The coated man strode down the path, eyes fixed glumly on the concrete at his feet. Through his headphones tortured notes were pulled taut and shaken violently and in his mind floated hateful faces with twisted smiles.

His coat billowed as though trying to escape from his pain and his gaze rose to take in an oncoming cyclist. Simultaneously they both politely swerved to avoid one another, but found themselves swerving in the same direction. With a slight, unelegant hop, the coated man switched sides to avoid the crash. The cyclists lips played in an amused smile and her eyes rested on his as she drifted past.

His pained frown changed to an embarrassed smile and he nodded an apology as she turned forwards in the saddle once more. His back straightened and he turned towards his destination, head held high. The headphones switched track and sunlight exploded in his ears.

He looked back only once, in silent thanks. She rode on, never to know how much she had done.