The person beside you may remember a moment with you that you completely forgot.

Somebody near you is carrying a scene you were part of and have entirely lost. Something you said in passing, a kindness you thought nothing of, an evening that mattered to them and not to you. Your effect on people is stored in places you have no access to and is often larger than you would guess.

Since you cannot know which moments landed, the sensible response is a general one. Be slightly more careful with the small remarks, and slightly more willing to offer the small kindnesses. You are constantly writing in other people’s memories without seeing the page.