It Could Happen To You

Once again, a sleepless night…  I was walking down Session Road on a cold December evening. I came from a coffee with a long-time friend in a well-known café in the City. I must be dreaming and oblivious of the people around me. Suddenly, I felt pain on my right shoulder and a high-pitched voice saying “Tanga kitam ti dalan mo” I was jolted back to reality and realized I bumped into a lady dressed like she was going to a party. I said “Sorry” and she said “sorry, sorry nu dika met gaga”.  I said “sorry” again and turned my back ready to ignore the incident and continue down the road while she stood there mumbling. 

Then I noticed that she was on the wrong lane. When walking regardless where, always take the right side.  I turned to face her again and said “Magandang Ginang you were on the wrong side you should have been on the right side going up but you were on the left”.  Now “sino ang tanga at gaga sa atin?”  and left.  I will never forget that face… it was contorted with anger and bitterness. 

One day, I was at my office engrossed on editing a document that needed to be submitted that day when I heard a voice say “Good morning ma’am”. I looked up and I saw the very face I had the misfortune of meeting a year earlier. She too was stunned as color suffused her face and she stood rooted just at the entry to my office. 

I stood up and waited for her to collect her wits without saying anything. I felt more than saw how much she wanted to be in any other place but my office.  I knew she wanted to run away from me but her helplessness prevented her from leaving. 

I said “anything I can do for you?” She came forward slowly and told me her name. I stared at her as she apologized for what happened that day. She told me she was having a heavy problem then and started to tell me about it but I cut her and said. She did not have to tell me. I told her I forgot all about the incident until I saw her again.  

She kept apologizing and I told her to forget it. It has been a long time and I know that several  times over the past year she must have thought of that incident and that is enough chastisement.  She thanked me and started to tell me the reason she came to see me.

To make the story short, I extended assistance and went a mile more. I thought this may humble her and hopefully teach her lessons.  Mine is – DO NOT WALK DOWN SESSION ROAD TAKE A CAB.. hehehe.

Lesson? KARMA