Within 24 hours after The Online Citizen had published its piece, Jessica’s clip hit the magical number of ten thousand views. Both The Real Singapore and Wake Up Singapore enjoyed a smaller viewership, but Jessica’s clip became their most viewed nonetheless. Everyone at Migrant Workers Count Too was ecstatic. No one chose to dwell on the fact that Siow Har’s face did not appear in the clip, nor her name in the written article.

Omala decided to ride the wave of publicity. She wrote in to the seven major operators running dormitories for migrant workers to make a request. Her volunteers would schedule a visit to distribute bicycle lights, and the process would be filmed as footage for an upcoming documentary on Operation Release Them from the Dark. All seven operators turned her down. Omala had to call them one by one and threaten to expose their rejection to the media before four of the seven caved in.

Over the next two weeks, Omala arranged for Jessica and a team of volunteers to spearhead the distribution efforts. There were mixed reactions from the migrant workers. Some were genuinely happy to receive the gifts. Others looked grouchy and resentful. The team was initially puzzled by the unexpected resentment until Krison spoke to one of the migrant workers and found out that they had been made to scrub and clean their dormitories until two o’clock in the morning preceding the visit from the team. When Krison reported the matter to Omala, she frowned in disgust but asked that the team not disclose what they knew. The dormitory operators’ action was exploitative and distasteful but the information should be buried in order not to jeopardise Operation Release Them from the Dark.

Upon their release, the video clips were so well received that several eminent bloggers wrote in to request collaborations. All of them wanted to interview Jessica and do a write-up on the operation. Omala encouraged Jessica to accept the challenge. “Take on the attention coming your way and convert it into positive energy. Your efforts will power up the $2 bicycle lights and allow them to shine deep into every heart.”

Jessica felt a swelling in her chest. She was finally in a position to make a difference.

Where have you been, Jess? I haven’t seen you in more than a week!

Andreae’s text message made Jessica feel guilty. Not only had she been skipping lectures to work on Operation Release Them from the Dark, she had been neglecting her close friend.

So sorry, dear. Have been crazy busy!

I know! You are all over social media. But there’s something important I need to discuss with you. Free tomorrow night?

Sure. What is it about?

Meet me 9pm Coffee Club Holland Village. You’ll find out.

The following night, Jessica turned up to find Andreae seated at a table with seating for three. “Do we have company?”

“Yes, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

“Who?”