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I was in Johur Baru, Malaysia last night, and went to a stall to buy roti prata. Next to the stall was a fruit juice vendor. The vendor knew English and so helped me out talking to the roti prata seller, so I went over and bought some delicious fruit juice blends from him.
Behind him sat a girl with a muslim style headcloth sitting watching the vendor - her father.
She smiled at me. Such warm, genuine eyes I have not seen, I think, ever before. Calm and wise beyond her years, they contained no fear, malice, complexity, or hesitancy.
I was stunned by the warmth in the smile.
I complimented the vendor on his beautiful daughter whom he spoke of with much pride and love.
I then bought more from him, and left a tip five times as much as the required price. A paltry return gift for such a spiritual lift her smile gave me.
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