Gravitation

             Annie walked slowly along the boulevard – her soft brown curls bouncing off her shoulders. Her head cast down as she most commonly did without any conscious idea that she was avoiding others. Alone amongst many as she strolled along the boulevard. She always enjoyed the walks even though she seemed oblivious of those around her. Her pace quickened with purpose to reach the park before all the benches were filled with old men feeding pigeons. Annie had left earlier than usual and felt the difference in everything. The light cast shadows differently along each building and even the sound of the breeze through the trees along the boulevard whispered a different tune. She realized that she was so attuned to everything around her except people. They passed in hurried manners that perplexed her and she had little care for their stories. She realized that she was isolating herself from them solely in her mind. It wasn’t something she often thought about but she took her walks to clear her mind and enjoy what little fragment of nature still remained in the city.

            She was aware of each step and the sound of her shoes on the concrete - the soft echo as it cascaded off the nearby buildings. The warmth of the sun cast on her face as she closed her eyes for a moment and inhaled the morning air. Suddenly there was a disturbance, something so minor, a slight refraction of light, and a minor shift in the breeze. An almost extra sense woke her in a fraction of a second that made her blink as she felt the small terracotta pot brush off the tip of her nose - a mere molecule of space between them. She caught the slightest glimpse of green as she jumped back an moment before she witnessed the explosion of pottery and soil at her feet. The small plant lay decimated on the sidewalk amongst the remnants of its life. Annie glanced up sheltering her eyes from the morning sun to ascertain where the plant came from. No concerned heads poked out from beyond. She tried to take a deep breath and settle her nerves as she realized how close she came to possible oblivion.  A matter of seconds was all that meant an end of all she knew. One step sooner and the pathetic little plant would have cracked her skull. She collapsed on a nearby bench to try and gather herself. She suddenly cared little for the sounds of wind or the touch of sunlight. She was now acutely aware of all the people around her and the looks of concern and curiosity that glanced her way. She didn't like the attention and wanted to disappear. Refuge in the café across the street would have to suffice.

            The café was warm and enticed her with the aromas of coffee. She seldom visited the place although it seemed to meet her criteria since most people seemed to either glance with indifference or ignored her entirely. The barista prepared her order with a monotonous routine and a cryptic smile. It was good to feel the warmth of the coffee in her hands as she found a empty chair by the window to watch the world go by. It was safe from rouge pots and unwanted interactions from strangers.

            “Are you alright?” a voice from behind her spoke as she was lost watching the stream of pedestrians.

            “What?” She whispered as she looked at the inquirer.

            “I saw you had a close call out there”

            She gazed into warm hazel eyes that showed tenderness. She was not used to seeing anyone look at her in such a way. Annie had thought he was speaking to someone else until his attention persisted. He had a crooked smile and chestnut brown hair that matched her curls. His brow furled up as he waited for her to take the bait and respond. He seemed to be someone who had a certain ease with speaking and he was treating her like an old friend. She was uncomfortable with such a direct approach but liked to know someone showed concern.

            “It was close but I didn't get a scratch”

            “It seemed more than close from over here” He smiled casting his head over to the barista station. I was making a café mocha when I happen to see your near miss. You are so lucky” He grinned and cast his eyes from under his brow. He squinted as if he was trying hard to read her reaction. She gave little away in terms of what had happened or how she felt about talking to him.

            “Well I'm just glad you’re okay” he said.

            “You are? You don't even know me” She was surprised by this sudden defensiveness. Why did she care why this stranger showed concern or interest at all. She had kept herself distant from others for so long it was hard to grasp the simplest gestures from others.

            “Hey you are one strange bird” he laughed.

            “What?” she whispered. Again she was thrown off from what she expected.

            Was it so hard to know what to expect from others in response to what they were saying? Her pessimistic nature gnawed at her. She though his intentions hide a deeper desire to simply sleep with her. Add her to his list of conquests. Had he seen her walk by as she did every morning. Until today she never deviated from her routine and he could easily set his watch by her route down the boulevard. But of all days for a pot to drop into her life it had to be today. One simple little moment and it changed her course to this café and into an unwanted conversation with the cute barista. Why did she have to decide to leave early of all days?

            “Sorry I'm not used to hearing concern from strangers” She admitted.

            “That's kind of sad if you ask me” he replied.

            “I wasn't asking” Annie said with a smirk. Something warm began to blossom as she opened up to talk with him. A smile met with a smile and the connection began. She liked it and it was the most unexpected thing since she walked out the door that morning.