The smile

As I was leaving the grocery store a couple weeks ago, I saw a sweet little old lady who was handing out coupons. As I walked by, my eyes met her eyes, and I gave her the slightest of smiles, a mere upward turn of the corner of my lips. I looked away for a half-second to see where I was going and then looked at her again, and I noticed she was starting to smile a little as well. Encouraged, I broadened my smile. I looked away a second time, and then looked towards her one final time before I passed, showing her a full on smile. As I broadened my smile, she smiled back at me with an expression so full of joy and kindness, I felt like I was walking on air.

I walked away with a big grin on my face, and I couldn't stop smiling afterward for quite some time. Even now, as I think of it, I can't help but smile. I hope my smile did for her what hers did for me. She absolutely made my week.

(This post has been revised to avoid further reader misinterpretation)