So the other day, when I got back from Waterloo, I arrived at the Toronto Greyhound terminal downtown. Getting off, I headed to the Eaton’s Centre (mostly for the subway station). On a whim, I decided to have dinner before getting on the subway so I delved deep into the food court.
So many options! I went with A&W (Papa Burger, Root Beer for your information). The server girl was taking extra long, so I stood around watching the teenage Asian couple trying to decide on their romantic, burger-based dinner together. Suddenly, I felt that sensation you only get when someone is watching you from behind, so I turned around casually to check. Off in the distance, I saw a familiar face—it was Yoo-Jin! From high school! Whom I have not seen in years (since prom I think). No way it could be her though—she waved! So, I slowly waved back, and held up a finger to gesture “wait a second”. That’s when I saw who was at the table with her—Henry! From high school! My badminton partner in my senior years! I grabbed my food and then headed over as quickly as possible.
At first I thought I was third-wheeling something and looked for an excuse to pardon myself after the initial greetings. Henry assured me it was dumb-luck and there was nothing going on between them (I am undecided on the matter, but that’s what he said anyway). Strange! Uncanny! Considering they only meet once a year—according to them—and how I come home now maybe once a month, this was quite the chance-encounter!
We sat and talked for a bit—Henry is thinking of going into pharmacy and Yoo-Jin’s headed to Québec for five weeks on a transfer program—before leaving to grab some ice cream/milk shakes from Dairy Queen and fiddling with some Apple-ware. Then, we wandered our way into the subway station. We got on the first northbound train, and the car smelled like puke. Gross.
More luckily, a few stops down, Ms. Williamson got on the train—yes, my favourite chemistry teacher, again from high school! Yoo-Jin spotted her first, and I decided to go over and say hi. It was slightly awkward when I said hi and Ms. W. clearly recognized my face but couldn’t produce a name—”It’s me, Carl!” Then Henry and Yoo-Jin came over too and we all talked for a bit. She looked quite well and happy. Always the caring one, she asked questions about how we were, how our chemistry careers were going (or in my case, not) and what was new. It was quite a pleasure seeing her again—so nostalgic.
I must say, it was terribly pleasant meeting all these folks that I would have otherwise categorized as part of a past life. People and friends are still the same people and friends after so long, and this is particularly important. I was surprised when Yoo-Jin could still remember all these details about me/my family that I shared with her—if ever I did—back in grade 9. Henry is still the lovable awkward commenter, and Ms. Williamson looked better than ever! Oh the memories! Anyway, I just want to make note of this opportune occasion/ersatz encounter so I will remember, years from now, that these kinds of things happen for some bizarre reason yet to be seen.