Tommy Collison

Now, being human (well, close enough to one), I can’t say I’m that prone to biting people. However, one little French kid of about 5 apparently thinks I am. Allow me to explain:

I was in the campsite library one night, taking advantage of their working internet (it’s patchy) to check email and talk to friends on Meebo (web-based MSN). My cane was leaning against a chair beside me and I was listening to music. I was alone in the library save for this group of kids messing about, playing pool and generally being kids.

One kid, this little 5 year old, runs around the pool table and his foot catches my cane, which falls to the ground with a bang.

Now, I pull out the headphones and stand up to pick it up, when I spot his expression. The kid is actually terrified. He’s rooted to the spot. I become slightly confused. It’s not like the cane is damaged in any way or anything..

I try to tell him in my best broken English that it’s okay, as I pull the cane towards me and slide it under my chair. The kid stares at me a bit more, bewildered, before slowly backing away.

Safe to say I was unnerved.