Page 66 of Dark Verse

I notice his gaze is squarely on a box of comic books near us, his body slowly moving in that direction.

“Please feel free to browse either side. We have a wide selection of both comic books and graphic novels, and we’re always able to order items and ship anywhere in the country. And this time of year, dahlias and asters are blooming, so we have some flowers on sale.”

“Thank you…” I pause.

“Gail.”

“Thank you, Gail. I think we’re going to look over here,” I say as Knox pulls me in the direction of the display.

Her smile is wide. “Just holler if you need anything, and we’ll be happy to assist you.”

She moves to help the customer on the flower side.

“Ven, look at this one!” Knox pulls up a colorful issue. The alien characters look locked in mortal combat. “Wow, I haven’t seen this series in like ten years. I didn’t even know they were still writing them.”

“What is it about comic books that turns every man I’ve ever known back into a teenager?”

“The most powerful drug of all, nostalgia.”

Before I can answer, a small voice nearby gasps, pulling my focus from Knox’s face.

It’s the boy who had been by the action figures. He’s staring directly at Knox, eyes wide with disbelief. A moment later, the boy snaps into action, rushing toward the man Gail is working with.

I’m sure he thinks he’s being subtle, but I can clearly hear his excited voice as he whisper-yells, “Dad. Dad! That’s him.”

The man looks down at his son, who’s pulling on his arm. His reply is in Spanish, and it takes every gear in my brain working to catch a few words of the exchange.

Something something please something flowers for your mother something.

Looking slightly defeated, the boy leaves his dad’s side. I step closer to Knox, lowering my voice.

“I think you have a mini fan over there.” I gesture with my head.

The boy takes a seat at one of the child-sized tables and begins scribbling with the provided crayons and paper.

“Pretty sure that kid has me confused with someone else,” he says, pointing to a movie poster.

I follow his gesture and realize Knox does look remarkably similar to the actor playing Rhinoman in the latest blockbuster.

“Don’t be so sure he’s got it wrong. Those people at the ice cream parlor knew you.”

“Yeah, but only ’cause they had just been to one of our shows like two days before.”

“Maybe,” I concede.

“But hell, I’ll take that compliment of being mistaken for a movie star.” He shrugs, turning his attention back to the box of comic books in front of him. “That guy is everywhere these days.”

A few more minutes pass of quiet browsing before I hear the boy’s voice again.

“I swear it’s him…”

I catch his words mid-sentence. I turn to see the boy pulling his father towards us.

The father offers an apologetic smile, saying, “I’m sorry. My son thinks you’re—”

“Knox,” the boy blurts out. “You’re Knox Knight.”

Knox blinks once, smiling. He pulls his hat up more so it no longer sits low across his forehead.