Three Encounters, All Strangers | Daily Prompt: Stranger

Have you ever had a random encounter or fleeting moment with a stranger that stuck with you?

The Good
I was mall-hopping with my best friend.

On the way to the next mall, we had to take a jeep. I had to squeeze myself in between very big people. And even before I could right myself in what little space I had, the jeep went off. The sudden move twisted my right arm.

When we got down, I kept rubbing it because it felt really bad. Just as we got in the mall, I headed straight for the men’s room to relieve myself and get a better look at my arm.

As my best friend and I were discussing my pain, the janitor there began asking what happened to me. So I related the painful tale. Suddenly, he began massaging my arm! I believe he knew what he was doing since my arm began to feel better, albeit the situation looked awkward (arm massage in the men’s room!) and, frankly, I felt weird about it. But I was thankful for the help.

The Bad
I was by myself watching “Spiderwick Chronicles.”

While on the way to the seats, I could hear a voice. “Psst! Psst! Psst!” I didn’t look around. I headed straight for orchestra section. And yet I could still hear it.

Found where I wanted to sit. I made myself comfortable. Then a guy followed me to the same row and sat two seats away to my left. I really would’ve paid him no attention but he leaned towards me.

“Could we meet up after this?” he asked.

“No,” I said politely.

“Could I have your number?”

“No,” I said firmly.

“Could I touch you?”

“NO!”

Even though I stood my ground while sitting down, I couldn’t get out of my seat. I couldn’t move from there. But thank goodness he left when he realized he wouldn’t get anywhere with me. Still, the second that terrible movie ended, I ran straight out, feeling paranoid, and wanting to be home as soon as possible.

The Weird
I took a jeep on my way home.

Then we passed by a couple of cars. One belonged to police men, the other to a civilian. From the looks of it, it was an arrest. Another kid, who seemed like he was my age, looked at me and began commenting on what we just witnessed.

I don’t really talk to strangers but he already said so much, it was such a waste not to engage him.

We kept talking until he had to alight. And you know how, when friends would part ways, they’d give each other a smile before leaving? He did that too!

Checked my bag and my person for anything but everything was accounted for. Guess there are people out there who just really want to talk.