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The Bench... ðŸŒđ... ... ❗  

Paulxx001 67M
8732 posts
3/12/2020 9:06 am

Last Read:
6/3/2020 12:10 pm

The Bench... ðŸŒđ... ... ❗

It's not at , what spring should have looked like. A blinding snow squall greeted him as he stepped off the city bus and onto the paved trail of that park. It was blustery and cold. He shielded his eyes, as he peered into the whiteness - seeking his bench.

Hordes of tiny ice crystals swirled and stung his face like crushed shards of glass. He drew his woollen tuque over tufts of gray hair and down over his ears. Hunkering his shoulders, he slowly trudged along that snowy path while quickly, filling his pockets with his freezing hands ; he'd forgotten his gloves on the kitchen table.

When he finally arrived, he was surprised to find someone - already sitting there - on HIS bench. It was a woman, perhaps his age ; she was bundled . He brushed away the snow, sat down and began blowing long... warm breaths into his cupped hands ; then, turned and nodded to her. She nodded back (acknowledging his plight) and gazed ahead. Neither of them spoke as they sat. Swirling snow, blew between and around them - to confirm their silence.

In the distance, they could hear the dull rumble of city traffic. An erie wail of police sirens echoed as wind whistled between leafless trees... and filled the chorus. They both watched, as a car sped it's way along that icy road in front of them. It passed a large, old maple tree then swerved its way around the bend and disappeared... down the hill.

Minutes passed. As if choreographed, they both stood up - at the same time. He turned towards her hesitantly, while stating the obvious ; "Miserable weather, isn't it?"

"It's our typical spring," she chimed, then pointed with a mitted hand ; "There's a cafÃĐ down that road. Would you like to join me, for a coffee? I could use one. Looks like you sure could," she smiled.

He wasn't sure, if she was smiling under her scarf, but he took a chance, smiled back and agreed; "You're right about that. I'd love one."

One year later (to the day), he walked out of that bus once again. The weather hadn't changed much from the previous spring ; it was still cold and the wind was blowing. There was ONE difference this time. He waited, reached for her hand - as she stepped off the bus - and held it tightly in his grasp. They both shuffled up that path together. Her hands were locked around his arm, as he held them there.

Before long, they'd found 'their' bench and sat down. She leaned her head against his shoulder as he pulled her close and shielded her from the blowing wind. Tears... had welled up in her eyes as she looked up into his. She exhaled - as if to clear her head - then sighed and choked back a sob. He tenderly kissed her lips as tears spilled down his cheeks.

One year ago, they'd accidentally met on that bench and fallen in love. Happiness, had been a rare companion in their lives, yet one year later - they'd managed to salvage a part of their broken hearts and sooth fissured dreams.

Fourteen years ago - on this day - she'd lost her young and he, his . They died on that road, right there ; just up by that large, old maple tree. Their cars... had collided.

Tears blinded them both, as they hugged each other. The wind had stopped. Only the sound of snowflakes, gently falling, filled the air around that park bench. They held each other as tightly as they could - afraid to let go.

..........................................
. ..


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/12/2020 9:07 am

I imagine... every park bench, has a tale to share. ðŸŒđðŸ˜ķ


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/12/2020 9:07 am

This story was born out of the weather, we're having at this time of year. You know ; one minute bright and sunny and warm and the next, cold and wintery and desolate. It fits my mood - perfectly.


Tmptrzz 61F  
107039 posts
3/12/2020 9:28 am

What a beautiful story, it brought tears to my eyes. So wonderful that they found each other and they fell in love. Yet so sad they lost their children on that road. Thank you for this heartfelt story this morning, I hope you enjoy the rest of your day..

Seduce the mind and see what a wonderful adventure the body will take you on..


lv2play2469 67M
34 posts
3/12/2020 9:34 am

Very intriguing story...


thikhead 67M
3346 posts
3/12/2020 10:27 am

    Quoting Paulxx001:
    I imagine... every park bench, has a tale to share. ðŸŒđðŸ˜ķ
that must be so true.

so many stories indeed . . .

"well only get through this if we work together. if we dont, none of us will"


ltrskr 75M

3/12/2020 10:48 am

Great post, made my eyes a little moist.......
Thanks!


SactoNative 58F
396 posts
3/12/2020 10:51 am

Thank you for sharing; it is a good read.


lust4life59 65F  
2552 posts
3/12/2020 11:24 am

Damn if the weather in March doesn't mirror our lives, cold and dreary and unforgiving one day, and clear and sunny with the promises of good things to come the next.


smartasswoman 66F  
35813 posts
3/12/2020 11:31 am

Good writing, Paul! Bear with that wintry weather, spring is coming...


Paulxx001 replies on 3/12/2020 9:43 pm:
Thanks. 😊

superbjversion2 68F  
24388 posts
3/12/2020 12:01 pm

Poignant.

Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation bangs on the door forever!


sexyldy1000 68F  
9607 posts
3/12/2020 1:07 pm

There are so many types of losses. But there's nothing as deep and painful as the loss of a family member, especially a child.

As we age, we start to experience more and more losses. It never gets easier but somehow we find a way to 'get through it'. And if we are lucky, there is someone who can help ease our pain. Or perhaps, someone new may enter our lives, but it will never happen if we aren't open to it.

Thank you for sharing this beautifully written story. It restores the faith.


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/12/2020 2:05 pm

    Quoting Tmptrzz:
    What a beautiful story, it brought tears to my eyes. So wonderful that they found each other and they fell in love. Yet so sad they lost their children on that road. Thank you for this heartfelt story this morning, I hope you enjoy the rest of your day..
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Life is funny, isn't it? ðŸĪ” ðŸŒđ


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/12/2020 2:05 pm

Thanks for popping in, to read it. 👍


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/12/2020 2:07 pm

    Quoting  :

I'll be funnier next time! 👍ðŸŒđ


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/12/2020 2:08 pm

    Quoting thikhead:
    that must be so true.

    so many stories indeed . . .
Thanks for popping in. Drop by any time. 👍


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/12/2020 2:09 pm

    Quoting ltrskr:
    Great post, made my eyes a little moist.......
    Thanks!
Thanks for stopping by. I'll be funnier, next time. 👍
Pop in any time.


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/12/2020 2:10 pm

    Quoting SactoNative:
    Thank you for sharing; it is a good read.
Thanks for stopping by to read it. Drop by any time. 👍ðŸŒđ


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/12/2020 2:12 pm

    Quoting lust4life59:
    Damn if the weather in March doesn't mirror our lives, cold and dreary and unforgiving one day, and clear and sunny with the promises of good things to come the next.
It's true. Beautiful weather all day and they just announced a freezing rain warning for the evening.
You're right! It IS like our lives . ðŸ˜Ū👍ðŸŒđ


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/12/2020 2:15 pm

    Quoting smartasswoman:
    Good writing, Paul! Bear with that wintry weather, spring is coming...
Beautiful day today and they just announced a freezing rain warning. It's all good.... I actually enjoy the changes. One never gets bored. 👍ðŸŒđ


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/12/2020 2:16 pm

I like that word.
Actually... I like a lot of words. 👍ðŸŒđ❗


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/12/2020 2:18 pm

    Quoting  :

Hey... 😀👍ðŸŒđ🍷🍷
All's well? ðŸĪ”


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/12/2020 2:20 pm

    Quoting sexyldy1000:
    There are so many types of losses. But there's nothing as deep and painful as the loss of a family member, especially a child.

    As we age, we start to experience more and more losses. It never gets easier but somehow we find a way to 'get through it'. And if we are lucky, there is someone who can help ease our pain. Or perhaps, someone new may enter our lives, but it will never happen if we aren't open to it.

    Thank you for sharing this beautifully written story. It restores the faith.
True... on all your points.
It's always more fun to walk a path, when you're holding someone's hand, isn't it? ðŸĪ” ðŸŒđ❗🍷🍷😎


LadyLuck2 67F  
9091 posts
3/12/2020 2:25 pm

I loved it. This one could also become a novel with the reveal coming much later.

Never ignore those who care for you
you will have lost diamonds
while you were collecting stones


Paulxx001 replies on 3/12/2020 4:02 pm:
Are you in the industry? Shall I send you my portfolio? 😊🍷🍷❗

Soft5777 61F
67 posts
3/12/2020 6:20 pm

Very well written....tugs at that good place in us that is hard to find some days....makes one appreciate each day as a gift to relish and indulge in since it may be our last.....and oozes renewal in an unexpected unrealistic way but ties together the depth and awakening of new beginnings with spring emerging and winter fading.


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
3/13/2020 10:35 am

    Quoting LadyLuck2:
    I loved it. This one could also become a novel with the reveal coming much later.
True, about the reveal. I had their mutual (and our) surprise placed much further along. But alas... only 600 words here.
Thanks for popping in. 👍 ðŸŒđ🍷🍷


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