X’er

Once upon a time X’er had a home. He lived with his parents, brothers, and cousins. He attended one of the best English-medium schools in the community. He socialized with friends and neighbours. He played with kids and had a kind word or smile for everybody. He wore good clothes. He lived with a purpose.
But now...

X’er wears old clothes. His footwear is completely worn out. He does not look clean. He stares into the space in front of his face. He looks much older. He lives on the pavement. He looks scary. He looks scared. His life does not have a purpose.

X’er is the newest addition to the growing breed of ‘was normal but not anymore’ people that we see on our city streets. Some of them act (are) insane, some turn into vagabonds or tramps, or some take up begging. Some might have chosen this path as an act of rebellion against family or loved ones. Some might have chosen the streets to escape torture or harassment. Some might have been naïve to believe that giving up everything and seeking the streets is the best way to resolve their problems.

We might never fully understand why they ended up on the streets.
We might never fully understand whether they have really lost it or whether they are faking it.

We might never fully understand why they could not seek help at the right time or avail of support systems that our community offers.

We might never fully understand whether they are able to comprehend what they lost.
Sometimes I see X’er on the street. Sometimes his family sees him on the street. Sometimes his family, friends, teachers, and cousins see him on the street.
But does X’er ‘see’ all of us? Once upon a time he did.