Rose turned around and found herself standing in front of a strange man. He wore a pale blue dress shirt and black trousers, with a purple waistcoat which fit his frame perfectly. Across his collar lay a dark-coloured bow tie, which he adjusted nervously.
"Er, yeah… sorry, do I know you?" She stared at him politely.
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly, his eyes barely glimmering.
Rose looked into his eyes. His physical appearance was so youthful, but his eyes told a different story; they seemed so old and wise, like a man who had seen so much in his lifetime... so much joy and wonder, and pain and hurt.
But that was impossible, as he only looked like he was in his late 20s.
He briefly opened his mouth to speak.
"Oh, er… no. Sorry, we haven't properly…properly met before."
She noticed that his voice seemed to quiver when he spoke... as if he had seen a ghost.
"Right. Do you know me through my mum, or something?"
"Well, no, not exactly. I.. I sort of know you through a friend... of a friend... I-I'm John. John Smith."
Rose reached out her hand to meet his, and he shook hers firmly.
"Quite a handshake you've got there, Mr Smith," she laughed softly.
"Ah, sorry… about that."
The man glanced down at his feet momentarily, and then looked back up at her.
"It's all fine, mate. Well, I better be going. I've got to get back to work. I'm down at Henrik's if you ever want to find me."
"Thanks. I'll… see you around, I guess."
"Yeah. See you soon."
Rose walked off at a casual pace, taking one last look at the mysterious man and waving him off. He waved back at her, a slight smile on his face once again.
To her, that was their first hello.
To him, that was their final goodbye.