I struggled with my laundry basket today – it’s bedding day.

I wondered when I waddled in, swaying back and forth from the weight of my laundry, if I really have lost too much weight.

Through the door and to the machine to load money onto the laundromat card.

There was a man behind me – mumbling about keys.  I turned and smiled – not sure if he meant to be in line.   I could still hear him mumbling while I filled two washing machines.  I named him ‘man in the blue t-shirt’ and wondered about his life.

I am constantly curious.

As I looked to my right, from my machines – I noticed a sight that piqued my curiosity even more.

On the  floor – was an open, empty suitcase.

Leaning against one of the machines was a small girl holding a blanket close to her and sucking her thumb.

She reminded me of a small deer – or bird.  Nervously shifting and ready to take off at the slightest sign of danger.

My heart sighed.

I named her ‘little pink girl’ and my imagination was already writing her story.  Why was she so thin and delicate?  Were she and her guardian living out of that suitcase somewhere?  Were they hiding from someone?

Of course, the very real possibility exists that she is simply on holiday.  I do live in a resort area.

But I’m always wondering.

Her guardian came back to her side and was kind.  My heart relaxed a little.

Little pink girl made eye contact with me and I smiled.

When I pulled my comforter out of my basket, like an impossibly large handkerchief from a magician’s hat, we shared a smile.

I imagined her thinking it was the color of hard candies.

I wanted to photograph her in that moment … leaning there – cautiously looking at her surroundings with her big, beautiful eyes.  Sucking her thumb beside that suitcase.

Some moments can’t be captured.

But they can be shared.