On A Sunny Day

I woke up with the sun gleaming through the window, it was a pretty early morning, much earlier than I’m used to waking up. I got dressed and headed to the door, as I stepped out of the apartment it was crowded as usual. I laughed as I passed the old man cursing without shame, blabbering about last nights baseball game. The man is very passionate, he’s lived a full life. He spent much of his time telling groups of people some of his wacky stories here everyday.

I decided to stop and listen to him speak this morning.

He sat there, flailing his arms around exclaiming, "I tell ya, I love that woman but after 38 years of marriage. I still can’t get her off my damn back! She sat there in her rocking chair, nagging me to the bone. Now, I only have one good ear. She makes sure she talks directly into that ear. She hollered and ranted that the yard could have been raked. I’m an old man! How do you expect me to do that? Does she not know that my hip could come out at anytime?!"

I chuckled and walked away as he began another one of his stories. It was a nice day out, the wind was blowing, the sun as bright as can be. I always enjoy taking these long walks. Just to get away from the small confines of a room. Fresh air is good for the soul, at least, that’s what I was once told.

As I walked up ahead, there a young couple sitting on the bench waiting for the bus to come along. They weren’t shy to show their affection for one another. She’d laugh as he’d whisper something into her ear, who knows what he could be saying. She’d circle her finger on the back of his hand, the slightest touch spoke the loudest words. Sometimes the littlest of things can mean so much to someone. Realizing that they were being watched, she started to blush and laughed again. She held out her hand showing an engagement ring.

"He asked me to marry him last night! It was so sweet and unexpected, I couldn’t have wished for anything better." She said with a smile from ear to ear.

I smiled and congratulated both of them just before they boarded their bus. I sat on the bench for a while afterwards, watching people walk by once more. It seemed like everyone was out today; the streets were busy, the markets were full, restaurants turning people away. It sure was hectic, everyone in a rush, only focusing on their next destination.

I lost track of time by now, it was getting later and later into the day. The sun was setting soon it looked like. Growing up, I always knew this spot to just look out at the ocean and watch the sunset. It was an amazing sight. Not many people knew about this place, it was my place to go when I needed to get away and clear my head. Today was different, I only wanted to see the sunset. I walked over to the park where there was a large hill many people loved to hike up every day. By this time, everyone was heading home, the hill was all to myself. Or so I thought.

When I reached the top, there was a woman sitting beside the old oak tree. She was very pretty. I don’t know what came over me, I had this sudden urge to walk over towards her and sit down. The sun had begun to set. She looked at me smiling, then turned away to admire the view. My heart started beating faster, something about her took me away.

I leaned over and said, "Nice isn’t it?"

A few moments went by without a response, I sat there feeling like a fool. Until she replied, "My mother would bring me here as a child. She’d tell me stories as we watched the sun go down."

After that, we talked for hours. Never taking notice of the time. We enjoyed each others company. It was as if we had known each other for years. Time flew by so fast.

"I have to go. It’s getting late," She said giving me a kiss on the cheek and started to walk away.

Before I could say anything, she turned around and handed me a folded piece of paper. Smiling once again. I looked down at the note, opening it up. It was her number. I couldn’t help myself any longer, the biggest grin came across my face. This has been a great day, who knows what the future holds, today was just a moment to enjoy.