It was a Sunday afternoon with the clear sky and the wind ruffling the branches of the trees that adorned the entrance to my house. Always accompanied by my faithful adventures companion kmila (a dog of medium size, the product of a cross between a beautiful ChowChow and beautiful German Shepherd) We both saw people go by without making visual contact with anyone, that eye contact is not my thing , usually one gets involved unwittingly in unwanted situations, as well as about those useless products boosters who stand at the entrance of the chain stores, always lurking, ready to intercept the one who dares to look at them into their eyes. Once done you’re screwed.

I am very good with faces, I remember people regardless of time that has passed especially if they bring pretty eyes. Pretty eyes like the the ones owned by the guy who was crossing the street at the same time looking at me like suggesting to wait for him, as if he wanted to talk to me. I quickly identified him, it had been a while since the last time I saw him on the outdoor patio of a nearby house doing yard work just like any other neighbor.

-Good afternoon, do you want to buy some cds? I have all kinds of music, choose! -

He did not recognized me … while he was making mention of what he had available for me, i was wondering -what hapenned with his family and why is he doing this?- I never liked buying things from street vendors especially when it comes to music. (here in Colombia is usual to meet people on the street trying to make a living selling pirated music and movies.)

I still feel sorry every time I remember the sharp and rude way as I interrupted him: -‘no, thanks.. I am not interested- I remember how he looked at me and said humbly:
“its ok, thanks” and turned his back and left…

It did not take long for the alarms were fired within my head toward my despicable behavior, I could have been at least more friendly and supportive no matter he remembered me or not. I felt myself miserable.

I quickly walked in to my house, I took my wallet, and went in search of the boy whose name never remembered, I felt I owed him an apology. After searching most of the neighborhood I finally find him, I did not think I would see again. Almost, with the heart in hand stopped him, without letting him speak I apologized, told him that I was interested in buying something, NOT for me… for my mother. Without a word while nodding his face brought a smile that gave me relief.

we were neighbors long ago- I said. He looked at me surprised and gesturing doubt, nodded again while saying he remembered kmila (my dog), and thats why she never barked at him. We laughed as i was selecting what cd buy for my mother, actually it did not care, I just wanted to finish that episode in the best possible way.

I was curious about his family, his situation… without thinking a lot about the subject I finally asked him.

We had to leave, my father became ill and lost his job, we now live in a nearby town, there is much cheaper to live. I have to do what I can.

As I struggled with the awkward silence that came after that response, I checked my wallet and realized he probably had no change . Had no choice, i paid him with what I had, I told him to keep the change and i wished his father could get better. The sparkle in those green eyes was the ultimate expression of gratitude that someone has let me see. He thanked me with a huge smile and some polite words. He seemed grateful and his eyes were a little wet … he turned his back and left. Never saw him again.

This was a heartwarming moment. I felt happy of having the courage to act right on time and not staying at home forever regretting.

This is my first post in English, hopefully someday someone will read it and let me know its opinion. If you are reading this line, i thank you very much!