I jump out of my skin as I feel the touch of another creature. It's simply not something I expect. I guess I've gotten used to being on my own far too often. Instantly I blink and turn around looking up at the man with big brown eyes. There is instantly something replusive about the man. The dirt and grime on him make him smell bad and I don't like it. Yet...there is something about that face- that expression that...puts me at ease. It is as though I've seen it somewhere before and can't quite place where. So, even though a part of me wants to leave, an even bigger part of me wants to stay. 

So I do what I always do when I feel safe nowadays, I give him my biggest and most childish smile. However as soon as I hear his words I very nearly falter. [i]A penny for the dead[/i]...Why did he have to use the word [i]dead?[/i] Most probably wouldn't have noticed the slight faulter- in fact only those close to me would. And I haven't let anyone into my heart for a good long while now. Regardless I try to keep up my happy smile, and not think about what thoughts and feelings those words provoke.

Instantly, I then take out a ten pound note and hold it towards him and try to be as bubbly as I possibly can. Not nessicarily because I feel that way. No, it is because I learnt a very long time ago from a very lonely God that being bubbly can soothe to soul. So for a poor soul such as the one I think is before me, I want to be happy- for his sake.

 So I speak up cheerfully "Here ya go, Mister! After all it's nearly Christmas! Do you like Christmas? I love it! There's snow! And-and hot chocolate, and presents! Oh I love presents! Aren't presents wonderful, Mister?"