The wavy, brown hair of an attractive, fair-complected guy rustled in a non-existent breeze and a young woman swooned in response. I laughed and clicked the TV off. “Idiots” I said to no one.
It was getting dark and I was feeling light-headed. It’d been a while since I’d been out, and I’d done well in the time I’d had alone: wrote, painted, established a computer network for others like me, but I knew I couldn’t put off the inevitable much longer. Tomorrow class would begin again, and I’d never be in any shape to attend if I didn’t get out and see some people first.
I grabbed my coat and headed for the door. Damn winter. I hate feeling confined, I thought, and then laughed at the irony.
In the car, I sat behind the wheel, letting the engine warm as I contemplated where to go. I had my usual haunts—local clubs, coffee bars, bookstores— but wasn’t in the mood for those now. I let out a long sigh. “I know where to find someone.”
Night-life at the local A&M Supermarket was sparse and uneventful. But it was always sure to produce the clientele I was looking for. Besides, I needed to pick up a few things.
I pulled a cart from the rack and headed for the produce section. Turns out it was deserted, but I was able to pick up a couple of nice grapefruit. No worries; I didn’t really expect to find anyone here. Fruit is the food of the living. I turned and pushed the cart toward the chips and dip isle.
“Never fails” I said under my breath.
“Sorry dear?” asked a heavy-set woman with dull brown hair.
“Just looking for a late night snack,” I said with a smile and a light shake of the head.
“Yeah, me too.” She smiled back. “I keep telling myself I should eat better, but you know.”
I smiled again.
“It’s cheaper than a shrink and more comforting than my husband.”
My smile faded into sadness. It was always so easy to find them here. It made me feel all the more sorry for her. “I know exactly what you mean,” I said artificially.
A small laugh huffed out of her. “Thanks, but I don’t think a young pretty girl like you could. But I appreciate it.” She smiled, reached out, and patted me motherly on the shoulder. That’s when it happened. Her face fell and her gaze along with it. She heaved a big sigh, turned, and very slowly walked away.
I breathed in deeply, feeling better, though not without the remorse that always came with such an exchange.
You’d think I’d be used to it by now.
Thanks for writing. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to respond more directly.
