On My Way Home
It's a cloudy day.
She stops by the deli to pick up something for dinner. She plans to bring the kids over to her parents' this weekend. She wants to visit the farmers' market. She needs to stock up on fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Her oldest hates button mushrooms. Her youngest loves asparagus. She's been thinking of making apple pies. Thank God for ice cream makers. She wonders if she can find any vanilla beans. She also needs maple syrup.
She chats a little with the owner and his wife while paying for her purchase. The three of them grew up in the same neighborhood and went to school together, and now their sons are on the same baseball and soccer teams. From time to time they'll exchange outrageously funny stories and most bizarre rumours. From time to time they'll give her special discounts. Ah, the perks of living in your hometown and being surrounded by families and friends.
She walks out onto the pavement. The wind blows her hair into her face. Soon it's going to rain. She's now a mom with 3 kids. She's no longer a bounty hunter. She cooks, She bakes. She enjoys taking care of her family. Though she still doesn't like doing laundry. She takes a couple steps toward her car and gasps as someone bumps into her. She looks up and frowns as she meets the familiar cat-like eyes. Terry Grizolli. Still cold and aloof. Still fit and trim. Still attractive. Still single. Somehow the tension between them never lessens. She chooses not to wait for an apology.
She looks into the rear mirror as she drives away. Terry is still standing there, watching. Rain starts to fall as she arrives at home. She smiles as she hears the children's laughter. All of a sudden she feels sorry for the seemingly unhappy cold-eyed blonde woman. The weight of her wedding ring comforts her.
It's no use asking "What if?"