(The following story is based on some of my encounters with people asking for help, except that, in real life, the events did not occur in sequence.)
At the end of a rather mundane day at work, I took the usual route home. However, the trip I took this day was anything but ordinary.
As I walked towards the train station, I walked past a panhandler. He was lying on the floor, holding a wool hat on one hand. There were a few coins in it. For a moment I thought of giving him some change, but I didn't know if he was acting on his own — the change might end up in the hands of a "beggar's group", run by people who takes advantage of people with disabilities, or those who beg so that they don't have to work. I picked up the pace and entered the station.
I boarded the train and was fortunate to find that there were still seats available. As the train departed, there was no one standing, so I picked a seat and sat down.
At the next station, a man sat on the seat opposite of me. He was holding a bag containing a few bottles of beer. He glanced at me and waved at me. I ignored him but he kept waving at me. Soon after he said "Hey! Can't you see I want to have a chat with you? What's wrong with people these days with their cold attitude towards others."
I should have known better and kept my mouth shut, but his words somehow struck my nerve. I waved back at him and he began asking questions about myself. Predictiably, it turned out to be a mistake.
I answered him with some made-up answers. I wasn't sure if he realised my responses were false, as he laughed at some of my responses. He then twisted open a beer bottle and drank, even though it was not allowed. He took out another bottle and wanted to hand it to me. I, not knowing what's really inside, declined. He then popped the question "we are such friends now. Can you give me some money?"
I was stuck in a corner. I have no intention of giving anything to him, but how can one say "no" in such a situation. Fortunately, the train reached my station and I politely told him that I had to get off. He said nothing and did not follow me off the train. That was close, I thought to myself. If my destination was further down the line I would be in quite a tight situation.
As I passed through the turnstiles, I realised that I needed to do some grocery shopping. Before I exited the station, someome approached me and told me that the money he was carrying was not enough for the train fare. I had encountered this scenario many times and, in most cases, I would run into the same person, still asking for money so that he can afford the train fare, if I return an hour or two later. I told him "sorry, can't help you there" and walked away. As I walked, I was able to hear him making the same request to someone else.
A few steps away from the store I saw a few people saying "help a good cause". Each of them was holding keychains and other sundries and carrying a collection box. One of them approached me and said (not at me directly) that the proceeds would go towards a charitable organization. The items they were holding were quite attractive so I, for a moment, thought of taking out my wallet. Then I looked at the name of the organization, which was imprinted on the shirt of every worker. The badges on their necks gave the impression that the organization, which I had not heard of before, was a legit one. However, I didn't need the items they were "selling", so I chose to move on as I was not certain if the proceeds would go to a good cause.
After purchasing what I needed at the store, I made the journey home. Part of the purchase was a sack of rice, which was in plain view. When I walked past a bus station, a woman walked up to me and asked me if I can help her by giving her money. Why am I such a magnet to this kind of people, I thought to myself. It didn't appear that she was trying to rob me, her hands being in plain sight and there are many people in the area. So I refused her in a soft tone. Suddenly, she grabbed my sleeve and asked me to give her the sack of rice instead, saying that she had not have anything good to eat for a few days. For a split second, the thought of handing her the sack of rice crossed my mind. However, I didn't know if she was telling the truth. I nudged my sholder and freed my arm from her grip. I began to walk at a quicker pace and she didn't chase after me. It could have been much worse, I thought.
Upon returning home, the first thing that came to my mind was "why me", followed by "is there a right way to do the right thing?"