Losin’ My … Something!

It was Christmas evening and I was by myself at home. I was fine but decided to get out and drop off a present for my favourite restaurant owner. On my way, I ran into my superintendent and asked him how he was doing and he responded with “Stage 5 cancer” and I thought to myself that there is nothing past “Stage 4”; however, I didn’t feel it was the best time to question it! I did feel terrible for him and hoped he would beat it. I instinctively reached out and gave him a hug and walked away. I had nothing else to say.

At the restaurant, I dropped off the present for the owner-friend who wasn’t working on Christmas evening. I was going to go back home but decided to go out for dinner instead. As I walked into this other relatively new neighbourhood restaurant, I thought of how bare it looked. There was just one family who had made themselves comfortable over several tables. I quietly found a table in a corner and sat down.

So, that was me in the corner …

I could literally see everyone and everything. Strangely, within minutes, people started walking in. A young couple sat across from me, and the woman kept calling the man “husband” and touching his hair. Then, 3 young men walked in. After that, a family of 6 joined us; at which point, they had to ask the family that spread themselves to restrict themselves to one table. The service was lethargic. There was just one guy trying to serve many tables. I was okay to wait, and I almost wanted to wait on the other tables that were getting impatient.

Eventually, my food arrived and I ate leisurely as I continued to observe the *characters* around me.

Then, that was me in the spotlight …

I decide to pay at the cash register. As I walked up, I saw a mother and son walk in. I recognized the mother and she wanted to know if I was getting take-out. So, I told her that I had just finished eating and was leaving. She looked around, and I told her that I was there by myself. I let her know that the boys were with their father. She reached out and gave me a hug. Right at that moment, a family of 4 walked in and I recognized that mother as well. I quickly acknowledged her and walked out!

As I walked home, I started humming the R.E.M. song. I could finally relate to it.