Sunlight shines down on the district, with many people trying to tolerate the rays,

People wander back and forth seeking out work and food for another day,

As the day will be a bit different for one person in particular.

~   ~   ~

I had a strange meeting today while walking around the Diogenes district,

As I had begun my rounds to make sure the locals in the district were doing fine, from food to comfort,

I had a chance encounter with someone I had not seen around Diogenes before,

 

Her hair and eyes had a shade of polished iron, one found in worked metal,

Their body seemed to visibly thrumb in rhythm with a heartbeat,

With the tips of their hair turning red during these beats.

 

I thought little of it, just another unusual sight really,

What was most surprising though was when I waved back at her,

For when she tried to wave back, she had stumbled from her momentary lapse in her jog.

Landing to the floor with a thud.

I rushed to her, as her sudden stop gave people around us time to notice what I had seen as well.

 

Some in the crowd muttered that she had a Mutation with a disgusted expression,

Though I only recalled the people's words afterward,

Caring far more about the fact she had fallen,

I offered her my aid as she got up, expecting a cold rejection or an undeserved hope to be found in their eyes,

Before she muttered words I did not ever expect to hear directed at me.

 

It took me a solid few moments to fully realize that she had apologized to me, about taking up my time to help her,

Once she got her bearings, she bid goodbye and returned to her run, while I stayed there for a moment, processing.

Rerunning the conversation I had through my head, as the others around milled about for a moment,

 

Some even grew concerned that she had cast a spell on me,

Fear that harm had come to a samaritan among the Diogenes district is what they said,

It was a hilarious thought in both directions. She had done no such thing and I did not deserve such a fanciful moniker.

 

I was still wrapping my head around the thought she had apologized to me.

. . .

I will bookmark that encounter for later, I am burning daylight standing here.

 

"I am fine everyone. Please have a good day." She declared with a touch of authority, returning to her march.

The crowd dispersed once I made my will known.

I continued my walk for the next few hours, serving more downtrodden food as the hours ticked by.

~   ~   ~

Returning to my home after a fruitful marathon of people,

I allow myself the freedom to smile, just slightly before noticing my clothes were badly stained by desert sand,

Sighing a bit, I head inside and locked the house door behind me,

Heading to my bedroom getting a new set of clothes, Before heading into the bath.

Before long, sinking into the tub, as I let my gaze wander around,

 

I looked over my hands and let my eyes explore the scars that I had on them,

From the cuts gained from simple domestic injuries,

To ones, I had gotten from my more dangerous jobs.

They were all present and accounted for, a reminder of where I am now.

 

Staring into the mirror, all I saw were eyes that reflect the blood-drained moon of that night,

To my sky-blue hair, which seemed like moonlit water on cloudless nights,

And to my clothing, a better quality than what was expected in Diogenes, but not by much.

My gear for hunting was my concern. Function over comfort, I suppose.

 

 

Sitting in the tub, I find myself staring up at the ceiling,

Contemplating and trying to remember why I got this house in the first place,

Especially with what work she had to do to get the funding.

However, this thought only leads quickly back to remembering her reason - I wanted a relaxing shelter before heading off to help others.

 

With that encounter from earlier quickly resurfacing with a vengeance,

What part of that encounter could have rattled me?

Something about it did, and it felt painfully clear that I handled that situation poorly.

I stood there as if I was auditioning to be a we*ping ang*l.

 

The fact that it was something I shouldn't be troubled by,

Is what makes my confusion even greater,

Trying to parse it only deepens my embarrassment and confusion.

 

She had no intent to cause me harm.

She was no threat to me in any meaningful way,

There was no reason to react as I did.

 

. . .

Oh, I think I know. It was because it was the first time in a long time someone apologized to me.

No one really...does that around me. I haven't been treated as an equal in a long time.

If I happen to see her again, I will try to start another conversation, as I would like to get to know her.

For now, I should focus on my bath.

 

Thoughts of 'Refuge of Strength'