A Lil Tale [Inspired by a Real-Life Encounter]

He was sitting in the corner, quietly sobbing, trying not to attract attention. Unaware, someone noticed and was thinking how to approach him. "What to say?" she murmured, doubting herself. Seeing someone cry weakens her. She knew she couldn't just leave him be. She has got to do something. "But how? What if he wanted to be alone?"

"Just go and sit quietly beside him. If he turns his back on you, stay put. Wait patiently. Let him sob. Just give him company." The other voice in her head commanded.

So she summoned her courage and took the first steps. Slowly. Although unsure of herself, she quietly took the seat next to him. The man discreetly wiped his tears with his right sleeve, but her eyes were sharp. Not thinking twice, she took out her tissue pack from her purse and handed it to the man without a word.

Surprised, the man gazed at her and whispered, "Thank you." She nodded, still not saying anything. "Thank you, really," the man said again after a while. "My pleasure. But are you okay?" she asked meekly. "I am now, thanks," he replied, with a bit of a smile. "It's a tough world out there," he continued. "Thought my shell wouldn't break, but it did, and in a public place like this," he said in a low voice, as he slowly scanned the place.

"There's no rule that says one shouldn't break down in front of others," she said half-jokingly. "By the way, I didn't mean to interrupt," she continued, almost whispering. "You didn't. In fact, you made me realize that there are still angels even here on earth," the man whispered back. "A little while ago, I thought no one would even care to approach me, but you proved me wrong." He went on.

She was taken aback. "Was this a prank or something?" She suddenly got confused. "No. This isn't an experiment if that's what you're thinking." The man seems to have read her mind. "I was deeply hurt by an accusation from someone I know, and I had to cry it out to get it off my chest. Otherwise, I'd become a zombie all week." He explained. "Tearing up has become the best release mechanism for me. And what are the odds that you noticed it, even when I tried so hard to hide it?" He sounded curious.

"Well, because I also sob in silence, even in the midst of people. Sometimes, others would come to me and ask if I was alright, she said, smiling, knowing in her heart that she could sleep better tonight.