July 31

In the basement of the café, tucked away and alone. In comes a large middle-aged eastern man.

“Hello,” he says. “How are you?”

“Fine thanks,” I say quickly, looking down at my book, preparing an excuse – no, a fair reason - for wanting not to talk to him.

He’s probably got Special Needs. He doesn’t reply.

Says the same to another man, who replies, making me feel bad. At the end, he says,<

“Bye, all the best.”

I reply quickly and keenly, hoping to prove I am a good human being. I am the one with special needs.