http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/17/nyregion/metropolitan-diary-a-bittersweet-goodbye-below-ground.html 2016-10-18 02:44:06 A Bittersweet Goodbye Below Ground After exchanging pleasantries many times, a commuter and a newspaper hawker have an emotional moment. === Monday through Friday, my morning commute includes a trip on the downtown A train from Washington Heights to 42nd Street, where I make my way through the long passageway to the No. 7 to Grand Central Terminal. At the end of that long tunnel, a man with big eyes and an open manner handed out a free paper to those who wanted it, with a “Hi, Sweetie” or “Have a good day.” One morning, he was announcing the news in a lilting, repetitive voice. As I passed, I said, “I like your song!” which made him laugh. Then on a Friday in May, I wished him a good weekend. “I won’t be here anymore,” he said quickly. I stopped cold and asked why. “I almost had a stroke two days ago,” he said. “‘Almost’ being the key word!” I said, relieved. He explained that he would be retiring to his hometown in Pennsylvania, where he would tend to his health and live a quieter life. I found myself tearing up and taking his elbow. “I will miss you,” I told him. “I’ll miss you, too,” he said, still handing out papers to passers-by, not missing a beat. “Love you.” I had no hesitation in responding. “I love you, too,” I said. And that was it.