Take 5

A man and a woman

We took a stroll around marina square today. The place was much more crowded than we expected. Usually the mall was more of a hangout for post-pubscents and post-20ers in general. With a shop mix consisting of Dutti and wedding boutiques it was not hard to envision why.

This time it was packed, chock full of people wanting a break on the weekend. Boyfriends with head shorn of hair and girls in short skirts, walking hand in hand in a hastened pace. A group of kids, dressed in black talking trash to each other and generally having a good time. Couples searching for the perfect wedding package at bridal boutiques that sold happines in virginal white lace. Life in the fast lane.

I saw them moving away from the delirium. A portly middle-aged man, a dowdy middle aged woman. Both dressed in attire suitable for comfortable suburbia, almost out of sync with the fashionable scene. Oddly, detached from their surroundings, as though the world only consisted of two. I could tell just by looking that the two had reached a level of ease with one another. No need to impress by overdressing, no need for short miniskirts, or striped longsleeved shirts and narrow leather shoes.

Gracefully they weaved through the crowd, dull footsteps on the glossy tiles. Time stood still for the two. She said something to him. He paused, and replied with a comforting smile and a reassuring squeeze of her left shoulder, his strong hands tanned by work in the sun.

Then he continued pushing her wheelchair, a graceful stride in old sandals.

posted by leo @ 11:28 PM