It had been a particularly long Tuesday, and while I had completely meal-prepped for the week, I was not feeling the rice-broccoli-chicken dish in my fridge.  I was craving something a little more…exotic?

I called the restaurant and ordered the usual.

“Hi! Yes, I’d like to order a pick-up…. Yeah, I’d like one Philly roll and a cup of fried rice…Thanks.”

As I opened the door to the restaurant, I saw another customer waiting for their pick-up order.  Knowing the service in my favorite sushi place is painfully slow, I decided to take a seat next to her as we waited for our respective meals. As in most awkward public situations, I pulled out my phone.

“Did you call? For your order, I mean?” said the voice next to me.

I looked up and noticed for the first time what my neighbor looked like.  She was young. I took her for a high school aged kid at first, until I noticed an engagement ring.  She had beautiful, soft brown skin and a slender frame.  Her hair was natural and it was the kind of hair that poofs out, but is painfully chic at the same time.  What caught my attention more than anything were her big, beautiful brown eyes.  They were full of life, love, energy, and happiness.  It almost caught me off guard. On top of that, she had a smile that could light up any room.

“Um, yeah.  I called a few minutes ago.” I said, looking bewildered at my neighbor.

“That’s funny. I tried and nobody answered.  Instead, it went to an answering machine.”

“Oh, yeah, it did the same for me, but I knew they were opened so I called back.  Besides, as you can see, they aren’t very worried about customer service.”

We talked for about ten minutes as we waited.  She told me she was hesitant about certain sushi rolls and that she always chickens out and gets a California roll.  We also talked about how it’s so odd when people at Sonic ask you if you want your change back.  She exasperatedly said, “Of course I want my change back! If I choose to give it to you as a tip, I will!”

All week long I’ve wondered about this girl.  What’s her name? What does she do for a living? How old is she? What’s her secret to life? Someone with that smile and those eyes surely can’t be miserable.  Is she more thankful than I am and it radiates through her with the intensity of the sun? I cannot explain how absolutely stunning this young woman was — not just in her physical beauty, but her love for the world.  In a ten minute conversation, she rejuvenated my spirit and made me hopeful in a way I can’t describe.

So, dear sweet girl from the sushi restaurant, I pray nobody ever blows out your light. You were the most treasured unexpected blessing.