The man on the tube

“When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.”

― Ernest Hemingway

—

His froth made the lady burst into nervous laughter.

He was wearing a top hat and a long black jacket.

“You are a zombie”, he cried out, “I am not asking you out, I don’t want to date a zombie”.

The tube was engulfed in an awkward silence.

The man moved down a few seats.

People still played pretend, pretended that he didn’t exist.

“I just want to have a conversation,” he pleaded.

All gazes forward…

He thumbed his nose, turned his head from side to side and wiggled his fingers at everyone.

All gazes forward…

He moved down two more seats.

A young lady shook his hand, listened to his words, he smiled.

Her friends eyed him confused, then eyed her disapprovingly.

She beamed and nodded, his eyes lit up with a respectful glow.

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