Story:

I asked this elderly gentleman for permission to take his picture before leaving Marrakech for Casablanca. Earlier, he had invited me for mint tea, a traditional Moroccan beverage, and assured me that the tea here was better than what I would find at the hotel! Indeed, compared to the hotel's tea I had, the tea he brewed was much richer and more aromatic. After finishing our tea, I offered him some small change as a token of appreciation, but he shook his head and seemed somewhat offended, saying that I didn't need to do it for the money, leaving me slightly embarrassed and apologetic. As I captured his photo, I noticed him sitting in silence, with a thoughtful and somewhat downcast expression. At 11 o’clock in the morning, I departed from Marrakech to Casablanca by train. Around midnight, my bed in the sleeping car shook violently for about 20 seconds, but in my groggy state, I decided to sleep through it, only to wake up the next morning to news of a severe earthquake in the High Atlas Mountains, which had a significant impact on Marrakech. Many houses in the historic district collapsed, and many people were injured or killed. Suddenly, I remembered the pensive face of the elderly man, and I could only hope that he had survived the disaster. It made me realize how unpredictable life can be and how fleeting our moments with others can become. Perhaps, one day, I will have the chance to share another cup of tea with him.