Imagine!!!

He parked his car by the curb, as usual. He turned around and saw the old maroon Cadillac in its same spot. The old lady was in the driver’s seat with the window rolled down, staring at the expanse of water and the passers-by as they went about their evening strolls, with their attentions completely drawn to the music streaming through their headphones and oblivious of others who shared the physical space with them. There seemed to be a deep sadness in her blank gaze. 

He wondered about the circumstances of the woman’s life. Maybe she works all day and comes to the park for an evening break from whatever burdensome work she did and the dreadful complications of a dysfunctional family. He had never seen anyone else in the car with her. Perhaps she has no family nearby. Why did she never step out of the car, he wondered. Was she disabled? She was a big woman. Maybe she had arthritic knees that could not bear her weight. He often thought if he should stop by her window and say hello; break the monotony of her existence.

She saw him every day. He usually arrived a few minutes after she did. He would park the car by the curb and go for a walk by the lake. He looked like a professional. An IT guy, with a well-paying job, she guessed. He drove a nice car. His clothes were not fashionable but were always neatly pressed, with crease lines showing even after a full day at work. He had his routine of a few stretches and then a brisk walk around the lake. She had been seeing him do the same thing for the past month. She never saw him with anyone. Did he not have a family? Why did he not jog, like all the younger people in the park? 

She noticed that unlike the others, he did not walk around lost in his headphones. He looked around, took in the sights and was aware of his surroundings. She wondered if she should just take off her earphones and say a few words to him. She felt very fortunate that she had a loving family and a great workplace. The daily ritual of listening to an audio novel, parked in the cool breeze of the lakeside was her way of centering herself with some alone time. Maybe she could be of some help to him; maybe she could brighten his day a bit. Just as she had done every day of the month, she waited not acting and watched him finish his routine and drive away. 

Maybe tomorrow, she thought….

Maybe tomorrow, he thought….