Kind stranger, whoever you are, I thank you.

I would guess you are in your late forties, early fifties. You seem a kindly, amiable man. You had just picked up the payphone by layaway, and were beginning to dial when I walked by. You nodded and smiled, and I returned your smile quietly. Maybe it was because I did so sadly -- I don't know. But you did a double-take, took a look at my name badge, and exclaimed, "Farah! You are gorgeous!"

I could not help but giggle and smile broadly, in embarrassment. Because you paid me a compliment I may not have deserved but certainly needed that day.