by Jude H. (10th Grade)

I was going to school once, as you do at my age, when as I was getting on the metro I saw this old gentleman who I had seen on previous days as well. Minding my own business and trying not to look any weirder or more awkward than I normally did, I got on the metro and stood next to the old man.

He had an orange hat that I can’t describe because I don’t remember it, but he definitely had it, and a bristly white mustache and beard.

And then, horror of horrors, he tried to engage me in conversation! So I just stammered awkwardly until he made the universal gesture for, “Forget it.”

I have never seen him since.