A Hand Up

Downtown - Sheridan, Wyoming

Finlay, still slightly dazed from the tumble, watched as Lydia efficiently collected the items. She was smaller than him, but her speed and lower center of gravity had taken him completely off his feet. He couldn't help but notice the earnestness in her eyes as she worked to right the situation. Her face displayed a hint of reddish color, perhaps from the embarrassment of the collision.

Finlay found himself finally meeting her eyes, captivated by the striking green of her gaze, a perfect complement to his own blue eyes. It was the girl, that rallied forth his curiosity, he had seen earlier in the street. It was as if time momentarily stood still in the midst of the sidewalk chaos.

Finlay couldn't help but offer a warm smile as he accepted her hand, his heart still racing from the unexpected encounter. "I'm Finlay," he replied, his voice gentle. "It's nice to meet you, Lydia. Are you ok?" Finlay felt that collision, both at the moment of contact with her and the ground; he would probably have some bumps and bruises to remind him this actually happened.