I’m 17!
I was waiting for our underground train. The transportation security was there to check if people had valid passes. If you don’t, you’re subject to a fine.
They targeted one younger fellow who indeed didn’t have a pass. They requested to see his license or some form of id so they could give him a ticket.
This person ignored the request and proceeded to leave.
The security immediately called ahead to alert the police to come because someone was exiting without paying. (I guess this security doesn’t have the authority to physically stop someone).
They were describing the person on the phone as the guy was exiting. Obviously time was of the essence to catch him.
The security guard mentioned this guy looked like he was 20 years old.
This kid stopped, turned around and screamed, I’m 17!
I cracked up.
Any minute the police could show up and he could be in serious trouble yet he had to stop and declare his actual age!
I imagine at 17 to have something think you’re 20 could be an insult. I personally don’t remember but I can believe it considering my own thoughts with getting older.
While I loathe admitting I have fallen into this keeping youthful image our society professes all the time, I felt comfort with this kid’s outburst.
Here he was in trouble with the law yet he needed to correct their estimation of his age. It almost makes my thoughts about growing my hair longer to look younger sane.
Almost.
The point isn’t whether or not this obsession our society has with looking young is right or wrong, productive or not. It’s there, it exists.
What’s comforting is people do it at any age.
When I realize some of my crazier thoughts are shared by people of all ages:
• I realize they may not be so crazy
• I feel a little more normal in a calm way
• I feel more connected to people of all ages.
I don’t know if this kid got caught because my train arrived. For the laugh I enjoyed I hope he got away!