how do you know? I asked

in response

to the random stranger

who had made the statement

as I shopped for pickles

the soul, you see, he replied

speaks through the eyes

your eyes are the voice of your soul

and in your eyes, I see

the rare light you have

not harsh

not blinding

warm

like a candle

your eyes are happy

because your soul is happy

and that’s why I said

you are a very happy woman

I am right, no?

yes, I replied

to the heavily accented stranger in the store

you are right