I met a fascinating stranger today!

I work as a busboy at a breakfast joint in
New Jersey. This is a picture from a year or two ago, it looks the same now, just much less crowded. Today, this guy came in holding a stuffed monkey puppet. My manager said "Table for one?" and he pointed to his monkey and said "Two." She led him to his table, and when his waiter came over he ordered pancakes for himself, and a "banana daiquiri" for his monkey.

I had to look up what that was. I can't
imagine that tasting good, but I guess his monkey had niche tastes. It was a moot point anyways because it's a dry town, but I digress. Anyways, I decided that I had to talk to this person, but I was a little scared to ask about the monkey. I mean, what if the guy is crazy and he just gets mad at me?

I decided to take my chances though. I nervously asked "so, what is their name?" and he turns his head. My heart is pounding. He grabs his monkey, extends his arm, and starts singing "B, O, N-G-O, Bongo!" I burst out laughing because this is the most adorable thing I've seen all day. I asked Bongo why he's got the mask on and he replied "I get in trouble for not wearing my mask" in this ridiculously cute high-pitched voice. The guy's name is Rocky and apparently he travels everywhere with this little puppet stuffie named Bongo. I asked him for a selfie and...

You can see how happy I was when he said yes. Well, HE said yes, but his monkey demanded two bananas in return as his image is sensitive. I BEGGED my manager to let me oblige him, but she was just as interested as I was so she said yes right away. I brought him his bananas and I've never seen such a happy person in all my life. His monkey did a little dance in the air and thanked me profusely.

Maybe like five minutes after we stopped talking, when I was walking by his table, he waves me over and hands me this book. My heart melted when I realized it was his book, with his name on it. I teared up and thanked him. It's a collection of poetry that he wrote while working as a substitute teacher/performance artist in America's poorest city. When I got home that night I opened up the book and started crying.

I blacked out his email address which he was nice enough to append, but I transcribed everything else he wrote because the handwriting is a little wonky.

"Dear Joe (my name),
Thank you so much for appreciating Bongo and bringing him his favorite food group Bananas. He hasn't let go of it! Have a wonderful holiday and Winter Solstice (Bongo adds)
Your pals Rocky + Bongo (featured in poem on page 3)
'Yawp'!"

Thank you so much, monkey man. You made my day and I will cherish this book for the rest of my life.

When people say don't talk to strangers, most of the time it's good advice. But sometimes it can be a fascinating and delightful experience, so take a chance next time you see that one person who piques your interest.

By the way, here's the poem he mentioned. I love humans so much. Have a great day, Imgur

FP edit: Thank you all so much for the kind words!! This is my first post and I never thought it would get this much attention. You guys are the best!