A chance meeting (Port Morseby)

First appeared here.

At the crowded market in Port Moresby, a woman caught sight of an old friend she hadn’t seen in years. She smiled and raised her hand in a gentle wave, her voice warm as she said hello. The friend turned, surprised, and her face lit up with recognition. They stood for a moment in the bustle, sharing the quiet joy that comes from a familiar face in an unexpected place.

Without much fuss, the woman reached into her bilum and pulled out a few betelnuts, pressing them into her friend’s hand. The friend, touched by the simple kindness, slipped a ten kina note into her palm. It wasn’t repayment, just her way of offering something back. The woman laughed softly and handed her a watermelon she had just bought, big and bright and sweet. For a moment, the busy market faded and two women stood there, exchanging gifts and kindness like they always had.

Photo: The New Gordons Market that will serve over 2000 market vendors.
Photo: UN Women