Dandelion Boy (Sample)

From the Ground Up

I didn't think he was anything special.

Back in junior high,

he was just one of those guys who was

fun without trying,

athletic when need be,

and kind without a reason.

Likewise,

he was a butt occasionally and enjoyed telling terrible jokes.

Average.

The normal male specimen.

But it was like those parts about him

never existed when we hit high school.

He became so quiet but snapped at anyone

that talked to him.

His hair grew to sweep over his eyes.

A person may get curious enough to lean in and try to get a glimpse

of those eyes.

And when you meet those eyes,

you can be petrified.

Behind that layer of black,

you'll find eyes so bitter and cold that all you can remember

is how taken aback you were

and not the color of his eyes.

I don't know him.

But I see him in the halls among many.

No one pays any attention.

Empty eyes looking right ahead;

past me.

I keep my head down low

and just pick up what I hear.

Most people don't know me.

And I don't know a quarter of my graduating class.

You may think it's unusual.

It's not.

I am normal.

Mediocre.

I don't stand out.

I am just another face in a crowd that you pass by.

But I am aware of you.

I am waiting for you

to look at me and

see me.