“Pardon me, I didn’t see you there,” the older gentleman chuckled, “of course, it’s not like I would see anyone at all.”

“You see me?” Patrick stuttered, “I mean…you…”

“No, I lost my vision a decade ago,” the man said, “can you please help me get to the bank?”

“Um, yeah, of course,” Patrick was caught off guard, “people never even notice I’m around.” Patrick always felt invisible due to his smaller stature and a long list of his perceived imperfections. He felt ugly and ignored. The few times people did notice him, well, women mostly, they laughed at him and called him creepy.

“You’re very soft spoken, young man,” the older gentleman spoke, holding Patrick by the arm, “you need project your voice. Demand attention.”

“I, um, I’m a bit shy,” Patrick protested.

“We’re all shy at first, it’s a part of growing up,” the man continued, “once you get comfortable with being uncomfortable, that’s when things get better.”

“Thanks for the advice, I guess…” Patrick slowly walked with the man.

“I’m Charles, what’s your name?”

“Patrick…I’m Patrick,” it felt good to have someone ask…to have someone show interest in him for once.

“Patrick!” Charles passionately blurted out, “What a fine name! Fine name indeed.”

“Thanks?”

“You aren’t too sure of yourself eh Patrick?”

Patrick shook his head, forgetting that Charles was blind.

“It’s alright, that’s something you can learn, my boy,”

“Watch your step, we’re crossing the street,”

“Ah yes, quite. Thank you.”

“There are two banks on this block,” Patrick looked around, “a Chase, and a Bank of America.”

“Lead me to the Chase if you would.”

“Sure.”

“So Patrick, indulge an old man, tell me about yourself.”

“I dunno where to start,” Patrick was still shy, no one has ever been the slightest interested in him.

“How about you start with your age.”

“I’m 24.”

“Why you’re still a baby!” Charles laughed a hearty laugh, “Oh were I that age once more!”

“I wish to be older,” Patrick bemoaned.

“Oh? But why? Youth is a wonderful thing to splurged on wildest of adventures!”

“Yeah…I guess.”

“What’s wrong?” Charles asked, “When I was your age I was quite a cocksman!”

Patrick giggled at the term.

“Oh ye of little faith. There wasn’t a girl in my hometown who I haven’t bedded back then.”

“Lucky you. I’m not very handsome. Or rich. Or anything really.”

“Boy, I’ll tell you what my father told me… you don’t need looks, or wealth, or anything but yourself.”

“All I ever am is myself,” Patrick sighed.

“No, you are not,” Charles sucked his teeth, “you are afraid to be yourself.”

“I’m not afraid,” Patrick protested, in his meek way, “I’m just…not the type of guy.”

“What was that?” Charles stopped and leaned his ear closer, “I couldn’t here you.”

“I’m not afraid?” Patrick repeated.

“Are you asking? I still can’t hear…”

“I’m not…”

“Louder, Patrick!”

“I’m not…”

“Louder! Howl like the wolf!”

“I’m not afraid!” Patrick raised his voice, visibly annoyed.

“There you go,” Charles smiled, “Doesn’t that feel better?”

Patrick blushed with embarrassment. He looked around as other pedestrians stopped and stared at the two men walking.

“Well?”

“I…” Patrick stuttered.

“Say it with me,” Charles nudged the younger man, “I’m not afraid!

“I’m not afraid!”

“Once more now!”

“I’m not afraid!” Patrick shouted, growing more confident, “I’m not afraid!”

“Notice how good it feels to rebel against your fears and anxieties.”

“It feels…” a sudden smile crossed Patrick’s face, “it feels incredible!”

He looked around at the strangers giving him askance glances as they passed. And it didn’t matter. He felt seen. He felt powerful!

“Are we at Chase?” Charles asked.

“Yes, we’re here,” Patrick held the door open to let Charles pass.

“Come in with me,” Charles requested, “I could use a fearless friend.”