if you must know

i stood staring into the street, zoned out.
it is not uncommon scene. they stand around chatting. oblivious for sure...
my buddy interrupts.

he wants to know what is wrong.
he can't pinpoint it, but something has been off about me lately.
did something happen? did somebody die?
he offers an ear, but in the end i tell him nothing except a sincere thanks.
so many deaf and blind folks out there; i am glad he's not one of them.

i do not have an answer for him anyway.
i would like to know too.