"Sound of one hand clasping" Chapter#1

Pond's hand clasped another's. It was soft and exhilarating.

He didn't care whether anyone was watching. No one dared comment as he strode upright and resolute towards the market stalls. He was hungry. He was always hungry.

The sounds of the market were muted as always. No one yelled like a fish-monger. They sold grilled chicken livers or strips of pork on a stick, piles of insects by the kilo, iced mango, banana or papaya drinks in a cup to go. He bought two.

Smells enveloped him with aromas he'd always known; but, the clasped hand was new to him.

He shared his frozen delight as he guided his new-found friend to a seat where they could eat. He had chosen something tangy but not too spicy. He guided rice and squid onto a spoon with his fork and offered it to his companion.

He thought of his mother and sister who lived hours away. He often felt lonely when eating. He didn't feel quite so lonely today.

He smiled. He intended to not be lonely tonight either, nor for many nights to follow.

The evening walk home, hand in hand, was peaceful, until...

His reverie was interrupted by a loud bang coming from the direction they were headed. No one else seemed to notice as the market murmured unaware; but, at his side, he heard a gasp and felt a hand unclasping... like a sigh.

~237 words