A friend once told me about a time they were in a rush to catch a train. They had just finished a long day at work and were eager to get home. As they were running through the station, their shoe got caught in a gap between the pavement and the platform edge. The shoe came off, and they had to quickly kneel down to retrieve it.

While putting it back on, a kind stranger walked over and offered to help. They laughed it off, saying it wasn’t a big deal, but appreciated the gesture. They managed to get their shoe back on, sprinted for the train, and just barely made it in time. It was a small moment, but one that reminded them of the unexpected kindness of people.