Earlier today I conceived a strong craving for Mexican food. So I set out for this Tex-Mex place in Jongno. But while walking there from the subway station I saw this homeless woman crouched on a corner in a posture of abject despair; bent over double with her forehead resting on her knees. I knew it was the same old woman I had seen a few times before at the same corner. Normally I would just pass by without too much thought, but this time I felt a singular pang of pity and sympathy for her -- maybe it was the grey sky and freezing cold making me emotionally susceptible -- and as I walked on I couldn't erase the image of the small sad figure from my mind's eye.
Finally I ended up changing course; instead of the Mexican restaurant I made for a takeout place nearby and ordered two chicken wrap sandwiches (I don't know who decided they were sandwiches; they're burritos, that's what they are).
Then I retraced my steps back to the corner. She was still there. I went up to her and said "Ma'am," to get her attention. She raised her face and looked at me. I said "Would you like one of these?" and offered her one of the wraps. She didn't say anything as she accepted it, but I could see she was grateful (why didn't I give her both wraps? Because I was still hungry myself).
Only after making most of my way back to the subway did it occur to me that maybe I should have bought her a drink as well. Ah well, maybe if there's a repeat episode in the future. She did have a big tote bag next to her; maybe its contents included a bottle of water.
I felt sad, guilty and powerless, because I couldn't do anything to improve her circumstances... but still, at least the chicken wrap would help sustain her a bit longer, until maybe someone else would be kind to her, too.
A small act of charity performed on Chritmas Eve -- how appropriate! It could almost be a scene in a play or an O. Henry story or something.
