The crowd was awed by the gentle, unassuming man’s inspirational words. His simple philosophies of love and kindness were nothing knew, but the way he phrased them struck a chord deep within Kaya’s heart.
He stood on no platform or dais. He didn’t seek to rise above anyone gathered to listen. He simply stood amongst the circle of people from all walks of life, making eye contact with everyone, smiling, laughing, and reaching out.
Any passerby would recognize him as the one the crowds had come for, because no matter how he tried to blend in, he exuded a compelling radiance that drew every eye toward him. That in itself was odd. He was an older man, dressed in casual, cheap clothing, bushy, grey-streaked hair and eyebrows and crooked teeth.
Kaya felt tears prickle behind her eyelids as he spoke of the power a simple, kind word or act could have in someone else’s life. He spoke of loss and grief, of finding peace and happiness in the pit of despair. It was almost as though he was speaking directly to Kaya, and to Kaya alone.
It was not until that moment that she realised how much she’d needed to hear those words, to hear that someone, even a stranger, cared about her. She had felt alone for so long. Creeping to the back of the crowd, she closed her eyes and allowed the tears that had been bottled up inside flow.
When Kaya finally opened her eyes, she blushed as she realised the crowd was watching her intently, their faces full of pity. Slowly, she looked over toward him. He was smiling at her. He raised a hand, reached it out in her direction, his expression welcoming.
‘Come, my dear,’ he spoke softly in dulcet tones.
‘Me?’ Kaya pointed at her own chest incredulously.
‘Yes,’ he smiled, and the crowd smiled with him, ‘You can help me show our friends how simple a gesture of kindness can be.’
With halting steps, Kaya made her way to his side, taking his outstretched hand. She looked up at him with moist eyes, unsure of what to do.
Squeezing her hand comfortingly, he looked out over the crowd, ‘We see the pain in this young woman’s eyes. I can’t erase that pain, and neither can any of you. But that doesn’t mean we can do nothing does it?’
The people shook their heads, though many looked clearly confused. Releasing Kaya’s hand, he turned to her, this time with both arms reaching out. He pulled her to him and gripped her firmly in a warm hug.
‘Go ahead and cry, young lady,’ he whispered, ‘Cry freely. We will be here for you.’

© Alison Pearce 2008