27/06/2018
Last night I was eating at a cafe in SF. When I finished eating my sandwich, I decided to take a moment to appreciate the meal I just had, including the people around me, one of whom was the manager. About 5 years ago, I remember he became angry with me because he asked me to play chess with his son but I declined. At the time, the cafe was a place for casual chess players to pick up games. When I went to order my food, he instantly recognized me. I thought to myself Oh no, he's going to bring up not playing with him again. I was ready for a smirk and the cold shoulder. Instead, he said, "You remember my son?" I nodded. "Well, he's studying law at Harvard now." I told him that's wonderful, he must be a really smart guy." Though he didn't say anything in reply, I could see the effect it had on him. He returned back a big smile I had never seen. We shook hands and it was like we healed the past between us.
