Smile....

On the way to church.

I walk the same path everyday.

I like it.

It cuts straight through the high street and I have started to recognize some of the people.

Its early in the morning so of course no one makes eye contact or even thinks about talking to each other.

So I try my best to fight back the early morning feeling and walk with a smile on my face.

I stop at the traffic lights where I am stood across from an elderly lady who looks very confused and is just starring straight into my eyes.

I tap the button to get the green man lit up so we can cross the road.

She is still starring into my eyes.

Cars, buses, lorries and motorbikes are driving past but she maintains her eye contact.

Its getting kinda awkward.

Do I look away?

Do I cross at a different traffic light?

No. I will not be bullied to a different cross point by an old lady.

This has probably been the longest traffic lights in all history ever!!

It finally goes to the glorious green man and I start walking across the road.

I look up to see that the old lady hasn't moved at all and it would seem that she is waiting for me on the other side.

So head up, I walk up to the other side of the road to be met with a soft voice... "Can you help me across the road?"

My mind froze.

The last (what seemed like eternity) 2 minutes this old lady has been starring through my eyes into my brain.

".....Ok".

So the lady links arms with me as I slowly help her across the road.

The green man disappears as we make it half way and the cars start to roll forward.

The drivers start beeping their horns, annoyed that we are crossing when we shouldn't be.

The old lady muttering away to herself...

The only words that I could hear, whether they were on purpose or not were "Just keep smiling".

We reach the other side of the road, the old lady looked up at me and said "Keep smiling.... frowning doesn't suit you".

"I'm glad I saw someone smiling today. It helps the day go by"

She said thanks then started hobbling off.

I stood there for maybe 10 seconds watching this lady walk off.

Wondering what exactly just happened.

I am glad I could help the lady.

"Keep Smiling..... Frowning Doesn't Suit You"