He laughed and took the chair across from me.
His Name Was Daniel
The stranger introduced himself as Daniel.
He told me he worked as a photographer and traveled frequently. He said he had returned from a long trip only the previous day.
What began as a casual conversation continued for almost
two hours.
Daniel asked about my life and actually seemed interested in the answers. When I told stories, he listened instead of immediately turning the conversation back toward himself.
Plan Family Trips
He repeatedly told me that I looked younger than sixty-two.
Under different circumstances, I might have dismissed those compliments.
But after spending an entire day feeling forgotten, being noticed felt surprisingly powerful.
Then I Told Him It Was My Birthday
At some point during our conversation, I admitted why I had gone into the city alone.
my birthday.
Daniel appeared genuinely surprised.
He immediately called the waiter over and ordered dessert with a candle.
