After I Met You

    After completing my thoughts, I checked my surroundings, seeing that I was already at the park. It was empty, as usual. I only see people walking their dogs or exercising here once in a while, but it’s always the same people. You see the same faces almost every week. 

     While walking, I took the time to admire the beauty around me. The bright green on the trees, the flowers blooming into vivid colors, the grass freshly cut not too long ago. I stop for a moment and close my eyes to take in the fresh air, and the wind gently blowing through my hair. The cold breeze traveling around me made me feel calm and safe. In a few seconds, I open my eyes to see something out of the ordinary.

      Out in the distance, at least 20 feet away, I could see a man, sitting against a tree with his eyes closed. His clothes were dirty and torn, his blonde hair was messed up with mud on it making it look like highlights, while his face looked sore from being beaten. He looked like a model who wanted to run away from fame but yet failed. He looks too young to be sleeping here.

      I slowly walked towards him to get a closer look. Before I could take another step, I stepped on something, causing it to snap in half. I looked down to see the twig I stepped on. When I looked back, I noticed the man staring at me. I took some steps closer but before I could get any closer he yells, “S-stop right there!” he continues, “I don’t know you! Please go away!” He backs up, maintaining a distance between us. I took some deep breaths calming my rapid heartbeat. 

“I’m not going to hurt you,” I say, raising my arms. “I just want to know if you’re okay.” As I slowly took small steps towards him.  

“I’m fine, thank you.” Before I could take another step, he stood up and ran away. I guess he was scared. My heart was telling me to run but my mind was telling me to enjoy the scenery. Before I could decide my feet started running towards directions the man ran off to.

As soon as I see him, I yell, “Excuse me, sir! Please stop!” He turned around to see me chasing at full speed which made him sprint even faster. I guess today is a good day for a run. 

It feels like we’ve been running for hours. Finally, he stops to take a breath before noticing I was behind him. I stopped a few feet away from him to keep a gap between us. I can feel my sweat gliding off my face to the pavement.  “Sir... Do… You have…. Somewhere to….Live?” I asked, trying to catch my breath.

“No, ma’am,” he responds, trying to hide his tiredness.

“Well, then you can stay with me,” I say, still panting.

“No, I’m fine. I’m not going to bother a pretty lady like you,” he says, causing me to blush, slightly. He can’t see it due to the redness of my face from the run. 

“Thanks for the compliment, but it would be much better if you live with me. I can’t sleep knowing that a man is sleeping without shelter,” I spoke. 

”Thank you for your concern but I’m fine. Besides, you might not be able to afford an extra mouth,” he uttered. He turns around to walk away. 

“I promise that I can provide everything you need. I may be a stranger, but I’m a good one if that makes anything better. Just trust me,” I say, making him stop. He took a deep breath and agrees, “Fine, but if it gets hard for you I’m immediately leaving.” 

I smile at him and say, “Deal. I’ve been lonely these days at home, so you’re really doing me a favor. You’re saving a part of my mental health.”  He smiles back a bit and without hesitation, I grab his hand and start to lead him to his new home.

       It was a long walk but all I could think of was a new friend who is willing to get to know me rather than use me. It’s not easy to get one after everything that has happened.

Once we arrived, I was about to unlock the door until he yanks his hand away from me, causing me to turn around. 

“You’re rich? I thought you lived in an apartment or a condo since you look so… casual,” he muttered, pointing out what I’m wearing. 

“So? Is there a problem with being rich? It’s not like money matters to me or anything. It’s just green paper that has numbers on it,” I say, turning back around trying to remember where my keys were.  

“You live in a mansion! Who would let a poor man live here? No one! No one in their right mind!” he yells at me. I stop for a second but continue to unlock the door. 

“So? I live in a mansion. I don’t want to, but I have to. It’s not like I have a choice. So, I’m sorry, but you’re going to live here whether you like it or not” I say, pushing him through the door. 

        The moment I entered I slam the door shut and lock it.” Now you can’t leave, sort of,” I stated as I throw my keys back in my pocket and take off my shoes before heading further into the house. I walk towards the living room.

“Oh, and make sure to take off your shoes. I don’t like dirt on my floors.”