Luke

This morning at an isolated outdoor table at The Coffee Bean three young schoolgirls with books spread. The table was positioned around the side nearer the Post Office beside the MRT. On first passing it seemed some kind of school revision, studious types working even over the June holidays. One of them was leading at that point, carrying the discussion.
         Coming out from the P.O. it seemed even possible it was Cus. Serv. gee-up underway, one of the girls sporting a shop tee with the advertising on the rear. Assistant Manager rallying the troops before lunch-hour.
         But the small fat books on the table. Dense text. Was that the telltale wafer thin paper?
         All open at the same page....
         Indeed. Extra-curricular. A weekly get together, whether school was in or out.
         Smiles all round. Good serviceable English; nice girls.
         The same question as for the girl at the library table last week consulting a volume of critical essays on Hamlet, all by Western authors.
         Forceful imposition. Social discipline administered.
         On the streets and plazas chilling listening to parents with their children in creaking, awkward English that is the lingua franca.