My foot slipped and my bike flipped out of my control. I hit the pavement forcefully and gasped in surprise and pain. Attempting to regain my composure and evaluate the situation, I looked at my scraped hands, when I heard a distressed moan come from behind me.

I turn to see a young man struggling to his knees, holding his arm in his hand. As I inwardly cursed myself for my recklessness, I stood up and went straight for my bike that had landed a few feet away. As I started to reach for it, I hear a disbelieving exclamation come from behind me.

"You're not going to ask if I'm alright or even say sorry?!"

I stifle a sigh, and turn to face him. I don't have time for this.

"Are you ok." I let the words out rather sharply as I place my hand on my bike.

Unexpectedly, I hear a laugh. I look back at him, and could tell he wasn't very amused. It must have been sarcastic. He doesn't answer my pitiful question, and turns to collect his folders and papers that were starting to blow away in the wind. I am about to turn to inspect my bike, when I notice his shirt sleeve becoming increasingly red with each passing second. I sigh heavily. I've become detached from society, but I'm not this much of a jerk.

I snag a paper that was rustling against the bushes and walk over to him. He pauses a moment to observe me with a skeptical look in his sea green eyes, then accepts the paper from my hand when I offer it to him. I bend down to help with the rest of the papers and folders, ignoring his comments telling me to just leave.

When we had finished gathering all of his belongings, he mumbled a soft thank you and turned to walk away. For some reason, I instinctively reached out and grabbed his arm, but seeing his face contort in pain, I somewhat regretted my action.

I quickly released him and hesitantly spoke. "I-I need you to follow me."

Really? Was that all I could come up with? I sound like such an idiot!

He turned to face me, eyes narrowed, a displeased yet inquisitive look overcoming his soft and gentle features.

"What?"

I clear my throat slightly and attempt to correct my blunder, "Come with me to the corner store and I will buy a bandage for your arm." I gesture toward the store within view not far down the road.

He contemplates for a moment, then agrees.

I reach for my bike and roll it along as we start walking to the store in a thick, awkward silence. Damn. I'm going to be soo late for work. I knew I wouldn't have that stupid job long. I glance over at the man walking beside me, to see him favoring his arm, his lips turned into a slight frown. We reach the store, and I rest my bike against the outside.

Once inside, I order him to gather what he needs. I wince slightly at my own words. I honestly didn't mean to come off soo harsh, I just don't have much experience with issues like this. I watch as his frown becomes deeper and can feel his growing distain as he moves to select bandages and disinfectant. He returns to where I'm standing and we move to the register. An all too cheerful girl greeted us and then exclaimed when she saw the state of his arm. The young man carried on a small and unimportant conversation with her. My attention was riveted on the amount of the bandages and ointment, and I let out an involuntary sigh as she told me the total.

I reached for my back pocket in a panic. Phew. It's there. Good thing I am unorganized and I left it in my pocket from yesterday. I withdrew my wallet and opened it to reveal it's contents. I handed her my last bill and she gave me several coins in return. There goes the last of my money. Awesome.

With the girl's cheerful goodbye and well wishes, we exited the store and sat on the bench outside. I set the bag next to him as he pushed his sleeve up slowly, revealing the painful gash in his arm. He opened the disinfectant and seemed to be struggling. I reached out without thinking and took the ointment from his hand. I wrapped my other hand around his wrist and gently pulled his arm so I could see his wound more clearly. His face looked slightly flustered at my touch, but he did not protest as I applied the ointment and then reached for the bandage.

With his thin wrist in my hand, I wrapped the bandage securely around his arm. It was at that moment I noticed how slender his frame was. He was significantly shorter and thinner than me and I thanked my lucky stars, if I even have any, I hadn't killed him with that collision. I looked up at his face and slowly released his wrist, and started to get up. I turned to my bike and was about to leave when I felt him reach for my arm with a soft touch to stop me.

"Thank you," was all he said.

I glanced his way slightly, "I'm really sorry." That was all I could respond with. I nimbly jumped onto my bike and took off in the direction of work.

All I could think was: Man, I really hope I don't get fired yet.