Pleasantries.

"Hello!" 

     A woman. Blonde hair, short. 

     About my age, maybe a little older. 

     A friend, maybe? 

"Hi."

"How are you, love?" 

     Knows me well then. 

     A relative?

"Fine, thank you."

      I need her to say it. Just once. 

      Ask her. 

"Beautiful day, isn't it?"

     I can't. She'll know something's wrong. 

"Yeah."

     Something is wrong. 

     They'll send me away, poke me, prod me. 

"How's your mum?"

     I have a mother. 

"She's alright." 

     The woman smiles. 

"And the kids?" 

     And children, evidently. 

"Doing well, thanks."

     Say it. I can't go running around like this. 

"And how's that new job treating you?" 

     Oh no. Job? 

     I look down. Jeans and a shirt. 

     Nondescript. 

     What job?

"Just the same." 

      She smiles. 

      A badge shines in the sun. 

      Sarah. She has a name. 

     Where's mine?

"Well, take care, love."

     Shit, she's leaving. 

     Say it, just once, please. 

     I lunge into a hug. She's surprised. 

"Nice to see you, Sarah."

     Please say it. 

     Ask.

     You can't. 

     I'm lost. 

"Aw same with you, Lucy!"

     Success.