12/03/2026
This happened when I went back to Japan for a short stay.
One day I was on the monorail heading into the city. I chose the section where using mobile phones is allowed. In the other section, phones must be turned off for passengers with pacemakers.
Everyone in the carriage was absorbed in their phones. I was too.
In my peripheral vision I noticed an older gentleman standing. No one seemed to notice him or offer a seat.
I hesitated for a moment. Knowing that some people don’t like being offered a seat because it can make them feel “old.” I wasn’t sure what to do. But after thinking about it for a bit, I quietly stood up, hoping he would notice the empty seat.
Luckily he did, and he came over and sat down. I stood nearby, ready to enjoy the familiar view into the city.
At the next stop, as passengers moved around, he looked at me. He probably realised I hadn’t stood up to get off — I had stood up to give him the seat.
Then I saw him typing something on his phone. He turned the screen toward me.
It was filled with digital flowers and the words “Thank you.”
This was just after COVID, when we were still wearing masks. In Japan we don’t talk loudly in public spaces, and we rarely speak to strangers. I didn’t expect his way of saying thank you.
But those digital flowers filled my heart with warmth. We simply exchanged bows.
One stop before the final station, most passengers had left and the seat next to him became free. He tapped the seat, suggesting I sit beside him. I didn’t really need to sit, but I did.
Two minutes later we arrived. We both stood up.
He quietly said, “Thank you very much,” from behind his mask.
We bowed to each other again and went our separate ways.
He never took a younger person giving up a seat for granted.
He had many ways of showing gratitude.
Those digital flowers are still blooming in my heart.
