The kindness of strangers

Would you like some - the lady held out a plate and I took it, mumbling something (which I hope) still resembled a thank you. I was stunned, the plate was stacked with all sorts of Indian bites. I suddenly looked around me and saw lights twinkling on the street corners, girls getting their nails done and guys casually milling around, calling to each other in greeting. Music was playing from the shop fronts and the atmosphere was electric. My insular mood kind of did a backward turn and suddenly my heart was filled with happiness - for no other reason than everyone else was happy. So, now Im home - plate of Indian bites intact....I only went out for some tomatoes and have come back singing!