It’s ninety-two degrees outside and I have a jacket in anticipation of frigid air-conditioned interiors. (Certain subway cars are more suitable for transporting meat than live flesh.) And I am not alone. There are others, mostly women, wearing or carrying extra garments too.

This particular subway car however, is comfortable. The crowd inside is undoubtedly raising the temperture. There is a small group of tourists standing near me. Their guide book is prominantly displayed while they chat in a foreign tongue. The doors at my stop open and I get up to leave.  The tourists are leaving the car too. It is then we all notice a yellow sweater has slipped to the floor.  They gingerly step over it, clearly unsure of what to do. I snatch it up. The doors of the car close behind me.

At that moment I am wondering if taking the sweater was a wise idea. “Who does it belong to? How can I return it?” I quickly look around and see a woman in a summer dress walking up the stairs. Fortunately, at that moment there are very few women ahead of me. I assume it is hers and do my best to reach her. The station is crowded. My progress is slow. Upstairs is another subway line and the woman is turning to enter the awaiting train. While still making my way up I give out a cry, ” Hello! Hello!” She turns! “Is this yours?” I say while showing her the sweater in my hand. Her eyes show surprise. She smiles wide and says. “Yes, yes. Thank you. Thank you very much!” I hand her the sweater as she dashs into the subway car.

Whatever the temperature awaiting her, she was well prepared.