Unexpected encounter

I’ve lost touch with my schoolmates, having been away for so long. I’m also bad at keeping in touch. So, eventually, all connections are lost.

I ran into a former secondary school classmate recently outside a bank. By some miracle, I remembered his name as Amir so I called out to him. It was so awkward I almost regretted it.

My name drew a blank stare and an awkward smile. I mentioned our school, class, and the name of a fierce teacher who terrorized us, and finally, he showed some recognition. I think he recognized our common past, not me. I don’t think he remembered me. Regardless, we shared brief updates about where life had taken us, and I found myself admiring him.

He started working after Form 6 to help his single father support his two younger brothers’ education. He married his childhood sweetheart in his early 20s. Their son is finishing secondary school this year. He now works as a clerk. He also delivers food to supplement his income. His wife sells something online from home; what I can’t remember.

It was obvious his family was not well-off and he had given up a lot when he was younger. But he seemed content. All I could tell him in my halting BM was I worked overseas for some 20 years, saved money, and came home jobless. Financially okay but ‘menganggur’ - part of the country’s unemployment rate.

My joblessness amused him. He probably couldn’t fathom living without gainful employment. I think we were both aware of the irony of our different situations.

We exchanged numbers to keep in touch. I don’t know if we would but it seemed to be the natural thing to do before saying goodbye.