Unnoticed as ever

He stands in the shadows

Forever cloaked in darkness

Lets his cynicism swallow him whole

His only comfort at night

A hard stone

Until curiosity brings a stranger

Bright with optimism

But carrying a stone oddly like the boy’s

She feels herself drawn to his pain

Tries to help and not get hurt in the process

But hurt is inevitable

She leaves

He mutters bitterly but otherwise seems not to notice.