Can you hear that?

I came out of the elevator to find a lady at the corridor, checking at every door she walks past. I thought she was lost, so I came up to her and offered help. As she turned, I noticed her disshelved hair and clothes. Her face was red - anxious to get the right unit, perhaps? I'd be nervous if I was lost at this prison-like corridor, especially at this hour.

It took her a moment to say something and I have to admit I was taken aback by her question - "Do you hear that?"

I heard car engines alright, but I was pretty sure she meant something else. So, keeping a quizzical look on my face, I didn't reply.

"That loud music, don't know which unit it came from. I can't sleep!"

Oookaaaayyyyy... There was tension in her voice and she was beginning to look angry. But that made me even more confused - there was not a single sound except for the vehicles, and our voices. I don't mean to be cruel or judgemental but to be honest, the story of "A Beautiful Mind" popped up in my head. Is that, urmmm...?

At that instance I felt pitiful for her. I'd like to stay and join her 'quest'. Maybe I can later pretend like I've found the culprit, and they agree to turn the music off. Then maybe she can go back to sleep.

But my rational mind told me to stay off her radar. Who knows what might happen? And besides, what if I'm the one who's delusional - of her hearing thing in her head? So despite my first instinct, I just shrugged and told her, "They do that sometimes". I won't forget the look on her face as she heard this. Feeling of regret crept into my heart, I felt bad not helping her.

At that moment I heard a man's voice saying he's talked to the people and they promised to turn off the music if she goes home. The lady replied in a much softer tone and went towards him. He gave her a kiss on her head, held her close and they both waited for the elevator to come. She smiled at me briefly and then watched him affectionately. I walked away towards my place, leaving them alone.

This incident only happened minutes ago but I'm pretty certain it's gonna stick in my mind for a very long time. I don't know what I'm feeling but my heart feels like it's swelling. All I know is I'm grateful to witness that moment - what I call "love and affection in the midst of chaos".