Day 95: Teh Tarik Therapy

Today started with a level of exhaustion I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Back-to-back assignments, group projects, and an impending quiz had turned my brain into mush. Even Faisal, who’s usually the group’s high-energy cheerleader, looked like he was running on fumes. Amanda, ever the perfectionist, had dark circles under her eyes from pulling another all-nighter.

By lunchtime, it was clear we needed a break. “I’m calling it,” Amanda announced in our group chat. “Let’s ditch the library and go for teh tarik.”

We all agreed. Honestly, we didn’t need much convincing.

The mamak stall we went to was a favorite hangout spot for students. It had plastic chairs, laminated menus, and the distinct aroma of fried noodles and curry wafting through the air. The real star of the place, though, was their legendary teh tarik—frothy, sweet, and capable of curing even the worst case of academic burnout.

As soon as we sat down, Faisal perked up. “One roti canai and double teh tarik, boss!” he yelled to the waiter like he owned the place. Amanda rolled her eyes but ordered the same, while Yusof went for nasi lemak. I stuck to my usual: maggi goreng and a hot teh tarik.

Once the food arrived, the table went quiet for a few minutes as we devoured our meals. For a while, it felt like all our stress melted away, replaced by the simple joy of greasy comfort food and good company.

“So, who’s ready for tomorrow’s quiz?” Amanda asked, breaking the silence.

Everyone groaned.

“I haven’t even opened the textbook,” Faisal admitted, sipping his teh tarik like it was a magic potion that could somehow make him smarter.

“You mean the one you borrowed from me last week?” Yusof asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Uh… maybe?” Faisal said sheepishly.

Amanda sighed. “This is why you’re always scrambling last minute.”

“Hey, I work well under pressure,” Faisal shot back.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “You mean you barely work under pressure.”

The conversation drifted from the quiz to campus gossip and back to the ridiculous moments we’d shared over the semester. Amanda told us about the time she accidentally emailed a professor a meme instead of her assignment. Faisal recounted his infamous karaoke performance at the festival, which still haunted him. Even Yusof, who rarely cracks jokes, shared a story about how he once got locked out of his dorm in nothing but a towel.

“Teh tarik therapy,” Faisal declared, raising his glass like he was toasting to a room full of dignitaries. “Better than any spa or vacation.”

“Agreed,” Amanda said, smiling.

For a moment, I forgot about the quiz, the assignments, and the looming deadlines. It hit me that these little moments—sharing laughs over food and drinks, teasing each other, and just being present—were the real highlights of college life.

By the time we left the mamak, we were in much better spirits. “Alright, back to the grind,” Amanda said, clapping her hands. “No excuses. Quiz prep starts now.”

“After a nap,” Faisal added, earning a glare from Amanda.

Lesson of the day: Sometimes, you need to hit pause and recharge. A cup of teh tarik and good company can work wonders for the soul—and maybe even make the chaos of college life a little more bearable.