Just a Flower

Funny the human propensity for one person to ruin something for everyone. It happens all the time. In the schoolyard and one child complains of getting hurt, so ruining the greatest game every played for the rest. Or when someone sues for a minor complaint and destroys the freedoms previously enjoyed by others. Or as here, in Fez, where a swarm of false guides descend on you as you enter the old city demanding you to 'let' them help you. And they persist. Following you up and down alleyways despite your constant rebukes of their attentions. But the worst part of it, the worst part is the mistrust it gives you of everyone else. Being friendly or even asking directions suddenly seem unwise, for you might be asked for something in return, and threatened when you refuse. We can never simply believe in the inherent good of people, for there's always a catch. But then, and this is what makes the world worth living in, then as you're walking down the street with two friends you've just met, a girl stops one of them, hands her a flower, smiles and walks on. No look back, no suggestion of a tip. And so you walk on, talking about good karma, and random acts of kindness, and good things in the world.

And it's a beatiful moment.