The Stranger

I was lucky enough to meet a very special stranger :) As I was waiting for my bus one day, I saw an elderly woman walking toward the bus stop. She had her walking stick in one hand and an embroidered bag in the other. I offered her my seat out of courtesy and she accepted it with a smile and thanks... and then, the following conversation ensued:

Woman(W) :We hardly see young ones with manners nowadays. Whereabouts are you from?
Me:KL... I'm Malaysian
Woman :Oh! Lovely Country! I have very fond memories of Malaysia. I used to live in Kuala Lumpur too
Me :Wow, what were you doing in Malaysia at that time?
Woman: I'm actually British. I used to follow my husband around. Initially, he was based in Goa, and later, he was transferred to Malaya. My first daughter was born there too and she studied in Assunta. I remember how beautiful Malaya was and that was one of the main reasons why I decided to start a family there. All the different races were in harmony during that time... I've been wanting to go back there... things must be very different now.
Me: Yeah, people and time can change a lot of things.
Woman: That's right. May 13th 1969. I will remember that day forever...*sighs... I remember telling myself that Malaya will never be the same again. It was only after that horrifying tragedy, that I decided it was time to leave. True enough, things never got better in Malaya. What a waste of beauty. It is so disappointing.
Me: Well, hopefully, it isn't too late for Malaysia. We've been praying for a change everyday.
Woman: so have I...

She continued talking about the people and the places she visited... It was obvious that she knew far more than I could possibly know about my own country. All this while, I've only been familiar with one version of my country's history... The version I learned in school. Hearing a different version was... nice... I liked it. My only wish right now is a change for the better.

I want to experience life in Malaysia like how the old woman did... See the beauty she saw a long time ago... and of course, the happiness she saw on the face of every Malaysian citizen...(because I'm tired of seeing this happy face...