We and Them
He follows without question. She leads the way gently, holds his hands and guides him gently through the crowd of bodies. It’s true she is the woman and he, the man but at that time they paint the mama and son picture. They complete their transaction or rather she completes the transaction for him, confirms the cash, then gently puts it in his hands. Of course, she whispers the denominations to him and he pushes the money into the breast pocket of his starched and well ironed ‘guinea’ top. Didn’t hear him say thank you or he did much later or ‘sotto voced’ it (my concoction). She had led him back the way they came; not showing any sign of stress. And it was no sauntering. It was a slow patient walk. One holding the hand of the other. No complaint on one side but no gratitude or feelings on the other too. They did not say much but they did show much: one needing it; the other giving it. You can guess that’s the way it’s been for them. Each playing fate assigned role with faith not m...