The Man With The Perpetual Smile: A Coffee Shop Encounter
We've all seen them lurking on the edges of our lives, those guys who send shivers down your spine for reasons you can't quite pinpoint. This is the story of my encounter with one such individual, the man with the perpetual smile.
It was a rainy Tuesday morning, the kind that begs for a warm coffee and a good book. Nestled in my usual corner booth at the local cafe, I was halfway through a gripping fantasy novel when he shuffled in. He was an unremarkable man, average height, mousy brown hair, and clothes that seemed perpetually a size too large. What set him apart was the smile.
It wasn't a genuine smile, not by a long shot. It stretched too wide, crinkling the corners of his eyes in a way that spoke of tension rather than joy. It was a smile frozen in place, like a mask he couldn't remove. He shuffled to a seat directly across from me, despite there being plenty of open tables.
He didn't order anything, just sat there, staring. Not a curious stare, but an intense, unwavering gaze that sent a prickle of unease down my spine. I tried to ignore him, burying myself deeper into my book, but his presence was a constant pressure in the small space.
Finally, unable to bear it any longer, I looked up. The smile was still there, unwavering, and he spoke in a voice that sent chills down my arms.
"That looks like a fascinating book," he rasped, his voice dry and unused.
I mumbled a noncommittal response, my fight-or-flight kicking in. He continued, launching into a rambling monologue about the book's protagonist, detailing things I hadn't even read yet. It was unsettling, to say the least like he was somehow peering into the story alongside me.
Thankfully, my savior arrived in the form of a friend who burst through the cafe door. I practically leaped out of my seat, using the interruption as an excuse to escape. We exchanged a few hurried pleasantries before I practically dragged her out into the rain, never looking back.
The man with the perpetual smile may have faded into the background, but the encounter left a lasting impression. It's a reminder of the importance of trusting your gut instinct. Sometimes, a creepy feeling is there for a reason.
Have you ever had an encounter with someone who sent shivers down your spine? Share your experiences in the comments below!
No comments:
Post a Comment