An Attempt to Converse

I got into the cab. After opening my widow to let the air circulate, I asked how my driver was today. If he had seen any business, if he was meeting his daily operating costs. In the past few days I had come across many Uncles who were giving up driving since they were not making enough to cover the daily cost. Then I read that a taxi company was stepping in to reduce their rental fees. I was hoping to hear its effects on this driver, who had come to pick me up from a nearby hawker center in typical “Uncle” fashion. But my hopes were in vain: for he was wearing a mask, as I was. And with the window being open, the traffic was going by in a loud volume. I picked up snippets such as “a quarter of the cost,” “God’s Will,” and a lot of shaking of the head. But not enough to piece together his meaning. I willed my eyes to look sympathetic yet hopeful. At the end of our journey we said “take care,” and I followed with “no change back.” I waved in exaggerated fondness, less he didn’t hear what I said.