It was one of those days when nothing went right. I felt murderous, weepy, angry. The only thing that sustained me was multi-sensory experience of digging into a lemon tart at Café Steinbeck.I reached for the last lemon tart a moment before she did. I could see the disappointment in her eyes. She looked even more haggard than I felt- the burp mark on her left shoulder told its story. I picked up the tart, and put in on her tray. She was speechless, I could see the gratitude in her eyes.
“Pay it forward”, I said. And smiled.
_____
A drabble is a story told in exactly 100 words.
A Random Act of Kindness always sets off a chain, which may or may not circle back to you, but which makes the world a better place to be in. See it play out in our Pay it Forward feature, exclusively at the Burrow.
Image credit - Kimberly Vardeman
Rayna - What a wonderful story! And an important reminder of how a simple act of kindness can make such a difference to everyone.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful drabble! Oddly enough, now I'm hungry...
ReplyDeleteA little thoughtfulness goes a long way!
ReplyDeleteSometimes the simplest acts of kindness mean the most.
ReplyDeleteMason
Thoughts in Progress
What a touching story! Lovely.
ReplyDeletehttp://ladyfi.wordpress.com
Nice. We should all do so, thanks for the reminder. Really enjoying your drabbles.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, my favorite thing "Pay it Forward." :)
ReplyDeleteTrying To Get Over The Rainbow
That was so kind. Lemon tarts make everything better.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful drabble Rayna. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYvonne,
I love a story that's sweet, has a message, and makes you feel good. (The lemon tarts in your picture look delicious.)
ReplyDeleteWonderful, Rayna, just wonderful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! :)
ReplyDeleteThat was a nice thing to do, Rayna.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful and sweet story. Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteAnd those tarts look so good...I would love one...thank you!
Hugs
SueAnn
Wow, giving up your favorite pastry ... such a kind gesture. May you receive back 100 fold.
ReplyDeleteStephen Tremp
What a wonderful thing to do and it must have been difficult because those tarts look tasty.
ReplyDeleteCD
Generosity leaves a better taste than any food! You're a sweetie :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful drabble! And now I'm hungry for a lemon tart. Your story paid it forward in many ways. :)
ReplyDeletePaying it forward is a grand way to live our lives. I loved the drabble. It's a great reminder of how much good we can do with simple and random acts of kindness.
ReplyDeleteExcellent drabble - wonderful human!!
ReplyDeleteI love this; paying it forward to someone in such pain... I hope you receive a multitude of blessings, for this kindhearted gesture! xXx
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteThis is just what I needed today. A great story that makes you feel good. You have always paid it forward in the fact that you have entertained us all with your writings and photos.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm feeling kind of hungry now myself.
As someone who had lots of baby burp marks on my shoulder, I can fully appreciate the kindness shown in the story!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story. I love the idea of paying it forward. Didn't simple act change the feel of your day?
ReplyDeleteGreat story!
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for commenting. Normally, I would never have given up a lemon tart, but giving it up for someone who needed it more than I do has ensured I have been tasting it all week. Zero calories and full sensory experience- have already been paid back multifold for that one kindness.
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