Old memories for talking with Strangers

Looking back, it might have been risky. When I was a high school student, I had a long conversation with a stranger who was an older man.

After school, I went to a bookstore alone to read magazines and manga. I spent some time there, and suddenly a stranger spoke to me. He said, “I saw you riding an electric bicycle. I was interested in it.”

At first, I felt a little scared. Where did he see me? Did he follow me just to talk about the bicycle? Honestly, I just wanted to have quick talk and then went to home. I told him how it was easier than normal bicycle. He didn’t leave and asked me to show him my bicycle. It meant we had to go outside the bookstore. 

Normally, children are told never to follow a stranger. However, I thought it would be interesting to talk about this at school the next day.

So, I went out of the shop with a stranger and showed my bicycle to him. He looked at it in the parking area and asked some questions. At first, we talked about the bicycle, but then he started telling me about his work, his life, and even gave me advice. I don’t remember everything we talked about, but I do remember he advised me to become a pharmacist because you can work anywhere and the salary is well.

We talked for a long time in front of the store until the sky was dark. Then my mom called me, so I went home on my electric bicycle. 

As a parent now, I realize it was really dangerous. I tell my child not to spend too much time talking to strangers.