She said her grandfather wasn't doing so good. I felt like this was her usual facade being lifted for a moment and I wanted to chime in with something equally personal since it doesn't happen often.

I didn't have time to screen my thoughts, but I went on a bit about fond memories I had with my grandpa before he passed. I was only 3 when he did yet I recall vivid moments with him, and I briefly mentioned them to which she smiled.

Things come and go in the present, but what happens in those early years with special people will stick with me forever.

So that was a paraphrase of my sentiments in trying to relate and make her feel less alone with this sudden news at work.

I wished him a speedy recovery, put my game face back on and jumped back into the fray.

In a way, I'm glad I could see that side of a relative stranger just to be able to have a genuine interaction. Many days it's small talk banter that I tune out. So I revealed that I'm not a robot.

Domo arigado.