Park-Time Job

Disclaimer: SURPRISE! Mine, mine, mine, mine. And a weeeee bit of reference to someone else's toys.

Rated G

Park-Time Job

The park was not crowded at dusk. The only ones about were the people watchers and a lone young woman.

"So, Hank, what do you think her story is?"

"I don't know yet. Let's wait a few more minutes."

"Okay."

The pair of older men spent the late afternoon watching the sea of humanity and enjoyed speculating on the stories of the people they observed. They had seen the petite young woman come into the park and sit on the bench. She had been there about ten minutes, sitting peacefully, her auburn hair blowing gently in the breeze. Just after dusk, she was joined by a tall man with blonde hair.

"Ah, waiting for her boyfriend. Just look at that smile, Ray. Like sunshine."

"Yeah, I'd come to the park to see that."

"So. Was he late or on time?"

"I reckon he was on time cuz she wouldn't smile if he was late."

"Rightly so, rightly so."

The woman reached out and took the man's hand as he sat down beside her. They appeared to converse for a few minutes when the woman pulled her head back in surprise.

"Uh-oh, Hank, trouble in paradise. I'll bet he told her there is a new girl at work."

"What makes you think that?"

"Did you see the way she yanked back from him?"

"Yeah, but look at him. He's not letting her get away."

"She doesn't want to get away, I think. She knows he's sorry. See?"

"The head is down. A real Alan Alda, this guy."

"Look now...he's crying. Oh man. It must be bad. Guys don't just cry."

"I don't know. She's crying too. And smiling. I don't get it."

The tall man opened his arms to his companion who fit perfectly. They sat quietly, she with her face buried in his neck, he with his face in her hair. The sun had set long since and the park lights had come on bathing the pair in a golden glow.

"Ray?"

"Yeah?

"I reckon she loves him."

"Yeah."

"I reckon he loves her, too."

"Yeah."

The man and woman rose from the bench and walked off into the darkness, fading from sight.

"Night, Ray."

"Night, Hank."

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