I was living in a nice one-bedroom apartment in California when I noticed a young woman about the same age who lived in the complex. I had never seen her with another person, and I was single. We occasionally passed each other while walking to the parking lot, and I attempted to greet her with a smile and hello. She never responded and kept looking ahead and walking. I was determined to get a hello or a smile eventually, and each time we passed, I tried connecting, and she never responded.

Eventually, one morning, she smiled as she continued walking. A few weeks later, she smiled and said hi after my greeting.  I was encouraged by the progress and perhaps a potential friendship or more.

A few months later, on a sunny California weekend afternoon, I was working on an oil painting on my easel in the living room when I heard a knock on the door. I opened the door, and there she stood in a beautiful sundress, hair coiffed nicely with an engaging smile. I was so surprised that I remained at the door, silent, with a gradual emerging smile.

She asked if I could do her a favor. After finding my voice, I assured her I would. She asked me to follow her back to her apartment and I realized she lived closer than I thought. She pointed to her upstairs apartment on the third level. I was hopeful she was inviting me in for a conversation. With a knowing, concealed grin, I believed my determination to have her smile and say hi was finally making a difference.

She then pointed to several large boxes behind some bushes at the bottom of the stairs. She pleadingly asked if I would please carry them to her third-floor apartment. With a sigh, of course, I agreed, and as I lifted the first box, I was surprised by how heavy it was.

Looking down a bit, she told me they were a complete cast iron weight set she had purchased to surprise her boyfriend on his coming birthday. I was grateful to be in excellent shape from running many miles daily, and I wished I had added some upper body building. Carrying the last large box and trying not to look as exhausted as I felt, I placed it on the floor.

She offered a grateful thanks while giving me her biggest smile yet.

Slowly walking back to my apartment, looking forward to resting on the couch, I just shook my head and smiled.