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Navigating Life’s Highway of Reflection — Protagonist to NPC | by haohao du | Medium

yechenghao-du.medium.com · 592 words · saved by 1 readers

I turn my head to find an older Asian lady with a warm smile and square glasses perched on her nose. Despite the mask, her eyes sparkled with familiarity. A pang of guilt hits me for not recognizing this kind stranger. Then, like a light bulb flickering on, it hits me — Auntie (real name omitted)! One of the few that was always kind to me. My confusion gives way to a bright smile, and I say “It’s so good to see you! How have you been? How are the kids?” “They’re good! [Ex] just graduated and she’s working full time now. What about you? Are you working full time?” I felt my heart drop. It takes a moment to find my voice, and I manage to say with a lighthearted but pained smile, “I’m still in school.” Just as our conversation starts, my mom calls my name from across the grocery market. I give my auntie an apologetic smile and rush off. Before parting ways, I catch a glimpse of her surprised expression, the image of her raised eyebrows lingering as I leave. ``` During interactions with pa

Navigating Life’s Highway of Reflection — Protagonist to NPC haohao du 3 min read · Dec 12, 2023 -- Listen Share Press enter or click to view image in full size Photo by christopher lemercier on Unsplash ``` “HaoHao?” I turn my head to find an older Asian lady with a warm smile and square glasses perched on her nose. Despite the mask, her eyes sparkled with familiarity. A pang of guilt hits me for not recognizing this kind stranger. Then, like a light bulb flickering on, it hits me — Auntie (real name omitted)! One of the few that was always kind to me. My confusion gives way to a bright smile

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