The morning after her quiet birthday, Grace walks quickly through the morning air, while she runs errands for her mom, hoping the feel of the morning dew will soothe the bittersweet ache left by another year passing. Everyone seemed busy or at least had somewhere they were heading to. Cars honking, bicycles wheeling by, and people chatting as they passed by.
Lost in thought, she barely notices the figure walking beside her until he speaks.
"Young lady" the young guy says. Startled, Grace looks behind her and realizes a tall stranger with kind eyes and a faint smile. He carries a worn leather bag slung over his shoulder and walks with an easy, confident stride.
"You dropped this," he continued. Grace replies cautiously, "Oh! Thank you very much".
He offers to walk a bit with her. Their steps fall in sync, and after a beat of silence, he continues, "Well, wherever you're headed, it must be important. You've got that determined look."
Grace can't help but laugh softly at his boldness. "I suppose I do. And where are you off to, if you don't mind me asking?"
He shrugs. "Nowhere in particular. Saw that you dropped the money and decided to give it back."
Soon they're chatting as if they've known each other longer than a few moments. She tells him about her favorite spots in the neighborhood and how she's been trying to find balance in a life that feels increasingly uniform. He listens attentively, and comes up with observations or questions that make her think deeper.
He says "you seem to have a lot on your mind. And if I'm not mistaken, you're carrying that post-birthday glow."
"I didn't even celebrate much. Just another day, really."
He shakes his head. "No birthday should ever feel like 'just another day.' Wait here."
Before she could protest, he searched through his bag and pulled out a small, beautiful bracelet. It's delicate but sturdy, made of silver with tiny charms shaped like stars and moons.
"This," he says, holding it out to her, "is for you. Consider it a belated gift."
Grace stares at the bracelet, her heart skipping a beat. "I can't possibly take this. You don't even know me."
He counters, " In my culture, we believe small gestures like this bring good luck and connection. Take it. No strings attached."
Hesitant but touched, Grace accepts the bracelet, sliding it onto her wrist. The cool metal warms quickly against her skin.
"Thank you," she murmurs, her voice softer now. "I don't know what to say."
"Just say it made your day," he replies, grinning. "That's all I need."
As he turns to leave, Grace finds herself calling out. "Wait! I didn't even catch your name."
He pauses, glancing back over his shoulder. "Let's keep it a mystery, for now. Who knows?