GIFTS

Just before the end of the school day on Friday there was a huge gust of wind which appeared with a short burst of rain, the sky had darkened a little and leaves were strewn all around the compound. We had been informed of a typhoon coming this way over the weekend, so that must have been the dawn, which got us all quite concerned.

It took me forever to get a taxi home. Normally taxis were readily available. They even stand in a queue waiting for us, with others perched at the corner of the curb waiting in line to be called.

On Friday, there were no taxis! I ordered on the two taxi apps on my phone. One of them had lines moving to and fro, an odd indication of the app not responding. The other company sent a text message that there were no cabs available.

Surprisingly, I was not worried. I knew I would get home somehow. Everybody I knew had left earlier. I was delayed for a reason I can’t even remember. I waited for a while, the steward for the regular taxi company, shook his head and waved his hands, signaling there were no taxis available. I just stood there, glancing at my phone.

There were others waiting, but for other modes of transport. I just stood and waited. After a few minutes, when there was no sign of taxis, I started to feel a little sorry for myself. Thinking, if I had left a few minutes earlier I could have shared a cab with any of my colleagues traveling my way.

I normally say a little prayer, but this time I didn’t. My mind was all over the place. Fortunately, after about half an hour, one of the registered taxis appeared. The steward signaled for me to take it. I was relieved even though I knew I would get home somehow.