Thereās this man in his late 60s, letās call him MC, whom Iāve known for about 13 years now. Our first encounters were at the condo gym where we both worked out regularly. MC, who owns a unit at our condo but lives in a bungalow nearby, is a wealthy manāonce an engineer, now a retiree. His children live overseas, and by all accounts, they are successful. MC, however, is divorced and spends a lot of time alone.
From the beginning, MC would always strike up a conversation with me at the gym. Heās nice enough to chat with, but I find him a little annoying. Despite knowing Iām married with three daughters, he has repeatedly asked me out to eat with him over the years. At first, I thought he was joking, but it became clear he meant it. As we live in the same neighborhood, I often bump into him at random placesārestaurants, shops, or while running errands.
This week, it felt like fate had us on the same schedule. Every day, Iād see him at the same āchap fanā (economy rice) shop, picking up food at the same time as I was. Afterward, Iād head to the supermarket, and there heād be again, as if our paths were destined to cross repeatedly. MC never misses an opportunity to tease me. He often comments on how good I look and that I donāt look my age, saying that if he didnāt know me, heād ātackleā me on the street. Charming, right?
My husband knows about MC and finds the whole situation amusing. Every time he sees MC, he gives him a subtle side-eye, fully aware of the unwanted attention. MC is chatty and friendly, but even if I were single one day, I donāt think I could ever entertain the idea of dating him. His personality just doesnāt appeal to me, though he may be wealthy and drive luxury cars. Honestly, if the day comes that I am alone, Iād rather stay single than deal with someone like MC!
MC remains part of my daily encounters, and while Iāve grown used to his presence and Whatsapp messages, heās not someone Iāll ever take up on his offers for lunch or dinner. Some things are better left unspoken š
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