My eyes were growing tired. I saw an opportunity for a welcome rest. Driving back from a brief weekend getaway, a Kwik Trip gas station was just down the road.

Pulling in, I filled up the tank, and stopped inside to pick out a snack. As I perused the candy selection, I was approached by a young employee.

“Excuse me, do you have a brother named Tom?” (He did not say “Tom,” but I cannot remember the name and the story flows better with a random dude name plugged in. Please, excuse this small embellishment.)

Answering “no,” he further explained himself. “Wow! You look just like him, but your voice is quieter.”

The employee further explained, “He was my Economics professor and he had a tempter. He used to say, ‘Mohammed, dammit! You see a pound of butter compares favorably with…” Mohammed waved his hand in the air, unable to find a comparison to butter to help complete his story. Mohammed had a wistful look in his eyes. Seeing my face, the face of his old Econ professor on another person helped take him to another place. For a brief instance, you could see that he was absorbed in memory. Far away, lost in thought.

I smiled, while noting the coincidence. Mohammed returned to his inventory of the shelves. I selected some Pringles and headed on my way.

For an instance, a blip in time, two strangers were brought together. Mohammed to a distant memory. Myself happy to know I have a twin. A twin who happens to berate students for their failure to grasp micro economics. I was happy to be me and I’m sure Mohammed was happy not to be yelled at about butter.