Day 58: Lost pup

We decided to venture to the Luna market today, which is a market that only happens during certain phases of the lunar calendar. It has just about every type of shop that you would ever need or want, including the classic Chinese trinkets, pottery, animals, birds, clothing, baby gear, fruit, electronics, a meat market, including gutted and hanging pigs, etc. It was quite large, there were so many markets to explore. However, the weather began to get so humid that I could hardly handle walking around any longer.

As I headed towards the bus, I stopped to get some pita bread with honey butter in it, and saw the cutest little girl, in ratty clothes, standing by the pita vendor. She looked as if she was six years old or so, but I've come to learn that age here is a little harder to guess than it is back home. Anyways, I had assumed this girl was the vendor's daughter, but he wasn't paying any attention to her whatsoever and acted as if she was not even there. I left, puzzled, and sat down by a few others in my group; the little one followed. I tried asking her name in Chinese, but I didn't get a response. She was rather timid; she wouldn't wave or show her smile, but just enjoyed watching us from a nearby distance. Many tried to get a response from her, but all failed. Some got really close to her, which just scared her away and made her step backwards, so I decided to keep my distance and just smile at her when our eyes met.

After several failed attempts of people trying to gain her attention, they all got up and headed towards the bus stop. We were walking when I noticed she was following us. I figured she might just follow us to the bus stop and then turn around and return to her family, but, the bus pulled up, she got on, and we were all headed to the fruit market.

Through the travels, she finally warmed up a little bit to me and I got her to play patty cake with me and I finally saw her sweet smile. I just fell in love with this little girl instantly. We got off at our desired stop, with her following of course. Our connecting bus was at the stop across the street, so everyone ran to catch it. The little one was following close behind me, so I didn't run. I just decided to stay back with her and go buy her a drink or something; she was in long pants and a long sleeve and it was so hot out. However, Amanda spotted me from across the street and hollered at me, reminding me that I couldn't wander off alone. I was forced to leave my new little friend behind and join the others on the bus.

I must admit, I felt some sort of connection to this sweet little one, even though we had no way of communicating. I felt as though I should have made sure she was ok, or that she knew where she was going. But in all reality, she probably knew way more about this place than I do anyways. I just felt so bad for leaving her, and I'm kind of sad that I did. I'm not exactly sure why, but I did. She was a tender and gentle little girl, but had a strong spirit that obviously left an impression on me.