Age Concern

Today, I have felt young.

I walked across the dark car park, careful to ensure I kept my bag close to me and my eye out for any suspicious characters. It was an idle Tuesday evening, not late but the lack of sunlight makes even six o'clock seem sinister. There was a tall man looking lost, an older gentleman, but not one I would classify as elderly. 

He approached me, cautiously, and asked if there was a police station nearby. There wasn't one but when someone asks that you can only wonder if they are in trouble. His nose was streaming, his ears sprouted dark hair. I asked if he needed help, if he was okay. He couldn't find his car. The car park was big, but it wasn't huge. I couldn't imagine losing a parked car, not remembering even the vague area that you left it. Was it just a case of old age? Can it happen that you just completely forget something so vital to remember? He said he felt like an utter fool. It must be so embarrassing. 

What could I do? I asked him if he needed a taxi calling. He was grateful for that, he didn't have a phone, he didn't live in the area, he was staying in a nearby town. He would have to come back again in the morning to find his car. I phoned the taxi for him, let them know it was not for me but for a man who didn't have a contact number. I was already running late, so I couldn't stick around too long. I showed him where to buy cigarettes while he waited and I went on my way. 

I have to hope he got to wherever he was staying. He had money, he had an address and he had a bank card, so although I have no way of knowing, there's no reason to believe he wouldn't be okay. The place was busy and safe enough, restaurants and bars nearby, plenty of people around to help if needed. It was just a weird situation; a scary side-effect of getting older and being alone. A harsh reminder that although now I am mentally capable and physically able, at some point, I will no longer be. One day, I'll be older too.

Never get old, he said. 

Flitterbox: Pulp ~ Help The Aged - one time they were just like you.