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Strangers

You see him at a distance waiting at the bus stop. He appears not to have noticed you, which is quite a relief. It would have been impolite to not approach him had he seen you. However, if you did approach him, you would have had to make conversation, not just for the duration at the bus stop, but also in the bus, on the walk to the MRT and then on the MRT for a few stops until he alighted. The mind seemed to cringe at the idea. Yes he was a nice person but making small talk seemed such a hassle when you could be on your phone or book immersed in a world more pleasurable and friendly to you.

But why? To be honest I do not know him that well. He has family, kids, opinions and life stories, all if explored could be more interesting than the cute cat video on Youtube. Why do we shy away from conversation with most people while we have a lot to say to others? Is it a lack of trust? Is it a lack of curiosity in someone else's life? Is he just a boring person? Or are we just conforming to societal expectations that does not allow us to dip below certain depths of familiarity with most people lest we invade their private space? Probably a bit of everything.

I take a strategic position behind the pillar from where I can feign ignorance of not having seen him. Yet another day gone and along with it the chance to truly connect with someone.

So much time spent together and yet strangers still.
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