Malaysia's aftertaste

I do not grow fins or scales whenever I eat fish and chips, but I am overcome by the sea of nostalgia filling me as I remember two people who have made a difference in my life. The first one is Hidayah, a Malay girl who radically changed my view of the Islamic community. Whereas before I was a staunch believer of Islam being equananimous to the entirety of one's being, I have come to understand that though it plays a huge role in the formation of one's values, it does not make the person different from all the other ones with different religions. I have always tolerated their presence and accepted them as they are without question having been born and raised in Mindanao. But my friendship with Hidayah has made me appreciate how Muslims value their faith and go to great lengths just to practice it. The other one is that boy who made me feel I am attractive and worth all the effort. I clearly remember those numerous times he drives to my former hostel found on a hill just to bring me some fish and chips take out so he can share it with me whenever I make all sorts of excuses just so I do not see him. That day, when I had to say goodbye as I am to return to the Philippines, I finally agreed that he take me out on a date at a nice restaurant so we could eat fish and chips on a candle lit dinner for the first and last time.