To that stranger in the night...

You stank of beer and cigarettes and really bad B.O. That was what I first noticed. I didn't really care about your ripped clothes, shaggy hair or your lack of shoes. It was your odor that put me on edge. Funny what smells can trigger. 

But then you insisted I walk behind you so I didn't think you were going to mug me. I was both impressed and disturbed by this. Impressed that you were thinking along those lines. Disturbed that I was thinking along those lines too.

You needed to find the train station and I was en route to one. It was dark. Very dark, and that always made me suspicious. But then you started to talk and although you mumbled, I could pick up enough. 

• Your cousin was pissing out the door of a train when another passing train hit him. That was only hours before. He was on life support at the hospital and you were on your way home after visiting him.
• Life had passed you by... or so you said. Many missed opportunities, though you're a stone mason now. " At least you got paid while you studied.", I joked. 
• You smiled and responded with a "You're a lucky man, you know that. Working at a tv station, living round here..."  I didn't know what to say. Not at all the response I expected and I apologise for not responding with anything. For once I really was lost for words.

When we parted ways you offered me a cigarette. You had no need to. For the most part of our journey I had been nothing but suspicious - or at the very least wary - of you. I declined, feeling unworthy of it.  

Now some may call you a bum. 

Others might think you just a bogan. 

Not me. I think you're a gentleman, albeit in a rough diamond sort of way.