I know you

GA National Fair - Man at cafeteria
Originally uploaded by idyllopus

I ventured the cafeteria on my own, again. It was 5th time since Alta left. I just prefer to bring from home than going alone. Everything looked as awful, as it mostly does. Since I must get something to relieve my hunger, I picked some rice and asparagus. As I headed to the cashier I realized I was not carrying my wallet for the first time ever. For a moment I thought I would just leave the food there somewhere and head out, which seemed selfish as I would waste the food like that.
Confused, I thought of giving it a shot with Val.
I walked up with my food, after making sure no one was behind me in the ear shot. I asked her if she could keep my food until I come back with my card. She charged and asked me to bring the money later may be tomorrow.
I asked her if she will give me a receipt so she can remember how much it was. She was too late for the receipt and I was unsure how is she ever going to know how much did I owe.
I asked “How will you know, how much was it?”
Val looked straight in my eyes, with one of her look “I know you”.

If it wasn’t for Alta, I wouldn’t have known her name. As I walked out with my food, I wondered isn’t what happiness is all about. These little humane interactions and sharing things make things better and easier for others. Makes this world a better place to live. A simple smile uplifts the grey clouds. These little acts of understanding and care confirm that our lives are not meaningless. In fact this is what actually matters, the most.