River found herself in a local coffee shop down the street. She spotted someone who looked disheartened at a nearby table. She got her coffee and decided to head towards the table. A smile on her face as she turned her attention to them.

"Mind if I sit here?"

They shrugged so she took the chair across the table from them. Taking a sip of her coffee, she considered their outfit. She had seen them she was sure lingering about. Perhaps it was someone from the disgruntled crowd who weren't sure their life here was worth it. Taking a nervous breath she began to talk.

"You don't seem to like the lay of the land much in our community, do you?" She asked.

They lifted their head and the look in their eyes told her she was on the right wave length. So she quickly hurried on before they decided she was crazy and moved off.

"I have been in your shoes. I can still feel a bit disheartened if I look around too close or pay too much attention. Sometimes it feels like this community is closed to anyone who is different from the majority. Someone who sees things a little different. It can get you down."

River looked at her coffee and let out a sigh. This was a close to home subject for her but she was willing to share what kept her going when she felt this way at times.

"I can imagine you feel like you will never get your chance again right?" They nodded and looked at her a bit more closely. She could see the confusion at the smile on her face.

"Here is the thing though, you may not. You may die an untimely death  but then again you may get the chance if you take a chance on someone, known or unknown. I never imagined I would be where I am currently, but I am. I learned to focus on what I could do for my family with my skills. Perhaps you should stop looking at the whole as well and try to focus on a smaller vision when you feel the way you do.

If you enjoy getting your hands dirty, try focusing on gardens or grave digging. Never know what you might find?

Or just try to keep your focus on a goal you want that may not have anything to do with getting to the top. There is nothing wrong with not wanting those spots. Enjoy the quiet life, make a will for your next of kin, and then take some risks and see what happens from there. Maybe you are just clouded for now and the sun will come out tomorrow.

Go with the flow. Or at least give it a try. "

She smiled at them. Grabbing her empty coffee cup she stood up. Straightening her back she walked the cup to the counter and turned back to give a little wave to the stranger. She could see the smile starting to form on their lips and hoped she would see them around again. She smiled to herself and walked out of the coffee shop.