We had just finished our wedding photos and were still busy sorting out appliances for the apartment. Earlier, I had mentioned replacing the window casings and the wallpaper on the doors.
One day after work, I was almost home when the Lalamove driver called. He asked whether I was home yet because he was scheduled to deliver that day. I told him I was close.
When the delivery arrived, it was heavier than I expected. There were four doors; the window casings were not heavy. I asked the driver if he needed a hand, but the two of us probably could not lift it. My brother could have come over, but he was about thirty minutes away.
The driver and I were getting ready to move it when an older man—maybe around sixty, and in good health—said, 'Young man, let me give you a hand.' I told him no, Grandpa, if you want to help, just carry something light. The casings were not heavy, just wooden strips. He said it was no trouble; with one more person, the two of us would have an easier time.
In about half an hour, the three of us had it done. I gave the older man some water and offered cigarettes to the Lalamove driver and to him. He did not smoke. He said he used to, but after his daughter-in-law became pregnant, he stopped for good because it was not good for his grandson. That made me think of my father, who quit smoking when my sister was pregnant.
After the Lalamove driver left, the older man asked if he could have the cardboard once I finished changing the doors and windows. Only then did I understand why he had wanted to help. I said that was no problem at all. I asked for his phone number and told him I would keep the cardboard from the appliances and furniture for him, so I would not have to throw it all downstairs.
Yesterday, I called him and said, 'Grandpa, come get the cardboard. I have set it aside for you. Sort it out and you can take it.'
He came upstairs and asked whether I had called two days earlier. I said no. The installation had been finished the night before last, but the smell was too strong, so I did not ask him to come then. Today the smell was gone, I was cleaning up the apartment, and it was good timing for him to take the cardboard.
He said he had waited several days without hearing from me. He thought I had forgotten him or could not find his number. I told him not at all. Since he had helped me, and I had promised him the cardboard, I would keep my word. Besides, I did not need the stuff. Even if he had not helped me, I would still have given it to him.
We chatted and laughed, and in no time he had it sorted. He took the trash downstairs for me while I cleaned the apartment. It was a very pleasant cooperation.
When he was ready, I walked him downstairs. He lives in the building next to mine. I am in Unit 2, Room 1302; he is in Unit 1, Room 1302. In a way, that counts as a kind of fate.