The Simple Man

So tonight at dinner with the family, we were talking to the owner of this Italian restaurant when a man, maybe in his late 20’s came over and said “Hello” and asked if it was anyones birthday, probably due to the laughter and commotion. My dad answered him with a “No?” and he simply said “Oh okay, enjoy your dinner, I’ll let you get back to it” with a big smile on his face as he walked back to his table. I watched him whilst the rest moved on to a different topic of conversation, stunned by his actions, whilst he sat there eating a bowl of soup by himself at a small table. If someone as nice as him was eating alone, it felt like it wasn’t fair. He came over to wish someone a happy birthday, for no reason, and it was obvious he just wanted some company or simply a conversation to brighten someones day. I asked if I could offer him to join us to the rest of the table, but the consensus from everyone was no. Anyways a few jokes were made and it was all light hearted about this man’s actions as the evening progressed, and I was fixated. He eventually left, saying goodbye to us and the people sitting on the table next to ours, and walked out the door. It was clear he was ‘simpler’ than others in more ways than one, but if everyone was as genuine and nice as he was we’d be living in a much nicer world. I can’t help but always think about these people, and what they do with themselves throughout the days. My mum always tells me that I “can’t save the world“, but in this situation no worlds needed to be saved, it was just someone looking to…talk to someone else? I’m probably reading much to far into this, but it’s what I do constantly, and these things stick with me for days and even months. Anyway, next time I’ll just sit with him, because nobody should be eating by themselves in a crowded room. The little things can go a long way, so don’t be afraid to just talk, or even listen to someone else. You should never hesitate to brighten someones day.

Unknown Photographer.

C.f