sechan19: (butterfly)
[personal profile] sechan19
There's something about wearing a devil-horn headband that changes the geography of a day. Passersby take more notice of you, and offer interaction more freely. They call out, give waves, make eye contact, and smile. And this in turn adds a glad spring to your step, turns you outward as a flower to the sun, open and welcoming.

I found the headband, of all places, in my father's office. No idea what it was there for, and less of an idea of whether or not I really wanted to know, but however it came to be there I claimed it for myself and proudly wore it all through lunch and beyond - into the sun dappled afternoon of downtown. My father's coworker, one of our lunch dates, inquired why I was wearing it, and I answered, "why not?"

The headband opened intriguing doors. The woman who ran the security check-in at the state building we had lunch at broke her solemn composure upon our entrance to laugh merrily at the sight of me. A construction worker on the way to my friend's storefront office called out, tapped his head, and gave me a jolly thumbs up. Everywhere I went I was greeted with friendly calls of "Hi Devil!" "Howdy Devil!" "Hey Devil!"

But the best was surely last.

On my way home, bound for the bus, I was stopped by a shrunken, elderly man. His name was Tim and he wore a hospital band around his wrist. He told me he was suffering from cancer, and he needed to get to the hospital but had no money for the fare. Without a word I handed him my bus fare pass. He looked down at it, realized what it was, and his eyes welled with tears. I gave him a hug, which he returned - thanking me. I wished him luck, and I still do.

I had gone twenty paces when the sound of his voice stayed me.

"God bless you, Devil!" he called out.

Turning, I saw him standing by the lightrail, one hand raised in farewell. I blew him a kiss, which he caught, and wandered on into the day.

Rounding the corner, I was just in perfect time to catch my bus home, and as I sat on the sun-warmed seats I was strongly compelled, as was the immortal Anne before me, to murmur, "Dear old world; you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you."

Date: 2007-03-16 03:03 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] samsamsamantha.livejournal.com
Reading this makes me a little teary eyed. It's really neat how you were able to make a real, even if only momentary, connection. It's also rather serendipitous that he met up with you at just the right time for you to help.

Blair used to have a pair of horns. I have always kind of wanted a pair of horns or ears... I might have to get in touch with Xot to see if he still makes them.

BTW: Does this mean you are back in town?

Date: 2007-03-16 03:39 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] reteva.livejournal.com
I am back in town for three weeks, and very eager to see you. Please call me tonight when you're home from work or I'll give you a try this weekend.

PS - would you like my devil-horns headband? I don't foresee using it again. =]

Date: 2007-03-19 07:18 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] samsamsamantha.livejournal.com
I'm sorry I didn't get back to you. I haven't been near a computer this weekend.

I'd call you now before going to bed, but it's pretty late. Do you have any evening time free this week? If not, do you have anytime this weekend?

I might just take you up on you offer for the devil-horns.

Date: 2007-03-19 07:20 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] samsamsamantha.livejournal.com
That was supposed to say "do you have anytime this coming weekend?"

Date: 2007-03-19 09:26 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] reteva.livejournal.com
I'm not sure what the weekend will hold, but we'll work something out. I'll give you a call this evening.

Date: 2007-03-16 01:13 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] unapperent.livejournal.com
That is rather cool =)

Aye, are you back in town??

Date: 2007-03-16 03:40 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] reteva.livejournal.com
I am! I hope we can get together soon. I'll be around for the next three weeks.

Date: 2007-03-18 01:16 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] alonewolverine.livejournal.com
yes devil, yes.

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