Words and face and words……and understanding

When my wife and I had a walk yesterday we met two Chinese women and one Chinese man picking some grass or so. Wondering what they really were picking up made us come closer and ask them. Quite a bit puzzled and uncertain how to react they smiled at us very openly and friendly.

No words followed. — More smile.

We repeated our question more slowly and smiled also a bit puzzled. And looked at the same time at their hands which held the stinging nettles. We now knew, but…..still stayed there not knowing whether to leave or to go on communicating.

Again no word. Some almost whispering words………………………….