A Blossoming Spirit

Can you think of days when you are torn between whether to stay home or go to that place on your mind? Maybe it’s just for a quiet walk or a visit to your favourite Chinese restaurant. And when you are having a hard time deciding, just go for it.

Here’s why – in my own little story.

“Should I go or should I not go?” I asked myself. It had been a long day at work, and I thought I could reward myself with a little walk. At the same time, I liked the idea of staying home, watching a movie on my phone while cooking. After spending a few minutes on this important question, I finally made up my mind to just step out.

The moment I left the house, feeling the sun rays on my face and seeing the beautiful sky, all my doubts quietly disappeared. I had my music on, as always, listening to “Biutyful” by Coldplay.

Carefree, I walked toward a metro station when I sensed someone trying to grab my attention by waving his hands. I paused my music and turned toward a gentleman who looked relieved to have caught my attention.

“Do you speak English?” he asked.

“Yes, I do,” I replied.

“Wow, that’s great. I’ve been struggling to find someone who can speak English. They generally only speak French. I need help.”

“What happened?” I asked.

“It’s a long story,” he began. “I am visiting Paris for a few days. Earlier today, while I was in the metro, someone stole my wallet. I lost my money, my credit cards, my identity card. You know how these people surround the tourists, and you don’t really know what’s happening.”

“I’m very sorry to hear that. I understand your situation. What do you expect of me?”

“I need to go back home to Italy. I don’t have money even to buy a ticket. If it’s not too much to ask, could you help me fund it?”

Living in a big city like Paris, where you can be tricked anytime, I wasn’t sure if this was genuine.

“Do you have anything that proves your identity? Or a copy of the police complaint?” I asked, trying to protect myself.

“I lost my ID, and my papers are in my room. It’s not far, you could come with me, I’ll show you.”

A red flag, I thought.

I kept asking questions, trying to test the sincerity of his request. And yet, somewhere between caution and compassion, I felt a pull.

“How much do you need?” I finally asked.

He mentioned the amount.

“Look, I’m a student here. I live on a small budget. But if this helps you get back home, I’ll give it to you. I’ll need to withdraw it from the ATM.”

We walked toward the ATM near my home. He spoke about his work, about life during Covid in Italy. When we reached, I said, “Please wait outside. I’ll get the money.”

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“Yes.”

A few minutes later, I handed him the money. He seemed deeply relieved. He thanked me again and again.

“You are an angel. It’s rare to find people like you,” he said.

“It’s my pleasure,” I replied, wishing him luck on his way back home.

As I walked back, I kept wondering, was he truly in need, or had I just been tricked?

And then I realised something.

That evening, I had two choices.
One was to walk away with suspicion.
The other was to walk away with peace.

I chose the one that let me sleep gently that night.

Maybe he was honest.
Maybe he wasn’t.

But in that small moment, under the beautiful sky,
with music still echoing softly in my ears,
I chose to be someone who helps.

And sometimes, that is a good enough reason to step outside.

Do you have an interesting story to share with a stranger? Do you have story about how you found peace? Please comment below – I would love to know and be inspired.

Wish you a wonderful day!