4 extra seconds...

Last Saturday morning, I went to the market early for some bananas. An older man was walking down the road inbetween all the other people walking, weaving, laughing, talking,  shopping, selling, arranging their wares, and I was aware of him... because of his countenance... And when he came by me...he stopped.

"Bom Dia." he said.  (Good Morning)

 then he looked at me and asked:  "Como Vai Voce?"  (How are you doing?)

I answered:  "Muito Bem, Obrigado"  (very good, thank you)

and then he said something else... (because now is the time most walk away into their walking, weaving, laughing, talking, shopping, selling, arranging their wares and back into their own lives and thoughts)...

but he stayed 4 seconds longer...

and his words have been on my mind for four days now...

"Voce precisa este..."  ..and another word that took me to the dictionary later. (you need...and 'deserve' that!)  and his lips joined the smile already in his eyes and then he and his countenance vanished in the crowded street.

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and it makes me miss my father

because...

that's exactly what he would say.