As They See Us

I was asked to write a short based off of the topic "As They See Us" focusing on three main characters in a park.

“You seem upset.”

James looked up and turned to see the owner of the voice.  She sat on the grass 

near him with a hoodie zipped up to her chin. She wore stylish sunglasses this sunny, yet 

cool day in Hyde Park.  James usually didn’t stop here mid-workday, but after flipping 

out on his boss earlier, this was needed

“How do I seem upset?” James asked the girl. She shrugged.

“The cussing under your breath as you walked up was a little clue.”  

“Oh.” James had forgotten about that.  She stuck out her hand towards him.

“I’m Beth.”  He shook it.

“James, and yes, I’m upset. People upset me.” Beth shook her head.

“I’ve had those days, too. The blind days.”

“The blind days?” James frowned.  “What does that mean?”

“The blind days are days I fail to see people the way they are supposed to be 

seen.”  James shook his head.  This girl was a little strange, but now he was curious.  

“Okay, I’ll bite. How are people supposed to be seen?” She smiled a mischievous 

smile as if she were waiting for him to ask that question.

“Look around.  See anything out of the ordinary that catches your eye?”  James 

searched the park. He immediately noticed her. Tattered clothes, dirty face, bloodshot 

eyes. A  ripped, gray, fleece blanket covered her legs as she huddled on a bench.  

“You’re looking at Maggie,” Beth informed him.  “What do you see?”

“I see a homeless woman that probably does drugs.”  

 “Hmm.  Well, keep watching.”

James continued to stare.  Down one of the paths came two figures brightly 

dressed.  One was a middle-aged black woman dressed in red, yellow, and green African 

grab.  A tight headdress wrapped around her head as she walked with a little elementary 

school boy with a backpack almost half his size.  

“You’re looking at Polly and her grandson, Isaac.  What do you see?”

“I see them walking over to Maggie. The little boy is giving her something,” 

James observed. “She’s giving him a hug.”  

Grandma and grandson walked away and passed a muscular, tattooed guy who 

looked like he came from a rock concert. He also stopped by the homeless woman and 

squatted down by her.

“Okay, I don’t get what’s going on here?” 

“Because you don’t know the story. Since you don’t know, you can’t see. You 

can’t see that Polly’s grandson used to walk home alone but was almost hit by a car.  

Maggie pushed him out of the way and was hit instead. Maggie suffered a lot of injuries, 

and no one helped her; except Rob, a tattoo artist who also runs a homeless non-profit. 

Rob brings Maggie from the homeless shelter to the park on nice days to enjoy and rest, 

and Polly brings her grandson by every day after school to give Maggie, a gift and a 

hug.”

“Okay,” James nodded slowly. “I get it.”

“Yeah?” Beth asked. “James, look around. So many people are begging you 

'please, change how you see us'. I don't know why you're upset, but take a step back and 

see. Perspective is everything in this life. I should know.”

Beth took off her sunglasses. James then realized that she wasn't looking directly 

at him when she talked.

“Wait? Are you....” 

“Blind?” She finished.  “I guess that depends on your definition of sight.” 

 

Reviews

[Patrick Schultz]

The last part of this story I wasn't expecting. Really good twist.

[Stan Lee]

Woah, great plot twist! I like this story! It's very meaningful and well written. Thanks for sharing! :)

[alanwgraham]

This is excellent work. You have managed to deliver a really strong and thoughtful message in a short piece. The sentence starting 'a tight headdress' is not quite right but thats a minor point. Your final line is brilliant and I like to find that sort of twist myself if i can.
Very well done!
You might like a look at my own attempt at homelessness called 'Any change pal'
Cheers,
Alan

[M.Ruby]

Wow, I really liked this story. Short and straightforward, whilst carrying a very poignant message about how we perceive others. And the twist at the end was very effective! A thought provoking and enjoyable read. :)