Touched by a stranger

It was a weird and disturbing Wednesday.

It was raining outside. I was inside a mall by myself. I felt sick, weak and like throwing up. I think I had too much to eat that day. Or maybe because I lacked sleep. When I don't get enough sleep, I couldn't eat well. I've been like this for the past two weeks, and it's sad. I get allergies now more than ever. I know something's wrong with my body.

Back to the story.

I couldn't walk anymore. I'd stay inside a restaurant, but what to order? I don't want to think. I couldn't think.

A sea of people. Someone touches my shoulder from behind. Everything around me stopped. Silence drowned the chattering people. It was a weird sensation, I was prepared to see the Virgin Mary in front of me. In slow motion, I looked back to see who's responsible for all of this. A girl handed me a letter.

SCAM. Fuck. Putangina! I clenched my wrist and I was about to hit this girl.

Flashback. Stories of being hypnotized by strangers and end up being robbed.

The girl was now in front of me. I tried to avoid her eyes. I was successful. I gently pushed her away and walked as fast as I could.

Until now, I'm thinking of her. Not because I feel sorry, but because her touch bothered me. The eerie sensation is still in my body. I couldn't help it. I had to write this down. Just to get it all out.

Christmas is near. People are crazy for money.

While driving along Cubao, two street boys cornered a taxi waiting for the stoplight to go green. I was behind the cab. The boy by the passenger's seat window was knocking asking for alms. On the other hand, the other kid tries to open the driver's door and grabs whatever he could from the driver's dashboard. As it turns out, the kid begging for alms was distracting the driver. Lights turn green, but the cab and I didn't make it to the intersection. A new pair arrives and does the same to the driver. Now I was scared.

Ano kayang iniisip ng driver ngayon? Takot? Galit? And were the kids able to get anything from the driver?

Christmases are supposed to be about love and Jesus and merriment and gifts and thankfulness. These poor people puts a bad reputation to it. So don't hate me when I don't give to the poor or mock them, I've had my taste of being robbed several times. Laptop, wallet, iPod, cellphone and whathaveyou. I've got enough angst to last a lifetime. Nothing wrong with being poor, it's how you work for a living that bothers me.

Kung ako naging mahirap, I won't steal. I'd be a jeepney barker, a farmer, or a janitor. But I won't steal from other people. I won't blame the rich for my misfortunes. That's just me.

Sa bagay, may mga milyonaryo nga diyan na nagnanakaw pa din eh. Yun nga lang, mas professional sila, hindi sa kalsada ang raket nila, sa opisina.

Happy barangay elecetions people!