angels

I had 46 yuan in my purse. I had to go home and I had hopped in a taxi without thinking about how much cash I needed. Soon the numbers were racking up and I knew we were still in the wrong part of the town. I asked to driver to please take me to a metro station. He did. I climbed out and dumped all my cash into his hands plus an American $20 bill. I felt bad and blubbered, "Sorry," in Chinese. He stared at the American bill for a long time, turning it over and over in his hand. He had no idea how big of a tip I just gave him. Who know what he'll do with it.

He drove off and I stood on a road. I didn't know where to go. In a bright internet café a man explained where the train underground was.

Down the escalator of the metro, I dug into my purse for my subway card. Thank goodness I had that. The lights of the subway were too strong and I felt tired. And people always stare at me, but I've gotten used to that. I try to ignore it. Tonight it was easy.

I wondered how I was going to get home from the closest station. I had no money. My bank card doesn't work here. The woman at the service desk of the subway looked forebearing but I was desperate. "Could I take money off my subway card?"

No response.

No English I guess.

The man behind me said he could help me. I explained how I needed cash - twenty kuai - to get home (that's about $3). He handed me 20 yuan. I sighed. "Thank you."

He helped me and then he left my life. I'll never see him again. But he helped me.