A Lamp Left for Strangers

The autumn night breeze carried a hint of coolness, and the small noodle stall on the street corner was steaming as usual. The owner, an old man over sixty, always had a particularly bright old yellow lantern hanging beside his stall. The lantern didn't point towards his stove but directly illuminated the dark, unlit alleyway next to the stall. Many regulars were curious about the lantern's purpose. One evening, a regular couldn't help but ask, "Old man, isn't hanging this lantern here a waste of electricity? It doesn't even light up the customers eating noodles." The old man smiled faintly upon hearing this, skillfully scooping noodles while gently saying, "This lantern isn't for the people eating noodles; it's left for those on their way." It turned out that years ago, late one night, as the old man was about to close up, he saw a young girl, tired from work, walk into the pitch-black alley. Because it was so dark, the girl accidentally tripped and fell, scraping her elbow. She sat on the ground, silently shedding tears. The old man rushed to help her, and at that moment, he thought, in such a big city where everyone is rushing for a living, perhaps leaving a little light for them in the dark would make their hearts feel less lonely. From that day on, regardless of business, no matter how late he closed, the lantern was always lit. It silently watched over every soul returning home late. In reality, the small acts of kindness in life, which we might overlook, are like this corner lantern. A small gesture from us, offering a tissue, a smile, or patient listening, can become the warm strength for someone to get through a cold winter. Light yourself up, and illuminate others too.