August 5th, 2013

I ran into a guy who went to High School with me at QFC tonight. I might remember his name, but I’m not 100% sure I have it right. I walked in and he was staring at me. I was walking past him while he was checking out at the register when a smile crossed my face with recognition. I lifted my hand and gave him a peace sign, and he lifted his hand with a smile as a response. I didn’t stop to talk. We had classes together, but I doubt I’ve said a sentence directly to him in my life. We have nothing to catch up on. I didn’t know his life then and I don’t know his life now. However, I’d bet that he wanted to avoid an awkward conversation as much as I did. We’re both just extras in each other’s lives. We both represent a small memory of time gone past. I don’t know him, but I’m glad he’s still around. The world turns, and grows, and ages, and eventually there will be a time when I never see people from my High School. But for now, that encounter served as a recognition in me of the time that has passed, the ways in which I’ve changed, and the comforting appeasement of recognizing a stranger. Cheers, and until we meet again my incarnation of a memory.