The older I get, the more perfect strangers would strike up conversations with me.

When we were young, the adults were always telling us not to talk to strangers. But those who come up to me aren't the shady kind. Most of the time they are people who I pass-by while eating or shopping. They would have observed me for awhile before starting a conversation. God knows what about me intrigues them so. At other times, they would tell me their life story.

They're all wise men who have been through a lot and have seen all kinds of humans. And I know they saw me for who I am - my good points, weaknesses, abilities, etc. They saw things in me that everyone else around me fails to notice. They know I'm one who knows more than I let on, and that the amount I know is a double-edged sword. They know despite my knowledge, I'm still naive. It's really complicated.

My biggest regret was probably not being friends with them. I should have gotten their contact info or something, meet up with them on other days, and just have peaceful conversations about the world, life, and the works.

I really need to meet one of these strangers again. I'm losing my sense of identity these days, wondering what my true personality is and what my mission in life is. I'm even wondering whether my abilities should be used for good or evil. With knowledge comes arrogance and boredom. I don't know anything anymore. I really don't know.

Dear God, please let me meet one of these wise people again on one fine afternoon so that I can have a good chat with him/her. Thank you.

CHARMAINE CHEONG.

I’m a somebody and a nobody. I’m rational and emotional. I’m critical but I’m non-judgemental.

I like my things categorized by types and chronologically. I like taking photos to preserve the moments of my life. I like dystopian literature. I like reading Wikipedia articles at random. I like travelling to foreign lands and seeing the world. I like long conversations over good food. I like pop and classical music. I like guitars. I like cats. I like writing random, mushy letters and notes to the people important to me. I have a whole long list of things that I like, but you’ve got to get to know me better to know them all.