Friendly Chat

“Wow. What an awful few years. How’s your mom doing now?”

“She’s okay. My dad was sick for a long time. She never left his side, and she still misses him.  But since her hip replacement, she’s gone back to work. It’s a part-time office job and it’s good for her. I’m even thinking of moving out. She really doesn’t need me anymore. And even though we get along fine, I think we would both appreciate our own space.”

He’s going to move?

“Would you move far?”

“No, I like this neighborhood. I’m comfortable here, and I’d rather not be too far, in case Mom needs me. She doesn’t have anyone else. And since I work from home, it doesn’t matter where I live.”

Phew!

The ducks are cute. I can still just see them now that the sun’s disappeared.

Thomas slaps his thighs. “We’d better get moving! I didn’t mean to tell you my life story.”

I have to smile as we both stand up. “You didn’t. But maybe we’ll get there?”

“Only if you’ll tell me yours.”

“There’s not much to tell.”

He’s smiling too. “Somehow, I doubt that. Do you think… Would you like to walk/run to the lake this Saturday? Maybe have lunch together after? Just something casual.”

WHAT? YESSSSS!

Easy does it, Amy!

I nod. Calmly. “That sounds nice.”

“Great. Are you ready for a little run now?”

I'm too happy to complain, but...

“Sure. But I won’t last long.”

“I bet you’ll last longer than you think.”

More than two blocks, you mean?