Well, that was something! Today, I happened to chance upon a conversation while browsing manga at Barnes and Noble. It was an older Indian gentleman in work clothes, whom had always been curious about the medium. I remarked that it was interesting how they read from right to left, and that we keep traditions despite time.
We ended up hitting it off! He actually was a software developer back in the day, and now serves as a sort of mentor for people who wish to become an entrepreneur. He's in my contacts now, Biran Patel. Yes, surprisingly he didn't have a professional email for me.
I also told him about my hobby of visiting stores just to spend time around other people. He smiled, called it a "good habit", and upon reflection I realize I did not truly grasp the weight of his words. In his eyes, I found neither judgment nor dismissal, only the characteristic gleam of genunibeine curiosity.
We spent the latter half of our encounter looking for a book for his five year old son who had just started reading. I'd suggested Nichijou earlier, but he told me he'd probably just draw all over the pages. Then I suggested some picture books and board books, and he very well might've bought some had his wife not shown up outside with his ride.
Unfortunately I don't have any capital, so I can't say I'll enlist his services, but I'm nonetheless glad I met him. It's transient, no-strings-attached encounters like these that give us a glimpse of humanity in earnest. If only everyone aspired to be as open and amiable as he made himself in that moment, I daresay this world would be a much warmer place.