Apparently, today, August 22, is the date that was given to my director at Zhanghe, of when I would be leaving. So, without any pick up or assistance, I made my way to Astrid’s, where I would be staying for the duration of my stay in Taiwan (until the 28th). I packed, and repacked, and repacked again in a frenzy; my luggage and bag seemed to weigh too heavy. Lugging it across the school yard was hard enough, and I had the genius idea to walk to the 捷運站 (MRT station).
Big mistake. This normally wouldn’t have been a problem, but I had about 20lbs on my back, and another 50lbs in my luggage - even after I cut ties with a lot of my meager possessions. To make matters worse, the sun beat down on me, and I did not have a water bottle; I wanted to be as light as possible. 大, 大, 大 (big, big, big) mistake.
Feeling dehydrated, tired, scared, and defeated, I struggled along. I made it about half way, taking little breaks along the way. I felt the same way I did when I wrote my post in 香港 (Hong Kong) about dehydration and being prepared. I tried to turn on my phone’s data, nothing. I didn’t have anyone’s numbers since my phone broke, and, for the first time in a long time, I felt alone.
I felt like giving up, passing out, and letting someone else figure out what to do. I was in a back alley, and even if I was able to contact someone, how would they be able to find me? Leaning against a wall, I stood there, motionless, and left a little puddle. An elderly woman walking by, noticed the defeated boy, and came up to ask me if I’m okay.
The language barrier was a persistent communication problem, but I was able to spit out that I’m headed to 永安捷運佔 (Yongan MRT station), when questioned. She actually helped me lug my luggage, and I noticed that she had a bandaged on the hand she was using. I felt terrible, and tears filled my eyes. Seconds earlier, I was thinking about all the stories you hear about locals helping someone who is distressed, I never thought I'd be telling one of those stories.
We made it to the station and she spoke to a taxi driver and caused a commotion on my behalf. Ultimately giving up on the taxis, I turned to the station, I then said I wanted to get water at the nearby 7-11. She quickly ran off and bought me a water bottle. I tried to over pay her back for all her help, but she refused. She then helped me into the elevator, but stayed outside, I reached out, and she did the same, I cried and said thank you - she inspired me to push on, and forget my worries. The doors closed, and I wept in the elevator; I’d never see her again, and she saved me.
I love you, wherever you are, I owe you more than I could ever repay.
Love,
JC(3.14)
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