The older man walking on crutches had just left the building where he lives. He walks slowly due to his age and the experiences he had made in the past. His overall health has been below average and behind the lowered head and his corners of the mouth pointing downwards, there was a glimpse to the right where I had just dumped the plastic and paper garbage.

He continued walking, slowly. I passed by saying „Hallo“. He said „Hallo“. I walked further and in a soft voice that barely reflects his life-shaped outward appearance I heard him gently saying „Schönen Tag“ (Have a beautiful day). I looked back and replied, „Ebenso“ (ditto).

Sometimes what a person only needs is a greeting to make him understand that he’s seen by you and not being ignored.

Also published on Medium.