Half Girlfriend

‘I actually have to go home.’
The older man with her took me aside.
‘Hi, I am Doug, a supervisor for the senior citizens for NYC
volunteer programme.’
I shook hands with him.
‘Please spare five minutes for her. She lives alone. She needs to
practise her English,’ Doug said.
‘Sir, my English is not so good. I am from India.’
‘Indians speak good English.’
‘Not all. I am also learning it.’
‘You are speaking good English now.’
‘Well, thank you, sir.’
‘Someone must have taught you.’
I sighed.
‘Five minutes,’ Doug said.
I nodded.
Doug left me with Daisy.
‘Hello, Madam Daisy. What would you like to talk about?’
‘Would you like brochure? To see attractions of weekend?’
‘Actually, I don’t think so. I leave soon... ’ I said but she
interrupted tne.
‘They free. Have look. We have discounted Broadway shows, a
food festival, a jazz and music fest...’
‘I will correct you. Please say, “they are free, have a look”,’ I said.
‘Sorry, sorry. That I say.’
‘I leave Monday. So I am afraid I won’t be able to do much,’ I said.
She looked disappointed. I figured she had to do her tourism job,
too. She possibly had a quota of people she needed to distribute
brochures to every day.
‘Fine, I’ll take them.Thank you.’
‘Oh, thank you,’ she said and cheered up again. ‘You fill small
survey for me. Two minutes.’
I put the brochures in my jacket pocket. She gave me a form