The Shape of a Stranger

Matthieu watches Nora work the language-exchange room, pulling chairs for the uncertain. His hands shake, she asks about his tattoo, and he begins to invent.

We don't know each other

Matthieu had not meant to idealize her.

He repeated this to himself later, as if intention could erase consequence.

The first time he saw Nora, she was moving through the language-exchange crowd in a bright summer dress, welcoming people who looked as uncertain as he felt. She shook hands, pulled empty chairs into the circle, and shifted her own seat whenever someone needed space.

“Are you the organizer?” a man asked her.

Nora laughed. “No. I just don’t like seeing people stand alone.”

Matthieu watched from the edge of the group, one hand wrapped tightly around the neck of his beer bottle. His fingers had begun to tremble again. They often did when he felt exposed, as though his nerves belonged to a separate creature living beneath his skin.

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Quick answers about The Shape of a Stranger

What is The Shape of a Stranger about?

Matthieu watches Nora work the language-exchange room, pulling chairs for the uncertain. His hands shake, she asks about his tattoo, and he begins to invent.

Is The Shape of a Stranger free to read?

Yes. Every story on RapidTale is free to read in the browser, with no sign-up and nothing to install.

How long does it take to read?

This story runs 1 chapter — most readers finish in one sitting, and you can stop and return to any chapter using the contents list.

Who wrote it?

Nimra Khan — original fiction published on RapidTale.