The Uncertain Moment

A fellow who works out at the gym often the same time I do, but who is rather private and never seems interested in chat (I'm actually the same way:  there to work out and on a schedule; not to socialize) gave me pause.  Today after I finished up, showered, and was out in the lobby waiting for Cindi, I noticed when he came out because he stopped nearly beside me.  I was busy reading email, and glanced up to see him doing the same thing.  He ended up sitting down across from me and appeared to read and re-read his message.  I thought with a shock:  he looks like he's about to cry.  He heaved a sigh or two as though holding it in.  He never looked up.  I tried to make eye contact - I figure if he did, I'd ask if he were okay; it would be an invitation of sorts to speak of the sorrow.  But he never did.  Eyes averted, he finally he got up and slowly walked out of the Y. And I was so torn.  Is he the sort that would have hated that someone noticed?  That he was obvious in his grief over whatever news that message brought him?  Or would he have appreciated and been comforted that a stranger noticed and spoke to him about it?  Or was I having a flight of fancy and simply filling in details out of my own imagination? I didn't and I don't know.  I usually err on the side of privacy (that's my application of the old "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" - for I am, despite this blog, an intensely private person), but in reflection I think it was the wrong thing.  I'm going to ask him next time I see him how he's doing and mention that I wanted to ask him last time, but also wanted to respect his privacy.