The Unusual (Eye of the Beholder). Deepak Kumar Battini

from Desmond’s description, was a tall, blonde woman from Egret Park on the day of his accident. There was nothing impossible about being a Gorman, but there were doors that could be impenetrable. The Egret Park Services refused to surrender footage unless it had something to do with a police matter or with a search warrant. Desmond couldn’t really go anywhere-he had a broken arm and a sprained ankle. Getting stonewalled had made him even more impossible to deal with.

      Now Gareth watch Desmond mentally berating himself. It was just like him to blame himself over things he had little control of. So he saw a girl. Chased after her and got run over. Unfortunate that he couldn’t do much now but Gareth was strangely glad.

      “You know we can always change the cleaning service,” Gareth told him.

      Desmond sighed. “And I know this could have waited until morning.”

      “Well. I’m here.” He shrugged.

      Desmond stared off into space. “I really wanted to do it, Gareth. Paint her.”

      Gareth held his breath, waiting for him to elaborate.

      “The girl in the park. God, I can’t believe there’s nothing I can do.”

      “I’m sorry I’m not much help.”

      Desmond managed a small, tired smile. “You tried.”

      “Look,” Gareth cleared his throat. “I know you’ve been struggling. But I’m glad that this-“ he gestured at the cast-“happened. Well, we could have done without the broken limbs but Desmond, you. . .something happened in you to act that way. That’s a good thing.”

      “Is it now.”

      “It snapped you out of your funk, for one thing. And now you need to paint.”

      Desmond held up his right hand. “Guess which finger I’m holding up.”

      “Don’t be an asshole.”

      He sighed and put his hand down. “I can’t stand this, Gareth. I have to be out there. Looking for her. I should at least be trying to draw her.”

      “Judging from your description, I don’t know how. You describe her as being blonde and tall. They’re not exactly rare.”

      “There’s no woman as tall as that minx. I didn’t get a good look at her face because she was far but I don’t believe she’s very attractive.” Desmond was thoughtful then nodded to himself. “Just a feeling.”

      “A tall blonde who’s not very attractive. Still not much to go on.”

      Desmond shrugged. “How hard can it be to find a diamond in a bag of nuts?”