MUNI adventures: Conversation with Tim
I hopped on the M train to work this morning, as I always do, and sat on the first seat that caught my eye. At the next stop, a rather dishelved man came bumbling in, exclaiming “Excuse me miss” at the lady who stepped in ahead of him. He continued, saying “What stop are you getting off at miss?” The lady ignored him, as did most of the people on the train. I’m guessing it’s because he looked and sounded a little mentally disabled.
He then sat next to me, still glancing in her direction. He smelled surprisingly clean; like he had just stepped out of the shower. He was wearing all grey clothes, a red hat, and a pair of beaded black gloves. He then proceeded to rifle through his bag, and took out a sandwich to eat. He looked at me. Almost immediately, he struck me as an innocent; that his mental disability was a result of birth. It was evident in his eyes and his mannerisms. He began to speak.
Him: Hi.
Me: Hi.
Him: What stop are you getting off at?
Me: Oh, later on the line. (I didn’t want to be specific)
Him: Oh okay. *pause*. Are you doing anything for Valentine’s Day?
Me: Yeah. I’ll be with my husband.
Him: Oh okay. *pause* *takes off his hat* Does my hair look cut?
Me: *looks at his hair. it looks like he just got it cut.* Yeah, it looks cut.
Him: Okay. *pause* Is it 10:45 yet?
Me: No. *glance at watch*. It’s only 9:15.
Him: Oh. *pause* Oh, my name is Tim! *holds hand out*
Me: Hi Tim! *shakes hand*
Tim: Do you think I’ll get a date for Valentine’s Day?
Me: Maybe. *smile*
Tim: Mm. I really want a date for Valentine’s Day. *glances at the lady’s direction*
Me: Maybe you will.
Tim: Is it bad to not have a date for Valentine’s Day?
Me: No. It’s just an ordinary day. Nothing that special.
Tim: Okay. *pause* Does my hair look cut?
The conversation then sort of repeats itself, by him continuing to ask me if his hair looks cut, if it was 10:45 yet, and if I thought he’ll get a date for Valentine’s Day. I kinda humored him a little, and smiled and laughed most of the way. It felt like he needed it somehow. When I got out, I almost felt bad for leaving him alone. Maybe I was the naive one, but that’s just how it felt.
Hey Tim, here’s hoping you do get a date some day. Even if it’s not for Valentine’s Day.
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