At the Cleveland Airport, I was trying to decide between sandwiches or “Chinese”. The Manchu Wok man excitedly beckons me to look remarking, “I see you.” I caved and ordered my usual. He asks me where I’m from. I know what he meant but I lied and said Boston. I’m a student studying English in Boston. I ask him the same question. He is from here, Cleveland. His daughter is a student too. I wished her luck, he wished me luck and I walked away with my rice and orange chicken. I don’t know why I lied. I should’ve told him the truth, but it would’ve launched us into a longer conversation I was too tired to partake, both searching for commonality and a shared experience. Despite my small lie, we recognized each other. Like he said, “I see you.” I see you too.