In an old HDB flat in Sembawang lived a boy named Wei Lun. The three-room flat was on the 10th floor, with a stunning and calming view of the forest. From the tender age of three, Wei Lun had a friend whom he called Peter. Peter bore a striking resemblance to Wei Lun—same tousled black hair, twinkling brown eyes, and a cheeky grin that could light up the dullest of days.

Peter would appear at random times and always seemed to arrive when Wei Lun needed him most. The two boys spent countless hours engaged in the most imaginative games. They constructed forts from cushions, transforming the living room into a medieval castle or a pirate ship. They raced toy cars across the tiled floors, creating makeshift tracks with whatever they could find. Hide-and-seek was a particular favourite, with Peter always finding the most ingenious hiding spots.

Peter had a way of making the ordinary extraordinary. A simple game of hide-and-seek became an epic adventure, with the HDB flat morphing into a vast labyrinth. Pillows and blankets became the foundation of grand castles and intricate cities. The two boys would get lost in their world of make-believe until Wei Lun's mother called him for lunch or dinner.

Each visit from Peter ended with a sad farewell. Peter would always say he had to leave but promised to return soon. Wei Lun's heart would ache at his friend's departure, but the promise of their next adventure kept his spirits high.

On the day Wei Lun turned five, he and Peter were in his room, playing a lively game of Happy Family. Laughter echoed through the room as they shared silly jokes and stories. The sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over their play area. But suddenly, Peter's laughter ceased. A melancholy shadow crossed his face.

"What's wrong, Peter?" Wei Lun asked, his small voice tinged with concern.

Peter sighed deeply, his eyes brimming with sadness. "Wei Lun, I can't play with you anymore. You're getting too old for me."

Tears welled up in Wei Lun's eyes as he clutched Peter's hand. "But why? Where are you going? Can I come with you?"

Peter shook his head gently. "No, Wei Lun. I can't tell you where I'm going. But remember, I'll always be with you in your heart."

Peter stood up, casting one last, lingering look at Wei Lun. "Goodbye, Wei Lun," he whispered, before slipping out of his room.

That night, Wei Lun cried himself to sleep, his small heart shattered by the loss of his cherished friend. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and soon, years had flown by. Peter became a distant, bittersweet memory.

It was not until Wei Lun was much older, a teenager navigating the complexities of secondary school, that he stumbled upon an old family photo album. One rainy afternoon, he decided to explore the dusty shelves in the storeroom. As he flipped through the pages, he came across a photograph that made his heart skip a beat. There, standing next to his parents, was a boy who looked exactly like Peter.

Curious, Wei Lun asked his mother about the boy in the photo. With a sorrowful expression, she revealed the truth. "That was your elder brother, and he passed away when he was just three years old, a few years before you were born."

The revelation hit Wei Lun like a wave, and suddenly, everything made sense. His mysterious playmate, his unique friend, had been the spirit of his deceased brother, who had come to play with him during those early years.

Though their time together had been brief, Wei Lun knew that Peter had given him a precious gift—the gift of companionship and love that transcended even the boundaries of life and death. He remembered every game they played, every laugh they shared, and every tear they shed. And with that knowledge, Wei Lun found solace, knowing that Peter would always be a part of him. As he looked out at the city skyline from his room, Wei Lun smiled, feeling his brother's presence beside him, knowing that Peter's spirit would guide him through life's adventures.