One's Self As Another

One's Self As Another
We were laughing and joking as we came through the doors into the cold London night. The crisp breeze and the ringing in my ears quickly sobered me up as I began to get my bearing and plan our journey home. A sudden hunger attacked and before long, we were searching for a MacDonalds. We turned the corner and began walking the busy streets, past alleys, tramps and litter. It was in the dusty shadows that I noticed her, bending forwards, peering and reaching towards what seemed like nothing.
She looked about my age and pretty harmless, but it was clear that she was on her own. Now, I know that you shouldn't talk to strangers, but I also know that you shouldn't be alone in London at night so I started to go over. Not being from London themselves, my friends didn't understand my concern but remained waiting. As I got closer, I could see how engrossed she was with whatever she was looking at, but all I could see was dirty pavement. Tapping her shoulder, she turned around, shrinking away slightly. In a gentle voice I asked if she was okay and she nodded. I asked why she was alone and her eyes sank, filling with sadness, but without a reply. We stood there for a few seconds in silence and I noticed her eyes straying back to the same spot on the pavement. Maybe she's just mental, I thought, but couldn't leave her. Instead I asked what she was looking at and she beamed up at me. Beckoning me, I apprehensively bent down, scanning the floor around for broken glass or needles. Pointing, I saw what she was looking at.
"Isn't it the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?"
Sure enough it was beautiful. Simple, but beautiful. It had fallen and landed exactly in the middle of the slab, then been completely trodden into the floor. All trace of its original form had gone, except for this dirty remain of its outline. This outline however was perfect, showing every crack and tear, letting me almost feel its texture. the colours of green and brown faded out into the dirt and grime of the street and I knew that soon it would be gone.
A car beeped and she jerked up. The girl straightened her hair and dress out and without glancing back, tentatively walked over and got in as it quickly sped off. It was only once it had gone that Irealised I was still crouched down. Standing up, I went back to my friends, who immedietly questioned me. I shrugged, wondering myself what had just happened. Picking a leaf off a plant from a shop window, we set off on our journey again.