sigh of relief
I caught a small child sitting on my scooter this morning. My heart skipped a beat. I shook my finger at him. The little boy’s expression shifted from confused to scared. He quickly hopped off and stood in place his hands clasped together just staring up at me. I asked where his mother was. No response. I said “Tu madres por favor” He nodded. “Adonde?” He pointed at the apartment building. I nodded and made as though I would follow him. We walked up to the unit directly above my own. He called for his father who hesitantly put on a shirt before greeting me. I told him who I was and where I had seen his son. I told him that I understand it looks like fun but he could really get hurt. Not only do I not want my scooter damaged but I do not want children unsupervised accidentally crushed or any such worst case sceanario. The father was appreciative. I’m proud. I was shaking with nervousness despite whatever sense of certainty I projected. I thought the parents might not speak English or might be offended. It is not how I hoped to initiate introductions with my new neighbors but I think it well. I hope like hell they keep an eye on that small little boy, the parking lot is not kid friendly!