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About six months ago, in the fall of 2012, I moved neighborhoods in New York City — to Roosevelt Island. I share a very spacious two-bedroom apartment with two roommates, both international students from China like me.

Several days after we moved in, a nice American lady knocked on our door and then kindly introduced herself to us. She said she lived next door with her husband and lovely daughter. The brief but welcoming conversation made me feel quite warm and grateful for such kindness. My roommates and I are not only complete strangers in this new neighbourhood but we are also strangers to America.

In the following months, we very seldom bumped into each other in the lobby or in the elevator. But on Christmas day, we received an envelope just outside of our door with three Starbucks gift cards and a Christmas card from our neighbor. But why did they choose to deliver the gift in such a silent, mysterious way?

At first, we thought they couldn’t reach us at home when they tried to deliver the gift. But the same thing happened again during the blizzard earlier this year. During that period, we were all stuck at home because of terrible weather conditions and suspended public transport. On one of those days, when I was going outside to drop-off the trash, I found home-made cookies, with a short message attached, outside of our door. Again, it was from our American neighbor. This time, we began to realize that they probably preferred these silent gift deliveries. So very soon, we repaid their kindness with a bottle of Chinese tea — in the same silent way.

Our silent gift-exchange is still continuing as of today. On Easter, just last month, we received a box of candies from our neighbour and so we replied with some chocolates. It seems that we have grown accustomed to this “silent tradition” and currently have no intention to break this “silence.” Even if it may seem strange, I am very moved by their kindness. I think that’s why I love America, because even the “strangers” are willing to share their love and joyfulness with you. I also see tolerance, selflessness, and respect in such selfless sharing.