People Watching

I am on yet another bus. Sometimes, when I let my mind drift I forget where I am going. I forget my destination. I forget my reason for being on the bus. When my reading choice goes stale and my music no long amuses me, I look around at my fellow passengers. Where are they going? What are their reasons? What are their destinations? Everywhere I go, I can’t help but people watch. They represent a sea of stories I will never know.

THE MONK
He is young. I would say he looks about 20 or 30, but experience guessing ages in Vietnam tells me he is probably 40. The burnt orange robe and the shaved head distinguish him. His dress commands respect and reverence from the other passengers and even the driver. I have never seen a bus driver ask for money so politely from someone else after two months and over a dozen bus rides. As the bumpy journey on a road ridden with pot holes continues, the monk produces a phone. After careful examination (in a less creepy manner), I notice the phone appears to be a top of the line Samsung model. He places headphones in his ears and switches it on. The volume is turned up and the Vietnamese rap, then R&B, then techno like music blasts for the other passengers to… enjoy. Is this the life of all monks? Probably not.

THE ONE WITH THE HIGH FASHION CAP
Shiny flash pants that are just a little too big, a shear almost see through black and white top and of course the black high fashion cap complete with yellow rhinestones and a large white bow. Her face has been painted by age and textured by experiences. The soft look in her eyes indicates a gentle nature. At the pit stop she gets off and buys a handful of treats. I wonder where she is going and who she is buying the treats for. She sits eager to arrive. Adorable.

OFF THE BUS
He is older, probably 10. She is younger maybe 5. It is clear that she looks up to him. This is not only because she is noticeable shorter, but because this person is her big brother, her guardian in her parents’ absence. I sit at a fast food type restaurant and watch him order for both of them. She stretches to look over the counter to study his demeanor and his food selection. Craning her neck she mimics his facial expression as he studies the menu. The food arrives promptly and he lifts the tray and gives it to her. She takes it and carefully carries it to the table for the two of them, being vigilant in maintaining the levelness of the tray. After they eat, he stands up and moves the tray. She is two steps behind him, looking around as though guarding him from other people. Will they maintain this friendship in the same way as they grow older?