It lasted only an instant - just a fraction of a second. I had come outside of the cafe to take a break and freshen my eyes, and I look outside at the awesome weather we're having, and the start of the sunset. I looked around for a minute at the serene environment, full of people walking around window shopping. And then, as I turned to head back inside, it happened.

I was in my head, thinking about something, not really paying attention, when my eyes somehow fell upon hers, and immediately a perfect wide inviting smile changed into a friendly full teeth grin. Her eyes sparkled with joy, and she was playing with her hair, with her head slightly tilted.

Before I even consciously realized what was happening, I was returning a smile and my heart jumped and skipped a beat. And then just like that, it ended. As I was walking inside, the door had cut off our contact. I took a few steps, finally realized what had just happened, the beautiful smile searing my memory, and I stopped, turned around, and went back outside to find her. I look outside, and realize that she is with her parents/grandparents, and already far away, crossing the street. I wait to see if she is looking this way, but no luck. She was probably an undergrad, one of thousands on campus. Chances are that I will never see her again, especially because I don't even know what she really looks like. But we shared a moment that made my day, and just re-imagining her eyes and her smile brings up a sense of excitement, happiness, contentment, adventure, pure joy and connectedness.

All this from just one look!

TL;DR: James Blunt's "She's Beautiful" happened in real life. Made my day. Make eye contact with everyone. The eyes know what's up and they show it before either of you realize. The feeling you get is instinct. If she likes what she sees, you'll automatically know it with the instant reaction, before any conscious shield can come up. And then just go up and talk to her!! Happy living everybody!