Newly Wed

Recently -- okay not all that recently, but recently enough -- I was humbly immersed in my drudgery as a retail minion, when an old couple came to check out. They were teasing eachother, in the way that many couples do, faux fighting and grins at the spectators. But there was a subtle differance in their actions. Instead of a self-concious display designed to keep the errands entertaining, or a routine that helped them dispel the day's frustrations, this had a quality that immediately made me smile. A sincere knowledge of the other. The way they moved, with a natural comfort within their orbits, and the subtle contact when they talked. Hands brushing and eyes meeting.
The wife noticed my smile as I watched their unabashed coquettry and leaned forward over the counter, "It's okay for us to talk like this, we haven't been married that long." My grin expanded only to fall into blank pandemonium as she continued to share, "We'll have been married 62 years this November 11th." All pretension lost, I couldn't supress my love and amazement. My face didn't know what to do with a smile that seemed like the most absurd of understatement. The rest of the day, and even now, I remember that perfect little couple.
I can only hope they aren't as much of an exception to the rule as they seem to be.

-- G 'Bye, Sonya --

. ( 17.10.06 ) .