An open letter to two strangers
A message of wistful idealism, romanticism, and hope.
To the two strangers I saw while we were waiting at a bus stop,
Neither of you know me; in fact, I don't know either of you either. I don’t know whether it was fortune, chance, or fate that led us to be at this bus stop on this particular Wednesday morning, but in all likelihood, it will never happen again. Chances are, we likely lead largely independent lives, and from this point, our paths will never cross meaningfully again.
But on that morning, for a brief moment, I bore witness to something subtle and wonderful. I'm sure you don't remember, so let me describe what I saw.
I saw two women, chatting face-to-face with great enthusiasm. I’m not sure what it was, but something about their body language said flirtation. There was clearly chemistry, affectionate subtext dripping from every word.
With the two gazing on into the others’ eyes, I saw the shorter of the two ladies take her index finger and, gently, tenderly, playfully trace a shape on the other's arm. I missed what exactly the shape was, but my inner romantic chooses to believe it was a heart. A small intimate gesture of love, from one to another. Just the two of you, in your own world, if not for the strange boy who happened to peep through the windows at just the right time.
In no other moment in my life have I felt more like a voyeur, seeing something more intimate than I'm supposed to. But what a beautiful moment it was.
In that instant, I was blessed with a glimpse of two women who, in the face of societal pressure to conform, adamantly refused. A small act of defiant rebellion, one woman's quiet display of love for another.
But just the same, I also hang my head in dismay. As I am sure the two of you are acutely aware, I am sure few would react as I have. The state grants your love no recognition, for its lack of child-bearing potential. That which you two hold so dear is looked upon with disdain by much of greater society. The same discretion that I laud is necessitated due to the risk of pushback that no straight couple ever worries about.
Am I reading into this too much? Almost certainly. But I wish to celebrate you both regardless. I doubt we will ever cross paths again; indeed, I doubt you two will even read this message! Notwithstanding that, it is my most fervent wish that the two of you find joy in your lives. Love is a most precious thing, and deserves to be recognised and cherished.
For your sakes, I hope more Singaporeans will come to agree.
Sincerely yours,
Kai