Close Encounter 1/2
Augustine is depressed about not being able to muster the energy or perform the things he used to. He always liked that he go so much attention from being a mischievous kid, but now being wheelchair bound, the attention he's getting makes him feel more pathetic than empowered over the other townsfolk. Augustine lashes out or stays secluded, carving happiness, albeit hollow and momentary, from the playing card games he'd play with the grown-ups or building castles as a spectacle for their kids. He would always feel bitter for losing a game or letting the castle fall- more bitter than he should've been- he doesn't know why either. Augustine wonders why he's ever invited anywhere, but knows nobody would want to be alone in the presence of someone as pitiful as him either, it's why nobody comes to him, isn't it?
One seemingly random shopping day, Augustine would be found by someone around his own age, if about two years younger. They were unfamiliar to the town and here with their mother. He was quick to analyze them both, as he did with everyone, but just the same, as unquestioningly as he was with everyone else.
"You look like you're having a bit of trouble," The kid grabbed the gallon of milk Augustine was already reaching for, but zoned out from while gazing deeply. "My name is Arie (they/them,) how about you?"
"Aug- uhh Augustine… (he/him)" he mumbled slightly louder than he thought he would sound. He didn't think he'd speak at all here- save for being quietly polite to the cashier, otherwise he'd just smile and nod while his mother was checking out- and while tempted to, he didn't want to disappoint this new person- he had to make a good first impression. "Thank you… for the milk, by the way."
Arie suggests. "I can carry some of this stuff for you and your mom, I don't mind." Their own mom had told them to make friends wherever they moved, and Arie picked the weirdest looking fella around. Making friends around their age didn't matter to them or their mom since Arie wasn't going to school, and trying to befriend people almost constantly surrounded by their peers, it's always been unlikely they would find good friends.
"Sure, I can be a bit clumsy with a basket of groceries in a wheelchair." Augustine half-heartedly laughed at himself. The topic of his missing leg was shaky for him, but the will to make a good impression overpowered his discomfort.
Arie dodges the joking remark if only to respect Augustine a little more than he would for himself, "An extra pair of hands could do you well" it was hard not to bring up his asymmetry though. After a brief moment of silence, "Myyyyy mom's a craftsperson, she could probably make you another leg if you're up for it."
Augustine's eyes widen at the thought, and as the first time he'd raised his voice in a long time, he agreed, "Yuh- Yes, that'd be awesome!" He cleared his throat in a moment of embarassment, and as his first impression of this stranger and their mom, this would seem like a normal occurence, if only the other shoppers didn't give him slight, unreadable glances, as well as a tinge of embarassment from Augustine's own face, cringing from the attention he just drew to himself.
Having given consent, Augustine's mother let him visit the new neighbors, happy to see him with a spark of, not only hope for a future soon to come, but the reality of what was happening just then. He made a friend for the first time since Fina moved away, he's no longer alone. The sadness of his inability to walk was still there, and he succeeded in rationalizing that this solution potentially couldn't work, but figured it was worth the shot, regardless of his rational thought. No matter how much he'd force himself to confront reality or the ridiculous ways life can take away someone's happiness, there was always a fantasy that kept him in a place he felt safe.
Arie on the other hand, was genuinely excited, but their expectation set for them to leave town pretty soon. They don't want to leave, but if the situation necessitates leaving, then they won't question. The only promise they make to themselves is to spend the most time with and best quality time with their friends.
