It’s rather cold today, and the sun is beginning to set even though it’s still somewhat early. You’re sitting in the library, hunched over and wearing a well-worn faded red jacket. There’s only you sitting at a table for four, with your backpack and papers carefully kept within the boundaries of a single person’s space, just in case someone decides to sit next to you. It doesn’t seem like you are really focusing on your work. Instead, you are fiddling with your pencil and checking your phone constantly. But there are no texts to respond to, and no missed calls to answer.

You seem to be waiting, stranger. Perhaps not for anything big or immediate, but waiting nonetheless. Your face is placid — almost deliberately so — as you sit and try to concentrate. I’m sure you are Caucasian, with a well-defined jaw and short dark brown hair that’s quite glossy. Propping your chin on your hand, you sigh and check your phone again. Disappointed, you settle with looking at whatever scenery the courtyard can give you. Then your phone rings suddenly and you jump up, walking fast to a place where you can answer. It’s a quick phone call that starts with a “yo” and ends with a “cool”, but when it’s over you walk back to your seat somewhat taller. Your shoulders are set farther back, and you can now take your time. Because now you know you belong.

I think, stranger, that you are one of those people who are only sure they exist when other people are around. You’re not sure you matter until someone notices you. And yet you seem like a perfectly nice person. As you walk, the memory of your hands in your jacket’s pockets makes them droop. Maybe it’s well loved, or a safety blanket. The way you are quick to smile while on the phone even though the person you are talking to cannot see suggests you are generally a friendly guy. Someone pleasant to talk to. Or maybe you only used to be. Now, stranger, I imagine that you laugh only when others laugh. Somewhere along the way, I think you lost the bit of yourself that keeps you lively. What you are waiting for is someone who will talk to you, someone who will make you fit in like you used to. You don’t seem awkward or socially inept, stranger. Just a little lonely, and unable to fix yourself.

I have to go now, stranger. I hope you don’t have to be here too long by yourself. And I’m sure if you wanted to, you wouldn’t have to be alone at all. Just show more people that great smile of yours, and strike up a few conversations sometime. I think you’d be a natural.

Best wishes,
Amelia