Wednesday, February 20, 2019

The Purse

By Nadrat Siddique

So, on Monday, I left my entire purse inside Duncan Donuts. I had gone there during a work break, not to eat donuts (these are loaded with high fructose corn syrup, sugar, and cholesterol), but to use their wifi to submit a bit of political writing. I have only a flip phone, with no internet capabilities, and so rely on public networks for my activist work. I completed a quick edit, sent the piece, and then hurried out--leaving the purse hanging on the side of the Duncan Donuts chair. All my credentials (including those I need to work) were in it: credit card, bank card, driver's license, work badge, and date book. Only my cell phone and car keys were on my person, and so were not left behind.

A good Samaritan, a Latino man named Alex, who was dropping his daughter at the airport (near which I work), found the purse. He saw from my drivers license that I live in Ellicott City. He finished seeing his daughter off at the airport. Then, even though he lives in Baltimore, he diverted all the way to Ellicott City. He had to circle the court a few times to find the house, as the number was not clearly evident. Then, he knocked on the door politely but at length, as my Mum, not recognizing him, did not open the door at first. When she reluctantly answered, a stunned look on her face, he handed over the purse, responded to her questions, and left without asking for anything. I was still at work, and wondering how I would retrieve the purse.

I drove home without my purse/drivers license, hoping I wouldn't get stopped by police. I made it home without incident. My mother was in a bit of a shock, and worried that the man, Alex, had done something to me, and that was why he had my purse. I consoled her, and checked the purse. Every single thing, from the cash, to my bank card, was intact.

"..For verily in these things are signs for people who understand.." --Holy Qur'an