Things Not Seen

As he walks across town, Bobby remembers a teacher describing how the ancient Greek warriors went into battle naked. Having no protection made them more alert and careful; Bobby feels the same way. He also notices that he can stare at people all he wants.

He heads for his school to watch the kids get out for the day. It’s a rush of people, and he must stand behind a bike rack to keep from getting trampled. He observes a group of popular girls strut down the stairs like they know boys are ogling them, then notices the soccer team swagger past. He decides that, as an invisible Greek warrior, it’s beneath him to pay attention to such students.

He heads over to the university library. Today he walks right past Walt: “[H]e has no authority over me today. Warriors don’t ask permission” (73). He climbs the stairs to the third floor, where he hopes to find an empty listening room where he can hear a little Miles Davis music. All the rooms are taken, but one is occupied by the girl who’s blind. He knocks on the door and opens it.