There’s a certain heaviness in watching someone eat alone. It hits harder when it reminds you of a table you will never share again.
That was the feeling that washed over Mya when she spotted an elderly man quietly dining by himself at a restaurant, a scene that would soon leave her in tears.
What began as a simple lunch outing soon turned into a deeply personal and emotional moment that touched the hearts of thousands after she shared it on TikTok.
Saw grandpa eating bread and a drink alone
As Mya scanned the room, her eyes fell on an elderly man sitting by himself, quietly eating nothing more than a cream bun and a cup of drink.
The simplicity of his meal and the solitude in his posture struck her, making her wonder if he was truly full or simply making do with what he had.
That thought alone was enough for Mya to act. Concerned that he might still be hungry, she went ahead and bought him a proper meal set with rice and side dishes, placing it gently in front of him.
The man looked up, surprised, before breaking into a warm smile and thanking her sincerely for the gesture.
“While I was eating, I suddenly saw this grandpa eating alone, but he was only having bread and a drink. Then my mum told me to buy him food because she was worried he might still be hungry. Right after buying him the meal, I couldn’t stop crying and sobbing,” she wrote in her caption.
Overcome with memories of her late father
What might have been just a small act of kindness for some turned into an emotional floodgate for Mya. Watching the elderly man quietly eat his meal brought back memories of her late father, making the moment even more personal.
In the same video, Mya could be seen wiping away tears while trying to finish her own food.
I remembered my dad and missed him so much. Nowadays I get very sensitive whenever I see elderly people like this because it reminds me of my late father,” she said.
Netizens praise her kindness
Her heartfelt post resonated with thousands online. Many praised Mya for her generosity towards a complete stranger, pointing out that such compassion is rare in today’s fast-paced world.
“It’s never a loss to do good for others. Thank you, kind soul. May all your affairs and that uncle’s be made easier,” one person commented.
Others opened up about their own experiences, sharing that they too found it hard to hold back tears when reminded of loved ones they had lost.
“Same here, sis. I just lost my dad this year. Every time I see an elderly person, I get so sensitive now, it instantly reminds me of my dad. I miss my dad so much. You’ve made me cry too,” one woman wrote.
Elderly man’s daughter speaks up
Amid the wave of supportive comments, one reply stood out from a woman who identified herself as the elderly man’s daughter. Her words added an even warmer layer to the story.
“I’m the daughter of that uncle. Thank you for being kind to my father. May you be blessed with abundant sustenance, and may your late father be placed among the righteous. If you want to know, he often hangs out there for a drink, the locals already know him well.” she said.
A heartfelt exchange and lasting lesson
Speaking to WeirdKaya, Mya recalled how the elderly man couldn’t stop expressing his gratitude after she bought him the meal.
“He kept saying thank you and asked if I had eaten yet. I told him I was just about to eat with my mum, and he prayed that I would be blessed with abundant sustenance. When I went to pay at the counter, he happily told the cashier that someone had treated him to a meal that day. I just smiled because I was holding back tears,” she said.
The encounter has also changed the way Mya sees elderly people she meets in public.
“I feel so much sympathy for elderly people out there. If I have extra money, I will try to give it to them even if it’s not much,” she shared.
Her advice to others who find themselves in a similar situation is simple yet powerful.
I think it depends on a person’s courage. Some might just watch and cry when they see something like that. For me, it really depends on the individual, but I believe all Malaysians have kind hearts and that feeling of compassion inside them, right?” she added.
Watch the video here:
