Chapter 1: A Reunion at the Café

Yesterday, I caught up with an old friend at a café, and an unusual sensation washed over me. She has always been courteous, consistently expressing gratitude and apologies. However, on this occasion, her words felt somewhat insincere.

When I inquired, “What’s on your mind?” she answered, “Recently, I’ve been struggling to understand the essence of words.” My response was, “That’s intriguing,” as I genuinely found it so.

Typically, losing the grasp on word meanings could be unsettling, yet for some reason, I felt a thrill. It seemed we had the opportunity to delve into something beyond mere words.

Curious, I asked for an example, and she mentioned the phrase “I love you.” “People throw it around so casually, but it’s actually quite a profound statement,” she noted.

This reminded me of a writer who once shared their reluctance to use “I love you” in their works. They believed that if the phrase is used thoughtlessly, it loses its significance when it truly matters.

As my friend pointed out, the interpretation of “I love you” varies greatly. For some, it signifies “I want to be with you,” while for others, it may mean “I would do anything for you.”

Words can be likened to balloons; they may appear identical on the outside, but the essence within each one is unique to the individual.

Isn’t that a beautiful thought? If every word held the same meaning for everyone, wouldn’t conversations become monotonous? It is the differences in our interpretations that lead to new discoveries and a desire to understand one another better.

She remarked, “Yet it feels lonely when words fail to connect.” I nodded in agreement, but internally pondered, “Are they truly disconnected?”

The sensation of disconnection might actually indicate that something beyond words is beginning to resonate.

My secret passion is eavesdropping on conversations among strangers on public transport.

It’s done discreetly, of course; being caught would definitely label me as odd. Yet these snippets of dialogue are fascinating. You catch the words but lack the context, prompting you to engage your imagination fully.

Just the other day, I overheard a dialogue between what appeared to be a grandmother and her grandson.

“Grandma, I’m okay now.” “Oh, that’s wonderful.” “Yeah, I’m not scared anymore.”

What unfolded in this exchange? What was the source of fear? What does it mean to be okay?

The more I pondered, the wider their world seemed to expand. My imagination filled the voids that words alone could not express.

Perhaps what lies beyond words is “imagination.”

When I shared this with my friend, she chuckled and said, “You know that’s eavesdropping, right?”

Well, yes, it is. But I view it as a rehearsal for understanding words more deeply.

It's about reading the “gaps” between the words rather than the words themselves. Maybe the true meaning hides within those “gaps.”

“So, are you suggesting we should question words from now on?” my friend asked.

“Not exactly questioning… more like appreciating them?” I replied, surprising myself. “Appreciating words,” I mused; it sounds poetic.

But it could be true. Imagine placing a word on your tongue, savoring it slowly, experiencing its taste and aroma. That way, you may grasp its real essence.

Even the expression “I love you” could be sweet for some, bitter for others, or even spicy at times. Perhaps it is this intricate flavor that embodies the true meaning of “I love you.”

My friend took a silent sip of her coffee.

“This is bitter,” she commented. “Really? I find it sweet,” I countered.

We exchanged glances and laughed.

Look, another difference in our interpretations of words! Yet, it is these gaps that keep our conversations alive.

Ultimately, what exists beyond words may well be “people”—the speaker, the listener, and the connection that forms between them.

We utilize words to peer into each other’s hearts. Sometimes we misalign or pass each other by, yet we continue to share words.

Why do we do this? Because it’s enjoyable. Because that’s the essence of being human.

As I said goodbye to my friend, I remarked, “Let’s get together again.”

Beneath those words lay sentiments like “I cherished our conversation,” “I wish to learn more about you,” and “I hope we remain friends.”

I trust my friend felt the same.

She is the kind of friend who can truly sense what lies beyond words.