Watermelons part 2

When I woke up, I noticed that the watermelon sellers were back on the corner. They had new melons today and indeed, the cart was full. I bought two Spanish melons and started talking with the lady's husband. He told me that he worked for the city (as an engineer?) for 45 years. After the collapse of Communism, he couldn't find any work. His wife worked her whole life for RomTelecom and it was the same story. No work. He only knew a few words in English but was able to communicate his exasperation and the feeling of betrayal by the state. 45 years of service and he's reduced to selling watermelons on the side of the road to make ends meet. No Social Security, no help from the state. Nothing.

I wanted to cry.

I gave him and his wife a bottle of maple syrup. I know it's not much. I'd like to talk to them some more. The husband seemed very interested in discussing things with me. Once my Romanian gets better I think I'll invite them for supper.