I was riding slowly, so it was not going to be an issue.

But the little girl walking ahead of me beneath the tree-branch canopy on 40th looked like she might be about to veer across the street right in front of me. And that's what she started to do, but only after looking behind her.

I swung wide, well out of her way. But I didn't want her to think I felt inconvenienced or anything. So I spoke to her in my friendliest tone.

"Did you have a good day?"

It was implied that I was asking about school, which had just let out. She was carrying a backpack. It's the first week of classes.

If I had to guess, I would say she is just starting the third grade.

And I was moving past and away from her, second by second. I was not a threat.

"Yeah," she said in a cheerful little voice. "Did you?"

Totally charmed by her asking me that, I told her I had had a pretty good day.

Truth is, I was ready to adopt her on the spot.

"Look what I brought home!"

But something tells me she already has parents who know what they're doing.

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