The first time I saw her was a brief study in human nature. The kid made a wide detour around my table as if I were a leper. I didn't think much about it because I have seen similar reactions from Thai kids for the past 12 years I have lived here.But Rose showed up at the yuppie style Thai restaurant again, so I asked a waitress to call her over to my table.
"Are you afraid of me," I asked in my nicest tone?
She didn't say a word but nodded a big affirmative nod that left no doubt about her feelings.
"Why," I asked?
There was no comment but a lingering fear showed behind her eyes as she clung a bit more tightly to the waitress's leg.
Rose sold roses. Hundreds of children around Thailand sell flowers to supplement the family income. Rose just happened to be one of them. She reminded me of a sparrow with ruffled feathers. Her teeth are bad, her haircut unattractive and she is skinny as my right arm. And Rose is only five years old.
She looked like a frightened fawn, ready to bolt and run away. So I put on my friendliest expression and asked how many roses she had. She had nine and I offered to buy all of them, but with a condition. I didn't need roses, but certainly some of the clientele of the restaurant might appreciate them. Especially the women.
"I'll take them all," I said through the waitress.
The child's eyes took on a renewed interest but the wariness remained and she didn't release her grip on the leg of the waitress.
"Give one to each lady in the restaurant," I said as I handed her a hundred baht note.
She let go of the waitress's leg long enough to fumble for my change until I said, "My pen rai. Tip."
She looked at me in surprise.
It probably seemed easy, simply pass the roses around and be done with her chore.
I watched as she approached the first person and I tried to interpret the expressions and body language.
Rose: "This rose is for you."
Person:"I don't want one."
Rose: "It's free."
Person: "Why is it free?"
Rose: "That farang over there paid for it."
Person: "Why did he pay for it?"
Rose: "He paid for everyone. One is for you and it's free."
Person: "Are you sure?"
Thai children are not allowed to get frustrated with adults, so Rose maintained her composure.
Rose: "Free."
Rose won that brief battle but suddenly had eight more battles to fight. I watched as she approached each person and had to go through the same scenario.
'Poor kid,' I thought. 'Did she truly understood what was involved in giving away flowers?'
But she did seem to understand the tacit contract between us which required her to distribute those flowers. Rose did eventually succeed and then was suddenly gone.
I see Rose periodically. She is no longer afraid of me. I always look forward to seeing her and I believe she looks forward to seeing me. I always buy all of Rose's roses and she always goes through the same difficulties in giving them away.
She is a charming child, extremely endearing.
When she approaches my table she stands quietly to the side until I recognize her. She speaks quietly, walks slowly and politely, and makes me wish she were my daughter.