I was on my home tonight from drinks with a friend when Bryce caught my eye. He was riding his bike with a makeshift trailer being towed behind him that looked like it carried everything he owned. I pulled into the same parking lot he was pulling in for now real apparent reason. There was a sign sticking out of his basket and the only word I could read was “Homeless”.
It just so happened that I parked and got out of my car right as he was riding past and I told him it was a nice night for a ride. A little cliche, I know, but I had to start somewhere. If he hadn’t been driving right past I don’t think he would’ve taken much notice of me, but luckily, it was good timing. He stopped his bike and shot me a look. Right as I started thinking this was a bad idea, he flashed me a toothless smile and told me that he was usually the one trying to start conversations. It was a nice surprise for both of us.
I didn’t really have a plan or any cash on me, but he didn’t ask me for a handout. I asked him where he was headed and he told me about a little hangout not too far that he was headed to. I couldn’t get over the fact that I felt like I was holding up his night. It’s easy at times to just step out and feel like we have the answers, but sometimes, people never asked a question. We stood there for a few awkward and I just asked him if he needed anything. “Nope, not tonight.” Another interesting surprise.
As I got in my car to pull out of the parking lot, I felt a little rejected. I looked to make sure my turn lane was clear and there was Bryce again, just waving. There just seemed like such an innocence behind his eyes. It seemed like he was just happy for someone to wave back and notice him. I guess I just feel like I can be the answer to someone’s question that was never asked. That’s just not always the way it works out…
