12:34pm

One of the more memorable stories of the morning: A man from Africa spent 10 minutes telling me his life story on the Spadina streetcar. He told me how I should channel God. I should teach my future children about the law and structure of society or else they will be failed human beings. How he was arrested in Africa and almost arrested here (in Canada). How he used to linger outside young women’s homes until he developed “dangerous” feelings and knew God wanted him to stop. And the reason why I’m smiley is because I have a chill spirit. High strung people, apparently, cannot smile - they are doomed to wear frowns. Only serene and collected people get to smile and grow. Like the roots of trees that spread and flourish. “Very nice, very nice”. // While this was happening I was in complete silence - nodding. When he had to get off the streetcar I managed to say “have a nice day” and then gave out a huge sigh of relief.