a nice stranger

It’s been a busy day.  Screening of THE PAST with Gail at noon.  An exhausting trip to Apple where the manager finally and reluctantly agrees to trade out my iPhone 4S for a new 4S.  And an 8pm screening of SAVING MR. BANKS  followed by a Q&A that I helped arrange with Emma Thompson, the director, writer, and producer.

It’s cold.  In the 20’s. It’s late.  Around 11.  I just want to get home.  I decide to forego the bus, something I rarely do.

I am on Amsterdam Av trying to hail a cab.  I am probably further from the curb than I should be.  I am waving to a cab I see about two blocks away.  I want to make sure he sees me. I hear someone shouting, “Miss.  Miss.”  At first I don’t realize I am being addressed.  I turn and see a bundled up, well-dressed man.  I am wondering what he wants but am inclined to ignore him.  Then he says, “Miss.  Please.  I promise.  I will get you a cab.”  He has my attention.  I walk over to him; he is standing close to the curb.  He says, “I will get you a cab.  You are standing too far in the road.  Just stand here.”   He waves down a cab, and makes sure I am in it safely.

It’s a small gesture of kindness but such a nice one.  I turn to him and say, “Thank you so much.  That was incredibly nice.”  He puts his finger to his lips and says, “Shush.  Don’t tell anyone.”  He smiles.  Shuts the cab door.  And off I go.