A Fortunate Event

Dear Diary:

I was coming back from a book-signing at the New York Public Library and I was sitting on a bench in the subway station while waiting for the train. I was carrying a signed copy of “The Bad Beginning,” by Lemony Snicket.

A young girl sitting next to me asked me about the book. I explained what the “Series of Unfortunate Events” was. Her brother told her not to bother strangers, but I didn’t mind the questions. The girl reminded me of my younger sister, who was 800 miles away in Chicago.

The train came and the girl took a seat next to me, her brother trailing behind. She kept asking questions about the book and the series, and we had a very pleasant conversation.

As we approached my stop, I did something I hadn’t anticipated. I gave her the book. Just before getting off the train, I handed it to her and said to take good care of it.