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The pandemic has been a trying period for many people, but there are still pockets of warmth hidden in our community.

On the evening of June 21, an elderly cleaning lady working at Geylang Bahru Food Centre offered to buy drinks for two diners, which moved one of them so much that he shared the experience to Facebook.

The post has garnered over 5,100 reactions and 4,600 shares at the time of writing.

Misunderstood her intentions

According to Andrew Wong, the lady was short, frail, and appeared to be in her late seventies or eighties.

However, he noted that she "worked faster and more spiritedly," despite her age.  

She had stopped by Wong's table and offered to remove his tray, but Wong declined her offer, citing National Environment Agency (NEA) tray-clearing initiative on the part of diners.

Some moments later, the elderly woman came by again and mumbled something in dialect, which Wong interpreted as a request to buy her a drink. Hence, he responded by asking her what drink she would like.

To his surprise, she clarified that she was not asking for a drink — instead, she wanted to treat Wong and his dining companion, saying that she has a pre-paid tab at the drink stall.

Wong said that her response left them dumbfounded and unsure of what to say.

They declined politely but continued chatting to her, asking if she had eaten dinner and offering to buy her some food. She told them she had eaten before leaving to resume her work.

Perspiration due to spicy ban mian

In addition to being ashamed of what they were thinking, Wong and his dining companion were also perplexed as to why the cleaning lady had approached them.

Wong then realised that they were feasting on spicy ban mian and he was perspiring profusely. He proceeded to look for the cleaner, and ask if she had made the offer because he was "perspiring in agony".

The elderly lady giggled heartily and nodded. Wong also joined in the laughter before saying goodbye.

He promised to visit her again and suggested having a drink together.

According to Wong, the cleaner works there every evening, and encouraged him to say "hello" to if he drops by again.

You can read about the encounter in Wong's words here.

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Top images by Andrew Wong on Facebook and Li Junwei on Google Maps.