I often see an old person on my way to school.
He wears glasses and often wear blue T shirt and black pants. I saw him bringing a handbag and sometimes a rocksack. He is in Kogan Plaza @ GWU almost everyday. Most of the time he just sits on a bench and contemplates. From his appearance, I cannot tell whether he is a homeless or just a person who doesn't want to stay at home during the day time.
He doesn't look like being unable to shower because his clothes are clean and he sometimes brings different bags with him. I saw him once at Farragut North Metro station, and therefore I guess he commutes from somewhere to GWU almost everyday (not sure about weekend). My intuition told me he's not a homeless, but just a person who needs friends.
Being very curious about this person but at the same time feel afraid to talk to him, I often self-imagine what kind of person he is. Did he experience some kinds of life shocks, such as losing a job or beloved ones? Or, he has a family but no one really cares about him, so he goes out, searching for someone who might care about him? Does he have some kind of mental disorder, so that he cannot work?
One day, on my way home, I saw him talking "over phone" (since he held his hand close to his ear, I thought he's talking with someone)
" He is talking by phone. He must have a home! A homeless usually doesn't have a phone" I thought when I first saw his act.
Out of curiosity, I walked closer to him and wanted to make sure my guess is correct.
" blahblahblah.... OK. bye" He finished his talk.
Strangely and kind of shock to me. He doesn't have a phone. He just pretended he's talking with someone with his imaginary cell phone!!!!
I am now not sure if I should talk with him. I pray to God, if he's someone that needs help, I'll definitely talk with him.
