A short story about a man on the streets

""Lost into the valley; I don't even remember how I got here. The hills look slumped like my shoulders. It's not even dark. It's pretty well lighted. I swear it's day here constantly. I've never even seen night in this valley. How do I get out? I don't even know why I want to get out. What will I escape to? I'll probably end up finding a darker place. What could be better or more relaxing than a valley where the sun only sets to give birth to another beautiful day. The soft sunlight and the soft grass, this is heaven. I hope it is. If so, then why do I want to escape it? What better place can there be for me? Every time I talk to you I get more confused. Since when aren't you helping me? You've always been there. You've always saved me. is that what it is? Got tired of saving me? I get now. Forget you. I quit this.""


(This man sat on the sidewalk curled up with his head down talking to himself. I couldn't help but wonder whom was he talking to. Obviously no one else was around but, where was his mind in his life? I felt bad for him. What is it like to be trapped in a mind like that?)


[As I walked by I said ("Must be awful.") He responded!]



"Clearly it is when you are beside yourself looking at yourself talk to yourself."
("Excuse me?)
"Don't act like you didn't hear and neither will I. That look on your face must be priceless."
(He hadn't even looked up. "I'm sorry were you by chance just rehearsing?")
"For what could I rehearse my own insanity for other than to be more insane?"
("Sir, I'm terribly sorry.")
"No, I am."
(What could he possibly be apologizing to me for?)
"I thought you were a figment."
(He started crying. "Listen, there's no reason to cry. I'm quite real. Really!")
"I see that now. I was just excited to see a new one and instead it turns out my mind has cleared to see someone real for once!"
(He was sobbing now. I felt a deep sadness inside me. "It'll be okay. I walk back this way after work but, I'm almost late now.")
"Please, do what you have to do. Thank you, sir. I'm so happy!"
("I'll be back after work. Just a few hours. Take care now.")




[He never returned to talk to the man on the street. He never will.]



*
man on the street mumbling to himself
*

"I knew you weren't real."