During a trip to the mall this past weekend I did what I usually do while my wife is trying on clothes somewhere; I bought a coffee from Starbucks then found a place to chill and people watch.
Malls are so full of activity, so many things going on. Every cluster of people a rich history of memories, culture, behaviors. There was this old guy sitting just to the right in this picture. He had on large sunglasses. To his side stood a stable looking four footed cane.
A couple times I felt him studying me. I studied him out of the corner of my eye. I wondered if his eyes were bad or if he had recent surgery.
His sunglasses were giant and covered the sides of his head. I wondered what sort of career he’d had. I wondered if it would be weird if I just started chatting with him.
But I didn’t. I sipped my coffee. Watched people come and go.
Eventually the old guy stood up and shuffled away to meet up with a woman I’m guessing was his wife.
I eventually did the same.