Today, within a 3-hour travel on the bus / train / visit to pay respect at the wake of a friend’s father, I was confronted with the reality of growing old in the midst of self-focused youngsters.
On the onward journey, a 20 something lady with her headphones on her ears, was sitting next to me. For about 15 minutes I had to endure her music as she ‘enjoyed’ it. I am not sure if she can enjoy it – loud and very techno type of music. I prayed the entire journey that I would not get irritated by the music and lose my peace. I was thankful she got off the train midway through my journey.
On the way back in the train [again], a young couple boarded the train soon after I started my journey. Dressed rather punk, the young boy [under 20] started to sample music on his mobile phone without headphones. It was very inconsiderately loud and again very techno style type of music. He stood in front of me and I am particularly sensitive to high pitch so I asked with a smile and in a gentle voice [was conscious not to be negative], ‘excuse me, excuse me, is it ok to bring down the volume a little, just a little?’ He glared at me, muttered in his native language which I happen to understand. Not only did he not lower the volume, he upped it intentionally. Other people started to stare at them. The gal must had felt uncomfortable, she decided to get off the train and the young chap followed. He glared at me as he alighted, as if to intimidate me. I gave him my firm stare too.
A teenager trying to dominate a 50 year old aunty, hmmmm. Very sad. What kind of care can I expect in another 15 years, when I might be in a home for the aged?
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