OCtober Day 10: Min Wen

I wanted to see more of what Gehenna’s sister city had to offer. So, whilst hunkered down in a Nirvana hotel  one day, flipping through the news on my tablet, I noticed the local library was looking for volunteers. They were hosting a charity event in a few days, and required some extra help. Looked to be an all ages, family-style thing, with costumes, sweets, games, book readings, you name it. Seemed like fun, so I signed myself up. I’d only had the chance to go to the Nirvana Library once before. Since I hadn’t arrived under normal circumstances, I thought they might have a book on the island’s history, to which I was right. The event was being held around the right time to return said book as well, so it all lined up nicely.

Upon my entry, swiftly returning the book to a machine, I was once again impressed with the grandeur of the building. Though modern from the outside, the architects were careful to model the inside for that old fashioned, almost fantastical feel. Of course, the holographic tech, internet café and digital media contrast the vibe a little. Though, I feel like that reflects the city quite well; mixing the new and the old.

Another volunteer approaches while I’m staring, asking if I’m here to help. Telling them yes, they lead me to a group of people huddled by a table of various papers, stickers and miscellaneous items. The person quickly checks I’m on the register, then hands me a little name tag that reads ‘M’. When I ask what my duties are going to be, they shuffle awkwardly.

“Well, we’re kind of still waiting on Mr Wen. He’s still in his office…” 

Not even seconds after they spoke, the clattering of wheels came rumbling in the distance. Rapidly it grew louder. Then, someone pointed to the upper floor, with a couple people letting out impressed squeals of delight. Grinding across the bannister of the second floor came, who I assumed, was the head librarian himself. Rocking a gnarly board plastered with graffiti, the skater boy shows off a couple of moves for the volunteers. He comes down off of the rail in a bold down, landing on the top of a bookcase, gliding down until he comes to a stop ride at the edge, standing tall above us. People go wild for it. I too offer applause, since it was rather impressive. To my surprise he blushes a little, looking a bit sheepish. Min climbs down one of those ladders on wheels, then circles the crowd of volunteers to say hello. Once he makes it round to me, I manage to get a proper look. 

The librarian barely comes up to my shoulders in height. Though, he does not seem bothered, despite having to crane his neck to meet my gaze. His skin has a light tan, and most of it below the next is covered in tattoos. The light green of his eyes compliments the mottled green mohawk towering over his head. On his chin is a soul patch which isn’t dyed and remains black. Like his body is riddled with ink, his face has many piercings. A nose ring, nose stud, stretched ears with the curvy plugs, and for a second I think I see a tongue stud. Min’s dress sense is somewhere between reserved and punk. A black and lime green polo shirt, ripped jeans, green converse, a few punk accessories but also a high tech watch.

Seems he’s not one for formalities, as he just casually waves at me.

“Yo, thanks for coming dude. Love the ears” he says, pointing at them. His accent is quite unique. I’d base it somewhere in China, though at the same time he’s also trying to imitate the lingo of american skater culture. 

“Hey thanks...dude, uh, rad deck?” I sputter, attempting to sound cool. Not my usual vernacular, yet I somehow feel like I need to impress him. Min chuckles, amused by my attempt.

“Thanks! My best bud Baron spent a sweet amount of time painting it” he exclaims, flipping it over to show it off. Upon closer inspection, much of the graffiti seems to be literature themed. Street art intertwined with images of symbols or characters from classic novels. The librarian starts pointing out what each one means. It’s quite dorky, and endearing. 

“And the whale is obviously moby dick...shit I got carried away, what’s the time?” he asks loudly.

“Half an hour to opening time, Mr Wen!” someone yells back.

“Better get stuff set up, best of luck out there M” he says, offering a gentle slap on the back, before running off to check over things. “And Mr Wen is my dad, call me Min! I keep telling you guys…”

He seems busy, so for now I go to assist with the preparations. 

After it’s all good, the public are finally let in. There’s certainly an overwhelming amount of families with children, with the occasional group of curious teens or couples on dates. I've been stuck on drinks duty, because of my experience. I’ve no complaints. Tis a pretty easy job, and keeps me occupied. After a few hours, I see Min again. Looking a little parched, he comes over to order a smoothie. Whilst he waits, a child who I just served comes barrelling his way, tripping over and spilling their shake all over his board. He groans audibly, a scary look coming over his face. The child nervously apologies, running back to their parents. I hand Min a few napkins to wipe off his board. He seems to mutter a few angry things while he does so.

“Kids right?” I joke, trying to lighten the mood.

“You don’t know the half of it” he grumbles. “Try growing up as the oldest of six kids with no mum, so you gotta take care of them all. They’re smelly and messy and so damn loud. No time to be yourself either.”

“Yeah, that sounds pretty exhausting” I sympathise. 

“I mean, don’t get me wrong, families are great. I’d like to settle down with someone one day…”

Min looks at a couple flirting nearby, getting aggressively touchy. That same look of disgust returns.

“It’s just...difficult, in my situation. Love is great, sex and children are icky”

He pouts. Out of pity, I chuck another cherry on top of his milkshake before handing it over.

“Cheer up, you’ll find someone one day. Think of it like a book; it could happen when you’re not even looking for it”

That seems to help, as he takes his milkshake, smiling at the extra cherry.

“Thanks dude. I’d best go, I’m supposed to be hosting the poetry comp soon. Best of luck with the rest of your shift” He remarks, casually rolling away on his board, shake in hand.