Company

The best conversation I've ever had was with someone who hardly spoke.

I met him daily, and we stood in silence side by side on the elevator up to our floors. He couldn't be older than 30 – neatly trimmed beard, brown eyes, always wearing a hat, skinny build, and usually wore some kind of black band t-shirt. Sometimes he held grocery bags and other times he held a case of soda pop.

Eventually, it became routine to see him every day when I came home from work. We'd smile at each other on good days. On bad days, we would slip into a tense silence.

Nothing was said. It was like we were being united by loneliness, but maybe I'm just kidding myself.

One night this changed.

I was standing outside our apartment building and looking up at the sky. You see, I was hoping to catch a glimpse of a falling star. Not to wish on because there was nothing I wanted. I just needed a change of pace – something new to put my sights on.

He pushed open the heavy glass door and turned his head. His face looked quizzical.

“I've been waiting for ya for over ten minutes.” He didn't sound angry or annoyed – just curious. “Are we not doing our routine today?” His lips curved up into a natural smile.

“Nope. I've been thinking of doing something different.” I smile back and go back inside the building with him.