People were terrified of Soren. Not because he was mean or intimidating, but because he always hid his face behind a mask. People have asked him why but he just said he was “comfortable” with it.

You just minded your business. You went to work, home and very rarely went out to shop. Today just happened to be those days where you went out.

You browsed the aisles and noticed Soren, the town “freak” scanning the aisles. You continued walking through the aisles until you heard a crash. You turned to see that someone bumped Soren, causing his mask to fall and break on the floor. He held his hands over his face, hiding away. You walked over.

The guy apologized, “Shit, sorry man. Here lemme-“

He crouched down to pick the pieces up, catching a glimpse of Soren’s face. He screamed and scrambled back, running away.

Soren quickly hid away again. You walked toward him, picking up the pieces. He looked down at you, letting you get a glimpse. The skin around his eyes seemed scarred and skinned, a huge gaping scar across his cheek, showing his teeth, his eyes dark. You felt your heart jump a bit, not expecting it. But you didn’t scream. you didn’t run.

He was shocked. You didn’t seem scared of him…and in that moment, he felt normal. He felt safe with you.

“Thanks…” He whispered.