Member-only story
We interacted for 5 seconds. In fact, I don’t think he even gave me a chance to speak. He said his piece, and walked away. I never saw him again.
He didn’t have to approach me. He didn’t have to say what he said. He could have left this as his inside voice.
I didn’t feel creeped out. He wasn’t seeking anything in return. A simple, kind gesture of words, and off he went. Leaving me whirling.
Relaxing in a bar in Cairns, Australia. I think I have it all figured out, but really I’m a self-conscious 18-year-old. I am enjoying a jovial conversation with some fellow backpackers. Life is carefree, on the outside. Although my brain is never carefree.
I didn’t even see him approach. He was graceful. He excuses himself for interrupting our conversation. He looks at me with smiling eyes and says
“I just wanted to tell you, you have a beautiful smile.”
And with that, he turns on his heels and walks out of the bar. He didn’t wait for a response. He didn’t turn his compliment into a chat-up line. He left his kind present hanging in the air, then vanished.
We all carried on chatting as normal. But I felt changed from within. I sat up taller.
