"don't talk to strangers." -mom.

you know why your mom always warned you against talking to strangers? it's because most of the time they end up being salesmen who sell you stuff you don't really need. they con you into buying dreams and hopes and fantasies. and if you can't afford it they'll tell you, "it's okay, don't worry. you can pay them in instalments." so you buy into it all, hook line and sinker. you suspend good judgement, rationality and reality. you really believe you can have it all.

and then you miss paying an instalment or fall short of a few ringgits on your monthly repayment and before you can even explain yourself they take everything back. everything and then some. they take your dreams your hopes your fantasies your life your sleep your heart your soul your sanity, with not as much as a sorry. and you're left high and dry, missing all those things you didn't even need or want before they come along. you're left picking up the torn and tattered pieces of you that they magnanimously left behind cause it's not worth much to them anyway.

so the next time someone knocks on your door or tug at your heartstrings for just some friendly company or a good conversation, remember what your mom told you.