I went to a pub today. I left the pub and I also left my bag with my entire daily camera kit there – my best camera, two of my best lenses, some filters. Totally oblivious to what had just happened, I went for lunch to a nearby cafe. Halfway through the lunch I got a voicemail from a number I didn’t recognise. It was very quiet and the cafe was very noisy. I couldn’t understand half of what the other person – a young woman – was saying. “Hello… thought… just now… a camera bag…”. Oh fuck.
I ran like crazy. I was reunited with the camera – and everything else – two minutes later. The woman found a random Moo card in my bag with my mobile number on it. I can’t remember how much I said to her, but it wasn’t much. I was too shocked – and happy at the same time – to say anything meaningful there and then. I returned to my lunch. It took me a while to realise how lucky I really was.
She wasn’t there when I left, so I texted her to say thank you properly and let her know she was an amazing human being. She replied, saying only: “Not at all. Happy Bank Holiday! Katie” Happy indeed. My faith in humanity – and honest people in particular – has been restored.
Katie, whoever you are, thank you.