A man with a hook for a hand sat next to me at the bus stop.
He asked me,
"Have you ever danced on the edge?"
I looked at him and said,
"Are you trying to sing to me?"
"No, I'm asking a question."
I really looked at him. He had milky white eyes and long dark hair that fell well past his shoulders. He had on a black t-shirt with some logo on it and dark jeans. He had no shoes.
"Do you mean.. have I ever taken a risk?" I asked looking at his fascinating eyes.
"Yes." He said, looking straight ahead; hands in his lap and ankles crossed.
"Yes, I have. Some I wish I hadn't. Some turned out for the best."
He chuckled.
"I have taken many risks. Some changed my life completely. I have no left hand."
I look away from his eyes to his left hand.
"I noticed that when you sat down. What happened?"
His eyes shot to me, i flinched.
"When I was fifteen, my house caught fire. Burned to the ground. My little brother was caught inside. No one else would go in. So, I did. My brother was trapped underneath a pile of burning rubble. I threw it off of him and severely burned my hand in the process. He was just fine. Just some damage to his lungs from smoke inhalation. They took me to the hospital after I carried him out. The muscle in my hand was almost completely gone. Most of the muscle was burned, but other than that.. it was bone. There was no way I could use it anymore. So, they cut it off. I only got the hook because it looks cool. Dont you think?" He chuckled.
"totally" I giggled. "What happened to your eyes?" I asked. Staring at his eyes again. They had my attention almost the whole time.
"Oh these? Contacts. It's funny to catch people staring when they think I'm blind."
I laugh. The bus stops in front of us.
"I take the next one." He says.
I frown.
"I'll see you later then..?"
"Kadence" He smiles.
"I'll see you later, Kadence."
I stand up and get on the bus. I sit in the very back and watch as Kadence smile to himself and the bus drives away.
