To the man I met on the esplanade,
I thought about writing something like this a while back but wasn't sure how to, so I didn't. But at the same time, it didn't feel right to not acknowledge what you did for me. This is my way of saying thank you.
I don't know if you remember what happened that day, so I will recount as quickly as possible the series of events. That day I was feeling extra motivated. I know this because I decided to go for a run. Daylight Savings had already kicked in so by the time I left my dorm the sun had already begun its descent. Save the crisp November air, it was comfortably warm outside. Winter, at that point, seemed like a distant possibility. I secretly congratulated myself on picking such a great day to go for a run.
After I had built up a steady pace, I let my mind wander. I was surprised at how many fellow students I saw running alone like I was. I could tell they were college students because they were clad in gear from their respective schools, I'm sure you saw that too.
By the time I decided to turn back, the sun had completely set. After a minute or so of running I noticed a shadow approaching. I paid no attention to it because it was common to see other runners, especially since I was getting close to the BU campus. I think you may have realized at this point, that shadow was you.
You got closer until we were running almost side by side. When we reached a pool of light you tapped me firmly on the shoulder. I'm sure when I turned around, my expression was a mixture of confusion, surprise and a splash of fear.
Our interaction was so brief that I am sorry to say I don't remember much of what you look like. All I remember is that you were wearing a blue compression shirt with a black long sleeve on underneath.
Before I had time ask you why you had stopped me, you began talking.
You said that it was dangerous to run alone at night. You said that sometimes there can be bad people lurking around the Esplanade. You said that I should always run with a flashlight on at night. Then you handed me your small black flashlight and resumed running.
Our interaction lasted no more than thirty seconds. By the time I was jolted out of my confusion, I was mumbling a breathless thank you to the direction you had continued off in.
I still don't know why you decided to stop me. Maybe it was because you thought I looked lost. Maybe my build made you think I was younger than I really am. Maybe it is because you guessed that the dark ponytail sticking out of my Red Sox hat belonged to a foreigner. But whatever the reason, thank you.
The flashlight now sits on one of the shelves on my desk in my dorm room. Sometimes I forget that it is there but on the occasion that it catches my eye, I am reminded of your act of kindness. It reminds me that I don't need a reason to do something nice for someone when I feel it is appropriate. I shouldn't need praise, a picture or an award to prove a good deed worthy. Sometimes doing a nice thing for another person is just doing a nice thing for another person, nothing more.
I hope if you are reading this that you are doing well. If I ever feel motivated enough to go running on the Esplanade again I will be sure to bring your flashlight with me.
Sincerely,
Ivy
P.S. You are a very fast runner.
