I decided to walk an other way home. We had half an hour off rather free, which is why I took the time. My way led me through various book shops.
I sauntered through the streets, as long as you could call that a stroll. Much more, I was pushed by the crowd through the crowd.
I passed a coffee shop and stopped. I looked in the shop window and finally opened the door.
It was a pretty cold autumn day. Such a warm coffee would make everything sympathetic.
So I joined the queue in the back.
With a warm mug in my hands I left the shop. I didn't know where to go, so I hit the road home. However, before I could move far from the shop and the crowds, my attention was directed to the opposite side of the street.
There was a piano in front of a shop called Kenny's Music. There sat a man and played a happy song. But that had penetrated rather negligibly into my brain. I kept looking to the left.
A clown danced with a bright yellow sign with "Everything Must Go" written in black and red letters.
I had to think about Arthur.
"Does he have to do such things?", I thought and continued to watch, but put myself closer to the window, so I wasn't in the way.
The clown danced to the sounding music. I had to smile. Although he wasn't noticed by anyone, he danced on. I took a sip of my coffee.
A few teenagers crossed the road a few yards to the right and remained in the circle as soon as they reached the sidewalk. It looked like they were discussing something with each other. One of the guys briefly pointed to the clown. The others laughed and nodded.
I hoped their plan had nothing to do with the dancing clown, but my hope was buried in reality. The four boys slowly ran towards the clown.
I couldn't watch this anymore.
The thought of not only treating Arthur so badly by others gave me the courage to cross the street.
Just when I wanted to do it, I had to watch as the clown's shield was peppered to the floor by the teenagers and disappeared into their hands within two seconds.
They ran back to my side. The clown behind.
I wanted to know how it would turn out, if the clown could still prevail. So I set in motion and ran fast pace behind.
A short time later, I lost all five of my eyes. I looked around but couldn't see them.
I thought I could turn around when the boys approached me. Straight path from a left-hand side lane.
They laughed and ran past me.
"Shit," I said loud enough that they could have heard it.
I turned into the side alley and saw the clown lying there on the asphalt.
Tears came to my eyes. It was terrible to see that.
"Excuse me?" I asked, kneeling next to the weak man.
He looked up at me. "Come on, I'll help you." I put down my arm.
It surprised me a little that he didn't say anything.
Arthur's POV
Now I was there. Pain Meets. I hated my life. And all humans.
Footsteps approached me. I winced with each step. It was definitely one of the types.
"Sorry?" A woman's voice made me breathe deeply.
I looked up at her.
Despite my pain, I felt a little better now.
It was Lila.
A tear ran down her cheek.
"Come on, I'll help you.", She continued.
Why did she speak as if she didn't know me?
My heart stopped for a moment.
I had just imagined everything.
Just delusions that outsmarted my brain.
In truth, Lila didn't know me and I was just a stalker.
Lila's POV
Slowly the man took my arm and sat up.
I set my coffee mug aside so I could help better.
With all my strength left after my day's work, I pulled him back to his feet.
He still didn't speak, but instead pulled off his wig with the green curls, as well as his clown nose.
"Oh my god, Arthur!" I put my arms around him.
I felt even worse than assuming that it was a strange man.
I broke away from him.
"What did they do to you? Are you alright? Can I do something? I'm so sorry.", Were my next words.
Arthur smiled slightly.
"Thanks, Lila, the guys beat me up. It's alright, I'm used to it."
I shook my head.
"Arthur, you can't let that happen, it's not fair, you're not doing anything wrong!"
I hugged him again. I didn't want to lose sight of him for a moment. Anyway, for tonight.
"And besides being" used to it "... how are you?" I stared at him.
"It hit me harder, I'm fine," he replied, brushing some dirt off his brown pants.
"Arthur, please tell me the truth," I said as I dabbed a wound with a handkerchief.
"Let's talk about it somewhere else, please."
I nodded and picked up my coffee.
"Here, drink that, it warms you."
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