[Beauty] What’s Your Nationality?

Mr. J takes a right turn, into the parking lot of this little old plaza.

Mr. J has always referred to it as “The Arby’s Plaza” since he knows nothing but Arby’s in it. All the other stores and restaurants have somewhat old and shady looks. Mr. J has never thought of going into any of them until some time ago his friend introduced him to a Mexican grocery store there.

Mr. J is heading towards the Mexican store for a lunch. A quick take-out lunch.

On his way into the parking lot, Mr. J notices this guy, with his bag of belongings on the ground, standing near the entrance of the parking lot. He wears an old gray jacket, which looks a little bit big on him.

The article Mr. J had read the day before rushed through his mind. In that article, a journalist gave out pre-paid Visa and Master cards to help some homeless people. The article recorded their conversations. Mr. J was touched by that article. He remembers, when he was reading the article he thought to himself. “I want to do something like that. Some day, some how.”

When Mr. J steps out of his car and walks towards the Mexican store, this guy with the gray jacket comes along.

“Sir, can I shine your window for one dollar?” Mr. J can now see this guy has a bottle of window cleaner in his hand.

There is a split second Mr. J wants to say “No, thank you.” After all, it is your typical sunny day in the summer. In fact, it is drizzling. Who would want his windows shine when it is raining?

“Sure.”

Mr. J reached for his pocket.

There is another split second Mr. J feels a bit uncomfortable. Actually, quite uncomfortable. Will this guy rob his wallet? Will this guy attack him?

“Here you are. I’ll give you two dollars.” Mr. J hopes, everything will be fine.

“Thank you. Is that car your car?”

“Yes, it is. Thank you.”

Now Mr. J feels relieved. Besides, he feels super good about himself. After all, he gave two dollars instead of one!

However, somehow, Mr. J senses that this is not over yet.

Mr. J orders two burritos, asking that they be placed in separate bags.

“This should be good enough. He should be very happy to get a free lunch from me.” Mr. J thought to himself.

When Mr. J walks out of the Mexican store, he goes straight towards the guy.

“I hope you like burritos.”

“Oh thank you. I love burritos.”

Mr. J thinks his generosity mission is now over, but the guy asks something.

“What is your nationality?”

Mr. J totally doesn’t expect that.

“Oh… I am from Taiwan.”

Mr. J told him he was a student and working in a nearby software company.

“Are you going to be software engineer? Maybe Bill Gate will hire you!” The guy joked.

It felt a little bit weird, a little bit uncomfortable. Again, something rushed through Mr. J’s mind — “Ask his name.”

“What’s your name?”

“David.”

“Nice meeting you, David.”

When David answers, Mr. J sees something different in David’s eyes. For the first time, Mr. J sees the beauty of humanity through David’s eyes. This guy, jobless, living on shining people’s car windows, is no longer in the “nameless stranger” category. He has a name. His name is David.

Mr. J smiles. He shakes David’s hand and says goodbye.

Mr. J leaves, with his windows shined in a rainy day. He knows that he learned something precious.