A simple conversation

I approached the elevator at the Fraser Street parking garage after indulging in a gluten free muffin and coffee at my favorite spot in the plaza. Another person was getting on the elevator just as I got there. He nodded and said, "Hello" and I smiled and replied, "Hi."

We chatted about how busy town was, wondering why that was so, since there wasn't a home game that weekend.  Then I commented that I usually don't take the elevator--I'd rather do the stairs, but I had been forced to park on the roof because the garage was so full.  He said he was on his way to the roof to stop at each floor on the way down to make sure the elevator was working on every floor. I observed how beautiful the weather was and what a great view you got from the roof.  The elevator stopped, I got off and called out, "Have a great day!"

It was so exciting!  I got to connect with a perfect stranger who I would probably not see again (although in our sometimes large, sometimes small town, I might...) and it was all because I could talk! Without talking, the ride up to the roof would have been silent.  Worse yet, when he had said his pleasant, "Hello" as I stepped onto the elevator, my attempt at a friendly nod and big smile would not have made up for the spoken word.  That little conversation took me from an isolated space to one of connection with another human being.  How exciting!