From a block away I'd already made up my mind. I was on my way to work at Dino's Cafe in the North End when I first spotted the girl. Like a weather vein the turbulent morning workforce turned her in all directions. As I closed the gap between us, not one stone face accepted the pamphlets she offered.
Despite the heavy winter coat I could tell she was a little bit of a thing. Bundled up in a hat and scarf all that showed were distant eyes and a forced smile. I offered a genuine one in return and paused with a pleasant: “good morning," and "thank you," as I took the folded paper. Up close she looked mildly catatonic yet genuinely seraphic. There was a second, I could have sworn, of reciprocation; a tiny spark, and then it vanished.
Spinning in a failed attempt to hand off to the next by passer, she went one way and I continued on, glancing down at the flyer:
OH GOD NO! Turning and taking up chase I caught back up confronting the young woman. "No, this can't be! It just can't!" Staring back her eyebrows disappeared under that stocking cap and her mouth rounded to a gaping hole of terror. "Please no!" I continued. "Can you get it touch with somebody, even 'HER' if you have to, and move this date? Please! Please!"
Petrified, she managed to summons the word: "Why?" "Because it's my birthday! Of all days it has to be May 21st? You've got to be kidding me!" Can't it be moved - even just one day? “
Most of the foot traffic had passed. It seemed we stood there alone. The silence suspended time, but I held my ground, and my straight face. Then finally there was break, and through whatever twisted brainwashing she'd undergone we shared a smile.
Turning, I left thinking, even if it does happen; I’ll feel fine.
This one is brief yet brilliant. A real winner.
ReplyDeleteJ, I have to say I am happy this didn't happen on May 11 but even if it did happen on May 21 and again I am happy I am still here basking in the late May sunshine, I would have left thinking the same thing, "I'll feel fine." Love S!
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