The Walk

And as I stared into his eyes, it was as if his pain was speaking to me: Help me. I blinked and looked away. Was that what he saw in me? Someone to take away his pain? Or atleast lessen it? When did love become a trade-off? Take away my pain and I'll love you in return, he seemed to say.

I cleared my throat: Shall we go then?

Yes, sure. Lemme just... Okay lets go.

I led the way out of the crowded diner. Funny how you always seem to notice how many couples there are when you're single. From behind, he gently slipped his hand into mine and took away the bag I was carrying. The flitting moment when our skin touched gave me a slight shiver. I looked over but he just smiled boyishly and thrust his chin upwards as if to ask What? . I shook my head and continued to weave my way out of the throngs of people.

Finally we had breathing space. It was a long walk back and I turned to him, motioning the return of my paperbag.

Nah I'll walk you.

No really, its okay. Its not that far.

Let me walk you back.

Come on, you've got to get up early tomorrow.

He walked past me and then turned back Are you coming?, grinning.

Foolish to argue, I let it rest and walked slowly, our shadows forming one misshapen mass on the concrete. I was eager to be alone, yet mildly curious as to why he had insisted to walk me back.