The prompt was deceiving in its simplicity. To you, what’s attractive about the person in the photo? It likely didn’t require a lot of thought but Sal was thoughtful in ways that conflicted each other, which likely stemmed from a disconnect between himself and the version of him others perceived, both of which were a mystery to him. As usual, he approaches it methodically.
What’s attractive about the person in the photo?
He had a good bone structure with a broad brow which emphasized his intense gaze. Whereas some people might be described as soft and disarming, it seemed this individual commanded attention with his striking appearance.
He appeared in good health - muscular and tanned. Humans were intended to live outdoors and the whole notion of sedentary urban lifestyles were introduced fairly recently relative to the existence of the species.
His clothes were plain, and there was little that could be said about it. While practical, it did little to compliment his frame.
To you?
Well, who was he really? In all honesty he harbored an attraction toward blonde hair and left it at that. There was nothing about it that could be explained and he did not seek deeper reasons for it. But saying nothing at all did not sufficiently answer the proposed prompt.
What is attraction anyways. Was it supposed to inspire lust? Dependence? The answer will be different every time to suit the context of the situation to the person he currently was. Currently, Sal feels drawn to his gaze. There was a sturdiness to it that he found comforting. Social niceties had perplexed him, and the complex feelings of others were things he wondered if he would ever have for himself – if he would ever desire it. A desire, to desire it, maybe.
“Sal?” He lifts his eyes to the host, who beckons the question again with a polite chuckle, “To you, what’s attractive about the person in the photo?”
“Smile.”