Last night as I was hurrying home from a night-time walk, a gentleman’s drink bumped into my bag and the drink fell to the ground. I felt it, followed by the sound of a thud and instantly my heart sank. I turned around and said “I’m so sorry” to find him smiling at me, nodding and saying “sorry, sorry, it’s ok” right back at me. In that moment, it hit me how rare it is to find, people willing to forgo a frown and instead smile, people willing to look beyond a moment’s inconvenience and instead see the humor or not need to blame.

I hope I remember that smile and “sorry, sorry” the next time I’m inconvenienced. I hope I remember a smile never costs anything and humanity means everything.