium crown placed for about $275. And I had an echocardiogram for only $145 and I left with the complete analysis and report in my hands.” For a more detailed look at the Healthcare in Costa Rica, check out: Healthcare in Costa Rica #5 Mexico (tie) Healthcare in Mexico Mexico has a lot to recommend it, not least of which is its great healthcare. In general, healthcare in Mexico is very good—and in many places it is excellent. Many doctors and dentists in Mexico, particularly in the private system, receive at least part of their training in the U.S. (And many U.S. doctors have trained in Mexico, notably in Guadalajara.) Many of them continue to go to the U.S. or Europe for on-going training. Every medium to large city in Mexico has at least one first-rate hospital with the cost of healthcare generally half or less what you might expect to pay in the U.S. The same goes for prescription drugs. Of course, the costs of medical care will vary by physician, hospital, and the gravity of your condition. On average, a visit to a private doctor—specialists included—will cost about $21 to $32. In the major cities of Mexico, you can get good-quality medical care for serious medical conditions…including dialysis, major surgery…even live-in, 24-hour care…for a fraction of what you might pay in the U.S. Plus, health insurance in Mexico costs much less than it does in the U.S. Mexico has two national healthcare systems that expats on a valid residence visa can apply to join: IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, or Mexican Social Security Institute) and Seguro Popular. Expats on valid residence visas for Mexico can join either IMSS or Seguro Popular if they wish, but they can’t belong to both. You must apply in the Mexican state that you live in. Don Murray, IL Rivera Maya Correspondent says “Most doctors speak at least some English, with many quite fluent. Costs are significantly lower in all specialty areas and are often one-half to one-third the cost of similar services north of the border.” For a more detailed look at the Healthcare in Mexico, check out: Healthcare in Mexico #4 Ecuador Healthcare in Ecuador One of the great perks for foreign residents living in Ecuador is high-quality, low-cost healthcare. Healthcare in metropolitan areas is top-notch with costs a fraction of what you would pay in North America. In the bigger cities, you’ll find hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment, as well as specialists in all fields and physicians with private clinics. But expats don’t need to live in a metropolis to take advantage of good quality healthcare. Smaller cities also have private clinics and modern hospitals. And in small towns you’ll often find private doctors who go that extra mile with some even making house calls if you’re too ill to go out. “In February of 2016, Ecuador passed a law that all new residents must have some form of healthcare,” says Jim Santos, IL Salinas Correspondent. “However, the same law prevents all private insurers from denying coverage because of age or pre-existing conditions. This opened up the private market, although expats may still also choose to sign up for the state-run health plan, which covers all medical, dental, and eye care expenses (including prescriptions, testing, rehab, etc.) at IESS hospitals and clinics with no deductible and no co-pay. “Expats are eligible to use the system after paying into it for the first three months.” International Living Correspondent Donna Stiteler lives in Ecuador’s third-largest city and the economic center of the Southern Sierra, Cuenca. “My husband, Rowland, who is a writer and not a carpenter recently “sawed” his index finger,” she says. “The trip to the emergency room on a Sunday required a five-minute wait in the emergency room, where a surgeon stitched his finger for a mere $60. This was walk-up pricing without using any insurance. “However, we do have the government’s IESS plan which covers both of us for under $100, but we do most of our medical treatments out of pocket because healthcare runs about 80% cheaper than in the U.S., and you can just walk in and see specialists for $40 a pop.”
#3 Thailand Healthcare in Thailand There’s lots to love about Thailand— its beauty and budget friendliness, with welcoming locals and expats at every turn. Thailand is also renowned for its excellent healthcare throughout the country, taking third position on our index for healthcare. “Thailand leads the way in medical tourism for Southeast Asia,” says Michael Cullen, IL Thailand Correspondent. “That means quality, international standard hospitals with well trained, English-speaking medics in all the major cities and regional towns right across Thailand. “Dental and other health services are also well covered–and all to that same high international standard. “For expats living in Thailand it is sensible to have health insurance as there is no national system within the country they can tap into. “But with healthcare costs averaging from a quarter to less than a half of what they would cost in the U.S. the insurance costs will not break the bank.” Although there is no public health insurance available to expats, there are several options to obtain private insurance from a variety of excellent companies, both domestic and international. Thailand’s private healthcare system consists of a large number of well-equipped, state-of-the-art hospitals. A real plus is you’re often able to visit a specialist within a short time of walking through the front door—without booking an appointment beforehand.
#2 France Healthcare in France France has all the ingredients that we look for in a retirement destination: a good climate, unspoiled countryside, top-notch culture, colorful traditions and history, and, of course, the glitter and sophistication of Paris. So, it’s not surprising that France is the world’s favorite tourist destination, receiving approximately 80 million foreign visitors each year. The low cost of health insurance and the superb quality of care means that France consistently receives high scores in the healthcare category of our Retirement Index. It’s also highly rated by the World Health Organization. This year France scores 93 points, placing it second in our index. Life expectancy now averages 85.7 years for women and 80.1 for men according to the latest WHO data published in 2018, giving France a World Life Expectancy ranking of 5—the United States ranks at 34. “There is a reason France is consistently named by the World Health Organization as having the best healthcare in the world,” says Stewart Richmond, IL South of France Correspondent. “It is accessible to all and affordable. Prescription medicine is heavily subsidized and is among the cheapest in the world. For those developing long-term illnesses such as cancer or MS, all healthcare and medicine is provided free of charge.”
#1 Malaysia Healthcare in Malaysia Scoring 95 points out of a possible 100, Malaysia takes the top spot in the Healthcare category of our Annual Global Retirement Index. The healthcare in the Southeast Asian gem is simply world class with up-to-date and sophisticated infrastructure.
With 13 JCI accredited hospitals in the country and almost every doctor fluent in English. In fact, most doctors were trained in the UK, U.S., or Australia so communicating is flawless. It’s not surprising it’s a top medical tourist destination. The Joint Commission International is considered the gold standard in healthcare assessment around the globe, and it certifies four hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s bustling capital, and two in Penang. There are private and public hospitals and expats can choose whichever one suits their needs. The private hospitals tend to be a bit more expensive but are more up to Western standards than the public hospitals. Even at the private hospitals, the treatment is so affordable that for minor visits some people pay out of pocket. Here, you don’t need an appointment to see a specialist, and you don’t need a referral from a GP. It’s as simple as registering at a hospital of your choice and waiting in line to see your specialist of choice. Prescriptions in Malaysia cost a fraction of what you pay at home. But it’s not just the cost that’s attractive–it’s the service. The pharmacists, like the rest of Malaysia’s medical staff, are well trained and informed. Malaysians are friendly people, but it’s the genuine interest that they take which impresses. IL Malaysia Correspondent Keith Hockton, who lives in Penang says, “Recently, I decided on a whim to have a medical. I’d never had one done before and as I had a free morning I decided just to pop in to the Lam Wah Eee Hospital. I was already registered and found myself sitting outside a GP’s office not five minutes after arriving. Within an hour, I had been examined by a doctor, had an ECG and blood and urine tests done…and I was on my way home.
“The total cost of the visit was just $44. The doctor who had examined me called me later that afternoon with the results. It’s this level of service that makes medical in Malaysia not only an attractive option but also a non-scary one. It’s all so easy."
Healthcare in Malaysia For years, many people from surrounding countries, like Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Singapore, have come to Malaysia for affordable, high-quality healthcare. All the doctors speak English and most were trained in the UK, U.S., or Australia so they are familiar with Western standards of care. Also, many of the hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and Penang are JCI accredited, meaning that they are considered to meet the gold standard in healthcare throughout the globe. More than 800,000 foreigners seek treatment in the hospitals in Penang and Kuala Lumpur every year. There are specialists in every hospital, but unlike in the U.S., you don’t have to wait for months to get an appointment. Just turn up to the hospital, register, then take a number and wait your turn. If you are then referred to another doctor or need to get an X-ray or scan, that will also happen on the same day in the same place. Prescriptions in Malaysia cost a third of what you pay at home. But it’s not just the cost that’s attractive; it’s the service. The pharmacists, like the rest of Malaysia’s medical staff, are well trained and informed. Malaysians are friendly people, but it’s the genuine interest that they take in you, no matter how small or large the issue, which impresses. It takes you back to a time when personal service meant something. That same service is alive and well here. There are doctor’s clinics throughout the country, which are perfect places to get treatment for something minor like a cold, flu, or sinus infection. They usually charge $10 and because these are small clinics you won’t have to wait as long as you would in a busy hospital. But for anything more serious, it’s best to go to a specialist or general practitioner in one of the many top-notch hospitals in the country. A first-time doctor or specialist visit is usually between $15 to $65 with follow-up visits around $11 to $28. If you are admitted, the overnight stay will cost roughly $55 to $200 for a private room per night. Many of the hospitals offer health screening packages which include a physical, chest X-ray, ECG, blood work (43 different tests), abdomen ultrasound, and a vision test. More specific tests can be added on but the basic package starts at less than $120. Dentistry in Penang is just as high quality. Just like the doctors, most are schooled in the West and speak English. The technology is the same, and in some cases more advanced than at home, depending on the office you go to. Cleanings start at $22 at a modern office with state of the art equipment, and it’s only $29 for a filling. Porcelain crowns start at $400, all just a fraction of the cost in the U.S. There is a two-tier healthcare system in Malaysia; government-run universal healthcare and a co-existing private healthcare system. Expats can choose whatever hospital they want and pay out of pocket if they don’t have insurance. Most expats choose to go to the private hospitals (which tend to be more expensive) instead of the public ones and will still save money when they pay out of pocket for most minor visits. Private health insurance is available, and many expats take out policies for any major health issues. International insurance companies like AIG, BUPA, and Cigna offer various plans for expats—some include medical coverage while you travel as well. Great Health Care at a Low Cost in Malaysia Penang-healthcare There’s so much to love about island life in Penang, Malaysia, that it’s hard to know where to start. My wife Lisa and I spend just $1,719 a month to live here, and that’s renting with an ocean view and eating out regularly in the island’s amazing restaurants. There are plenty of sandy beaches to stroll on, jungle trails to explore, and the historic colonial architecture is unique, seen nowhere else in the world. Plus English is widely spoken and there’s a friendly and open expat community. But one of the things we are most grateful for is the health care, which is among the world’s best—and cheapest. It’s rare we need to use it, but when we do, it’s good to know we’re dealing with the very best doctors and at very low prices. There’s a reason four plane-loads of medical tourists land in Penang every day. A visit to the dentist for an annual checkup was never a pleasant experience at home, but here it actually is. The staff are friendly, professional, and genuinely happy to see you. My dentist is a lovely Chinese woman who was trained in the U.S and the U.K. Her studio is state-of-the art and, as the seat reclines, a flat-screen TV showing Animal Planet episodes magically appears from the ceiling. Your mind is immediately someplace else as you feel yourself instantly relaxing. A checkup costs $9, and if you include a cleaning, $15. The last time I was there I needed a filling and a cleaning, and that visit came to just $22.50. In the U.S. this would set me back around $180. Prescriptions here cost a fifth of what we pay at home. But it’s not just the cost that’s attractive; it’s the service. The pharmacists, like the rest of the medical staff in Malaysia, are well-trained and informed. Malaysians are a friendly people, but it’s the genuine interest that they take in you, no matter how small or large the issue, which impresses. It takes you back to a time when service meant something. When bank managers used to have a coffee with you and actually cared about your well-being. That same service is alive and well here!
In a way, most of us are glad that Bill Watterson has shunned all proposals and attempts to commercialize
or put Calvin & Hobbes onto the big screen. There are actually no rights given to anything, be it keychains, tee shirts, etc... If you do get some, they are all fakes and just entrepreneurs trying to make a buck off C&H. In a way, our memories are intact in a way that isn't rehashed or regurgitated via new waves of realistic graphics. Calvin & Hobbes stayed true only in our minds and imagination, without anyone showing us how to see, how to feel, how to experience life. Which is why, reading this story is like receiving a long postcard from a very good friend, far far away. Telling us how he is doing. A word of warning if you are a true fan of Calvin & Hobbes, you will cry. A brilliant writer just took a snap of Calvin as he prepares to live his final moments on earth. The story humanizes Calvin and yet made Calvin & Hobbes more than just a figment of our imagination. It is as if we actually grew up with both of them, even as adulthood set in ... a most wonderful, touching closure for all. https://medium.com/@playmaker/in-the-final-minutes-of-his-life-calvin-has-one-last-talk-with-hobbes-4f6d76dc9cae
“Calvin? Calvin, sweetheart?” In the darkness Calvin heard the sound of Susie, his wife of fifty-three years. Calvin struggled to open his eyes. God, he was so tired and it took so much strength. Slowly, light replaced the darkness, and soon vision followed. At the foot of his bed stood his wife. Calvin wet his dry lips and spoke hoarsely, “Did… did you…. find him?” “Yes dear,” Susie said smiling sadly, “He was in the attic. “ Susie reached into her big purse and brought out a soft, old, orange tiger doll. Calvin could not help but laugh. It had been so long. Too long. “l washed him for you,” Susie said, her voice cracking a little as she laid the stuffed tiger next to her husband. “Thank you, Susie.” Calvin said. A few moments passed as Calvin just laid on his hospital bed, his head turned to the side, staring at the old toy with nostalgia. “Dear,” Calvin said finally. “Would you mind leaving me alone with Hobbes for a while? I would like to catch up with him.” “All right,” Susie said. “I’ll get something to eat in the cafeteria. I’ll be back soon.” Susie kissed her husband on the forehead and turned to leave. With sudden but gentle strength Calvin stopped her. Lovingly he pulled his wife in and gave her a passionate kiss on the lips. “l love you,” he said. “And I love you,” said Susie. Susie turned and left. Calvin saw tears streaming from her face as she went out the door. Calvin then turned to face his oldest and dearest friend. “Hello Hobbes. It’s been a long time hasn't it old pal?” Hobbes was no longer a stuffed doll but the big furry old tiger Calvin had always remembered. “It sure has, Calvin.” said Hobbes. “You… haven’t changed a bit.” Calvin smiled. “You've changed a lot.” Hobbes said sadly. Calvin laughed, “Really? I haven’t noticed at all.” There was a long pause. The sound of a clock ticking away the seconds rang throughout the sterile hospital room. “So… you married Susie Derkins.” Hobbes said, finally smiling. “l knew you always liked her.” “Shut up!” Calvin said, his smile bigger than ever. “Tell me everything I missed. I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to!” Hobbes said, excited. And so Calvin told him everything. He told him about how he and Susie fell in love in high school and had married after graduating from college, about his three kids and four grand-kids, how he turned Spaceman Spiff into one of the most popular sci-fi novels of the decade, and so on. After he told Hobbes all this there was another pregnant pause. “You know… I visited you in the attic a bunch of times.” Calvin said. “l know.” “But I couldn’t see you. All I saw was a stuffed animal.” Calvin’s voice was breaking and tears of regret started welling up in his eyes. “You grew up old buddy.” said Hobbes. “I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry I broke my promise! I promised I wouldn’t grow up and that we’d be together forever!!” Calvin broke down and sobbed, hugging his best friend. Hobbes stroked Calvin’s hair, or what little was left of it. “But you didn’t.” “What do you mean?” “We were always together…. In our dreams.” “We were?” “We were.” “Hobbes?” “Yeah, old buddy?” “I’m so glad I got to see you like this… one last time…” “Me too, Calvin. Me too.” “Sweetheart?” Susie voice came from outside the door. “Yes dear?” Calvin replied. “Can I come in?” Susie asked. “Just a minute.” Calvin turned to face Hobbes one last time. “Goodbye Hobbes. Thanks… for everything…” ‘No, thank you Calvin.” Hobbes said. Calvin turned back to the door and said, “You can come in now.” Susie came in and said, “Look who’s come to visit you.” Calvin’s children and grandchildren followed Susie into the room. The youngest grandchild ran past the rest of them and hugged Calvin in a hard, excited hug. “Grandpa!!” screamed the child in delight. “Francis!” cried Calvin’s daughter, “Be gentle with your grandfather.” Calvin’s daughter turned to her dad. “I’m sorry, Daddy. Francis never seems to behave these days. He just runs around making a mess and coming up with strange stories.” Calvin laughed and said, “Well now! That sound just like me when I was his age.” Calvin and his family chatted some more until a nurse said, “Sorry, but visiting hours are almost up.” Calvin’s beloved family said good bye and promised to visit tomorrow. As they turned to leave Calvin said, “Francis. Come here for a second.” Francis came over to his grandfather’s side, “What is it Gramps?” Calvin reached over to the stuffed tiger on his bedside and held him out shakily to his grandson, who looked exactly as he did so many years ago. “This is Hobbes. He was my best friend when I was your age. I want you to have him.” ‘He’s just a stuffed tiger.” Francis said, eyebrows raised. Calvin laughed, “Well, let me tell you a secret.” Francis leaned closer to Calvin. Calvin whispered, “If you catch him in a tiger trap using a tuna sandwich as bait he will turn into a real tiger.” Francis gasped in delighted awe. Calvin continued, “Not only that he will be your best friend forever.” “Wow! Thanks grandpa!” Francis said, hugging his grandpa tightly again. “Francis! We need to go now!” Calvin’s daughter called. “Okay!” Francis shouted back. “Take good care of him.” Calvin said. “l will.” Francis said before running off after the rest of the family. Calvin laid on his back and stared at the ceiling. The time to go was close. He could feel it in his soul. Calvin tried to remember a quote he read in a book once. It said something about death being the next great adventure or something like that. His eyelids grew heavy and his breathing slowed. As he went deeper into his final sleep he heard Hobbes, as if he was right next to him at his bedside. “I’ll take care of him, Calvin…” Calvin took his first step toward one more adventure and breathed his last with a grin on his face. Source: This guy just changed the way we see Calvin and Hobbes
