Last week I decided
to try my hand at flash fiction for the first time. I enjoyed the experience
so much, I’ve decided to make it a regular feature.
Welcome to Flash Fiction
Monday.
Today’s picture was
provided by Dermot Kennedy. As always, I would love to hear what you think.
I passed him every
day on my way to work. He stood on the corner of two busy streets, clearly
visible, yet unobtrusive. He never asked
for anything. In fact, two months after first noticing him, I still had no idea
what his voice might sound like. His clothes were old and didn’t always fit him
correctly but they were clean, as were his hair and what was visible of his
body.
It wouldn’t be hard
to mistake him for a statue. He didn’t move at all, just stood there with his
hands held out, turned up in a silent plea for help. It was a request I couldn’t ignore. At first
I just gave him whatever change I happened to have on me. Before long I made a
point of having coins in my pockets, using notes in shops just to add to their
number.
Every day he broke
my heart. His loneliness was tangible. Today will be different. I’ve got money for
him, coins and notes, but I’ll give him more. I’m going to let him know he’s
not as alone as he thinks with just a simple touch.
