Random dictionary

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A total stranger just gave me a dictionary and thesaurus. I walked out of my front door to buy bread, when this guy I've never spoken to in my life, I'd guess about 50 with a broad Dundonian accent and not very many teeth, accosted me.

Random stranger: Excuse me, pal!
Me: Yes, what can I do for you?
RS: Wude ye like a dictionary?
Me: Um...
RS: Ye see, it's my mother's, and it's jus gettin damaged around the house.
Me: Er, well, if you're trying to get rid of it...
RS: It's jus that ye're studious, like.
[He pushes the Oxford Concise Dictionary and Oxford Thesaurus into my hands.]
Me: Ah, gosh, thank you very much, that's very kind of you, thank you.

(Excuse my poor attempt at a local accent.)

Did I mention I like living here?

Comments

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I would personally be worried about the reason why someone would do that.
You may be right. But I just couldn't think of any way he could do me harm by giving me a dictionary even if his intentions were malicious. I mean, it didn't get him into my house, or me into his, or anything like that. And I don't live in a bad spy movie so it's pretty unlikely that there was a hidden weapon of assassination inside the dictionary (besides, even if this were a bad spy movie, average-looking women don't get assassinated in such movies).

It's just possible he wants to give me a sense of obligation towards him, I suppose. But I'm not too bothered by that; I do feel a sense of obligation, but only commensurate with being given an out-of-date and slightly mouldy dictionary. I would have no problem with saying no if he asks me for a big favour, and I would have no problem with saying yes if he asks me for a small favour. In fact, I'm happy to have the opportunity to do small favours for my neighbours.

I'd like to believe he was sincere, and I see no harm that could arise from my acting on this belief. Sometimes people are just decent, especially when it doesn't cost them anything.