In passing...

We had a short weekend trip to Kuantan the other day.

I think I must be getting old. Before, a 5 hour drive to Kuantan seemed like 'kacang puteh'. We could even squeeze in a movie at night before driving back the next morning. Now, even when the prospect of spending the weekend somewhere else feels exciting, I have begun to dread recovering after the drive there. Macam la kita drive pun.

On the way back, we stopped for lunch at our favourite "Restoran Nasi Ulam" (I think lah, not too sure about this) in Kuala Berang. They only cook one dish the whole day - asam pedas - with all types of fresh water fish. There are the compulsory ulam with budu and they also have other side dishes too, should you prefer but these are small in quantity and are not on per order basis.



So anyway, as we parked our car in front of the shop, we noticed a whole bunch of high powered bikes there; mostly Harleys. The riders were sitting at three tables joined together - about 12-15 of them - men in their late 30s, early 40s age group. Men, that could easily be as comfortable in suits chairing meetings in air conditioned halls. They looked like successful, well-established-in-life type of men.



Normally I would just glance over and get on with my meal. But, sitting at one end of the table, was a figure who looked absolutely out of place. The girl was slight, and noticeably young. She was dressed inconspicuously in black; long sleeved shirt, loose fitting jeans and plain unadorned tudung. She wasn't wearing make up, which perhaps accentuated her youth. I'd say she's definitely in her early 20s.

She looked uncomfortable, only smiling politely in response to the jokes made by the group. Her partner was one of those male who have been treated generously by Mother Nature. Nice head of hair, albeit speckled with white and no trace of any belly.


I wondered why she was there.


Wouldn't you?