Sam is a hyperactive person. Wherever he appears, his presence is always noticeable. He is neither tall nor particularly good looking but his personality radiates way beyond his physical appearance.
The first thing one notices are his steel grey eyes, nestled neatly under thick black eyebrows. His strong curly hair, always kept short, and a goatee, are also pitch black. It is difficult to determine his age; could be anything between 30 and 45. He rarely smiles, but when he does, a full set of healthy, if slightly yellowish, teeth is displayed.
I first met Sam several years ago at a party I didn't want to attend but found myself there after much talking into by a friend. He was the centre of attention, flirting with every girl in sight while I sat as quietly as possible in a far corner, the friend having deserted me some time ago. The music was too loud to my liking and I was looking for an opportunity to leave the scene as quietly as possible.
»Going somewhere?« I heard a voice behind me as I was struggling with my coat. I turned around and saw Sam, ready to face the winter night.
»Actually, I don't like the music too much and I thought I'd catch the last bus home. Now, what are you doing in your coat?«
»Well, I don't like the way this party is developing and... hey, care for a late drink? I can give you a lift afterwards.«
»Hmmm... why not!«
So we found a bar where the music was not too loud and chatted about many things. He told me that he was married and loyal to his wife and had three boys and was unhappy with his job as an accountant in a financial institution. He said he had gazillion ideas how to improve his working environment but his employers wouldn't listen to him. He said he had a few psychic experiences. It was fun listening to him and we parted as friends although I had a vague feeling things weren't exactly as they seemed.
I enquired discretely with a colleague who had known Sam for a long time.
»Don't you know? He lost his son just about a month ago. Drowned in a lake.«
I kept seeing Sam in the months to come. I respected his silence and never mentioned his loss. It took him almost a year to speak up.
We still hear from each other occasionally. The last time we spoke he had four boys and was still loyal to his wife. He has changed half a dozen jobs, though, but still hasn't found an employer who would appreciate his ideas.
