The encounter was not all that different from others I’ve had on the street — a rupture in my peace of mind. It was well past midnight, and I walked the streets alone, delighted to bask in the warmth of a productive day. A figure came into focus, dressed in colors dark as the night.
At first the stranger’s words were muted by the music blaring through my headphones — my temporary barrier against the many interlocutors who feel entitled to interaction once they notice my limp. This visibility is something I cannot hide, and I don’t attempt to do so. However, I take pride in having the opportunity to engage, interact, and experience the world on my own terms. The interactions others feel entitled to have can feel like a disruption of my attempt to have privacy while out in public.
“Tú estás vendiendo Biblias?” the stranger asked....
