I boarded the train and quickly found a seat. It was a 40 minutes ride to my destination and I wanted to do some reading. With my iPad and phone in hand, I got into my reading mode once I was seated and turned up the music in my earphones.
At the corner of my eye, an elderly lady was on a wheelchair with her helper, while her family sat opposite. Nothing was peculiar at first. She was well dressed in a purple light jacket, with a flowery green top under it. Her grey hair was neatly swept back and bun up. The helper occasionally communicated with the elder, showed her things on her phone, tidied her dressing and held her hands. A simple caring sight.
As I was reading, I took a few glances at the elder and her helper. I noticed that the elderly lady was carrying an ‘infant’, a doll. The doll was simple and plain, the kind for very young kids, to role play as a parent. I felt a sense of warmth.
That doll must have meant something to the elderly lady, it could be a source of comfort and reassurance. Perhaps a memory or two also. Or simply something she still holds dear, that she had to hold it close to her. She held it in her arms delicately, taking glances every now and then.
Somehow everyone seeks comfort. I wonder what is mine.