Copyright C E Ayr
The man by the fountain is crying.
Everyone pretends not to notice, burying heads in newspapers or studying phones intently.
The tears become sobs, and less steely individuals glance at their watches, staging elaborately shocked surprise before hurrying away.
The sobs turn into painful howls of despair, which sees off most of those left, and I begin to wonder whether to leave myself.
Those few remaining pre-empt me. And now it would look bad if I left too.
“Can I help?” I say awkwardly.
“Just leave me alone,” he cries.
So I go, relieved to have tried.
And been rebuffed.
Nice to see some sun here in Spain, though there are some clouds on the horizon as corona virus sweeps through this country as quickly as the rest of the continent. 😦 Hoping to be back home this time next week, all in one piece. Thanks to Rochelle for leading the Friday Fictioneers out once again.
castelsarrasin 
You present an accurate picture of mind-sets. People time their invitations and offers to help, in a manner that those are refused.
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Yes, there is something almost ritualistic about it. Thanks for reading.
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It’s difficult to know what to do. Some people need privacy a
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and other’s help.
Good job S…
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And most people are relieved to be let off the hook, I guess. Thanks for reading.
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What a cynical and sadly accurate depiction of the human condition.
The minute details are, as always, beautifully portrayed.
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Thanks, CE, and for the interesting photograph.
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Beautifully observed and written, Sandra. I loved the incomprehensible distress and the relief of the pitier
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Many thanks, Neil.
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Dear Sandra,
You captured the discomfort of the bystander well. What do you do in a situation like that? At least she stuck around to offer. Stay well.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s an awkward one, isn’t it? And yes, we’re doing everything we should be doing but it’s casting something of a damper on our vacation.
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Ah the human condition. So well portrayed.
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Many thanks for reading, Violet.
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Spot on. I think its codependent – offering and accepting a helping hand. Wish you safe traveling.
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Thank you. And thanks for reading.
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Makes you wonder why he is so dramatic about his pain and yet wants no help. It certainly seems like he wants attention 🙂
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I think there are some who do. And maybe others so desperate they just have to vent, regardless. Thanks for reading, Colline.
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So much for being kindhearted. At least you can sleep in peace 🙂
Fountain with water.
Sobs with tears.
Freely flowing water in both the cases.
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Thanks for reading, Anita.
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Wonderful moment here, Sandra. I have witnessed a similar scene myself. Compassion and kindness are never wasted.
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One always hopes so. But then there’s always that nagging doubt that your overtures are really welcome… Thanks for reading, Josh.
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Hope you manage to make it home. Excellent scene, and very believable. The relief at being spared while feeling they have done what they could is palpable.
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Yes, a somewhat satisfying outcome for the observer. Yes, my main worry is not being able to get home next Tuesday. We’re leaving on the ferry from Bilbao and if it doesn’t run for whatever reason we’ll be facing the long haul through France. 😦
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Fingers crossed, at the moment it just seems to be flights to Italy that are mainly affected, but it is certainly a fast moving situation.
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The irony of human behavior. Weeping in public, making others feel awkward and uncomfortable, and then refusing help. Strange, we are.
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Strange indeed. Thanks for reading, Linda.
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Very true to life, Sandra, and written with your usual skill. That last line is spot-on!
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Thanks, Penny. Yes, one needs to have offered, but it’s something of a relief not to be taken up on the offer.
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Very well captured. Your words brought alive the sheer apathy of modern day denizens.
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Is it apathy? Or is it embarrassment? We’re all different I guess. Thanks for reading.
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Humans… sometimes we just don’t get it! Nice of her to stick around and I can understand her relief too!
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Thanks for reading Dale. I agree.
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Exactly how people would behave, I imagine.
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Thanks for reading Liz.
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Great story, Sandra. That kind of emotional escalation in a public place is a cry for help, no matter how uncomfortable it makes others and how much he rebuffs offers. If nothing else, call ‘911’ and walk away, fingers crossed…
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Yes, it would be very hard to be the last one to leave. Thanks fo reading.
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You are welcome.
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Such situations can be so awkward. I love your character’s honesty. Good story!
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Many thanks!
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Your descriptions made me want to help this poor man and run away at the same time. Open emotions are hard to deal with. Why is that? Self-protection? Well done.
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It’s a complex one isn’t it? You’re fighting yourself and the other person’s need at one and the same time. Thanks for reading.
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This is beautiful and moving.
Maybe if we weren’t conditioned to be uncomfortable with emotions, there wouldn’t be so many mental health issues in our society.
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Sometimes I wonder if we don’t overlay our own thought processes and mind-sets onto other people. I know in the past I’ve reached out only to find that that level of angst (which would be a total break-up for me) is simply a way of coping for others. Difficult one.
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This left me wondering what I would do in such a situation. I still am! Nice one Sandra.
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Thanks, Keith.
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That awkward pause…! I felt a bit of that too… its something so much more common these days than ever before… any country, I guess.
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It’s a tricky one, for sure. Thanks for reading.
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Sometimes an offer of help is all that you can do. Better than no attempt at all.
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I think you’re right. Thanks for reading.
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Such decisions we are faced with. To want to comfort someone in distress is a human need, an obligation, and a burden. Too bad only one person felt compelled to offer.
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Thanks for reading, Jo.
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Nice capture of an awkward moment. You portrayed her reluctant empathy well.
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A dilemma I’ve faced more than once. 😦
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So well described, that scene!
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Thank you!
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Well done Sandra, great description of an almost impossible dilemma to resolve
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Yes, it’s a tricky one isn’t it. Having to do the right thing for them and for yourself. Thanks for reading.
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As others have said, you’ve shown this social discomfort so well. I know there have been times I’ve been upset in public and have felt embarrassed, not wanting other people to notice. But then, I have approached others – other women, at least – if I’ve seen them upset. And being a florist, dealing with a lot of bereaved people when they order flowers, I’ve comforted a few customers, hugged a few too. But it’s true, I’ve also walked past, not knowing what to say, if anything. You capture all of this so well. Brilliant writing Sandra. Travel safe and keep well
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Thanks Lynn. Yes, it’s a puzzle isn’t it? What to do for the best. And thanks for the good wishes. I’m looking forward to being home.
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I’d rather show sympathy than walk on by, but you do feel sometimes people would rather be left. Take care
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Off the hook. How many of us would act the same way? Most of us, I imagine.
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Sounds like the poor guy had a monkey on his back.
Don’t you just love it when you offer to help and people turn you down? What a relief.
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Sad and true what most people are willing to do, but some are better than most. Thank God there are those people.
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