There are currently two guests staying with the community—one from Uganda and one from Japan. We had finished dinner, just the three of us, and I suggested a walk to get ice cream at a popular local place called the Dairy Bar. It is known for its interesting flavors and long lines in the summer. Tonight, while the two others held our place, I walked ahead to see this evening’s offerings. London Fog (Earl Grey tea flavour); Vanilla; or a twist of the two. I was going into some detail and a visual on the twist part when two women who were behind us perked up, listening to my explanation. One of the pair went up to look at the menu and approached me— Can you tell me, what would be London Fog? said in Quebecois accented English. I explained and again went through the options of only vanilla; only London Fog; or a twist of them together. She thanked me and returned to her partner, translating.

We placed our order and stood on the #1 where we were told to stand. The woman who had approached me ordered for the two of them and I pointed to the #4 where they were asked to stand while they waited. The one who ordered walked there and her partner stayed put, not quite twigging. I gently pointed—at her partner who was now laughing four or five sidewalk squares away and pretend offering the space next to her, should her partner want to join. All ice creams eventually distributed, my group of three walked to the bookstore while enjoying our treat. Leaving there, the three of us were standing outside and finishing last drips and cone tips. I noticed something moving in the big side of the Lord Nelson Building and looked up, focusing on what was happening! The two women were standing in the window of their hotel room and waving at us! Offering a ‘cheers!’ lift of their ice cream cones! I gave a thumbs up-shoulder shrug and they nodded vigorously while also offering a thumbs up and a hand over their hearts. I grinned and offered the same with a little nod.

So fantastic. A group of people who had never before met, brought their toonies and their humanity to the ice cream stand and created a chance for joy to dance in the cool Halifax evening.

I continue to smile as I write. I hope they are smiling too. And I hope the rest of their vacation holds still more simple joy.