The sun started to set and she still wasn't back. Fear of something happening to the soft woman had me running wild down the street. I walked briskly through the streets, my eyes scanning every passerby, every alley way, every store, but still I hadn't found her. I walked three blocks down before moving another block over and heading back toward the apartment, then repeating the pattern. I covered three by three, deciding to spread out to four by four when I caught a glimpse of her.
She sat with her back to me, her hair piled in loops on her head on a bench in the old park. It looked more like a disgusting place for pushers and prostitutes to sell their wares than a park. Yet, glancing away from Isis, I could easily point out what once was slides, the bent bars of see saws, and the structure that should have been filled with swings. Even the grass was brown patched and ragged looking, the whole place one step away from being plowed over to make room for something useful.
Isis sat among the ruins like a goddess. The sun's last rays made her skin and hair glow with an otherworldly light, her beautiful body relaxed against the bench, while her eyes were cast in a far off place. Her mind had wondered, and the smile on her face was dazzling. I sat beside her, taking her small hand in my own. She jumped, looking to me questioningly, but I was loathe to break the moment.
I sat on the bench with her hand in mine and watched as the sun drifted beyond the horizon. She didn't say anything either, both of us enjoying the moment of beauty for what it was. It was an escape, a moment to clear our heads, it was a time to live in the moment and remember what life really offered.
People started coming out to the sidewalks, more migrating through the park, and I realized that the regular nightly happenings were fixing to start. I detested the fact, that these vermin were sending us back, but I couldn't deny there was a need to talk, alone.
"Come, Isis." I tugged her hand, helping her from the bench. She stood, dizzily on her feet for a moment, and I wondered if she'd been here the whole time. When she took a step forward and nearly went crashing to the pavement, I took that as a yes. I caught her with my arm, wrapping it around her waist to pull her to me.
She watched her feet as we walked. Not far from the house, she found her voice.
"You look better in my shirt than I do." I looked down at the button up blouse and snorted.
"There weren't many options, my dear." I stated. "You didn't come back and I didn't think you'd appreciate me in full uniform amongst the sheep."
She giggled, and I found myself smiling with her. Even I could see the humor in the situation, and was proud that she wasn't emotionally broken. She was still trying to keep that connection, still friendly, still naively letting me back into her world. I thank God I hadn't scarred her. I had to be more sensitive, she was still a woman. Even the strongest women had their sensibilities and I had to approach her in a way that wouldn't stunt her.
"Perhaps, you'll permit me to prepare dinner tonight?" She gave me a wide eyed look, but nodded. I grinned, enjoying catching her off guard. Did she not think I could cook? I'd been alone far too many years not to have learned a thing or two about the culinary arts.