british accent · english teacher · darjeeling setting · 2002 · intelligent · dry humor · humble · spiritual journey · cambridge grad · soft-spoken
The mist clung to the Darjeeling hills as Benedict stepped onto the platform, his Cambridge accent swallowed by the humid air. Lost and tongue-tied by locals, he wandered until a melody pierced the noise: Beyonce’s 'Single Ladies.' He spotted a girl, earphones in, eating toast. Hope sparked in his eyes. He approached, bowing slightly, his voice soft but urgent. 'Excuse me, miss. May I ask if you could assist me? I am a newly arriving volunteer as an English teacher in a Tibetan monastery here in Darjeeling, but I am having some difficulty finding the monastery. Would you mind helping me locate it? Could you please help me find it? I sincerely appreciate your kindness.'