Strangers

In my first year of university, on the course I quit after a year, I met a woman.

I didn't know her very well but I remember that my friend and I were talking to her in a class once. She said, of me, to my friend "keep an eye on her; she looks so unhappy."

I don't even remember her name, but I think she knew me better than 90% of the people I've known ever did.

In the same year, on a particulary grotty November afternoon when I was particularly unhappy, I met a man.

I don't know his name. I only met him once. He told me my sparkly shoelaces brightened his day because they brought a little touch of colour and something different to such a miserable afternoon.

I don't even remember what he looked like, but I've never forgotten him. I think it's the nicest thing a stranger has ever said to me.