(For context, I always walk home from the MRT, even though it isn’t near, as it’s good for my soul, and also saves me a few dollars as a bonus)
Amidst the thunderstorm as I exited MRT, I thought hmmm, maybe I should take the bus today. But then I saw some people just bravely go about their walk home. So I thought, ok u know what, if I follow them and lightning strikes, I won’t die alone. So I walked behind a lady (she looked just a little older than me, so I trusted she knew what she was doing…).
Walking through the storm was pretty scary ngl. The sky flashing to white at random intervals was quite heebie-jeebies inducing. The flimsy state of my nearing end-of-life 7-11 umbrella wasn’t exactly reassuring. The pavement was also wet, which was not pleasant for my shoes and socks. A little sense of regret in my decision to walk started emerging… maybe not just a little.
Anyways, we stopped at a traffic light. There was a big puddle in front of us. I thought, yea this can’t be good. Sure enough, cars came and splashed both of us. The lady was smart enough to stand behind a little bit afterwards. I wasn’t, as being the wise guy I am, I thought “nah it’s not that bad, besides how likely would that happen twice?”
Another car passed by and splashed me again. Only then did I think, yea ok nvm I was wrong, and turned around to move back.
Upon seeing my miserable state, the lady was kind and gave me space to stand. She even lightly gestured to stand closer to her, away from that stupid puddle. Her gesture made it suddenly feel not so cold anymore. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
At that point I couldn’t help but smile like a goof, partly due to her kindness and partly because my mind went blank trying to comprehend everything happening. She smiled back, with her eyes (as she was wearing a mask) as if to say “yea, I feel you bro”. That’s as genuine a human connection as it gets, I remember thinking.
We then waited for the light to change in silence. The light changed to green, we crossed and went our separate ways. I didn’t really think too much about it at the time, because I was freezing my balls off, but looking back, that short moment of connection, between 2 splash victims, was probably more wholesome than it had to be, sprinkling a dose of joy amidst the storm. It is therefore the highlight of my day. My shoes and socks would not agree.
18.06.2025
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