Things Change - Her Story

I went to the park anyway that day, knowing he would not come. We had only met a few days ago but the connection was fast and strong. We had dinner together the past three nights and talked late into the next morning. Holding hands; sharing a kiss; and telling our life story to one another. Today, we would take the next step. I knew it. He knew it. The plans were that he would take the afternoon off – and the remainder of the week. We were to share a picnic lunch in Central Park and then drive up to Kennebunkport for the next few days. We had reserved only one room at the Bed and Breakfast we found in a regional traveling book. It was a beautiful late summer morning. The sun was already bright. The skies were blue and clear. I was so anxious to make the picnic lunch perfect that I started shopping for the ingredients as soon as the markets opened that morning. I rode the subway to my favorite wine store with a smile pasted on my face. I walked to the deli from there with a dance in my step. I was so happy that I felt like I could fly. Yes, I thought … I could fly. Fly like the birds. Fly across the big, beautiful, blue sky. Fly. Just like that low flying plane that passed over my head … minutes before my world; his world; our world – changed forever. I knew he worked on the 104th floor. That was a part of his life’s story he had shared with me two nights ago. The city was both full of chaos and commotion and yet, ominously quiet and solemn. Motion everywhere. People walking; running; standing still in shock. People crying; gasping; talking to themselves; and, stunned into silence. Cars all going in one direction – away from Downtown. Although I didn’t know – I knew. I went to the park anyway that day, knowing he would not come. I laid out the blanket. Spread out the food. Opened the bottle of wine. People hurried past me, looking at me look I was a fool. Some asked me if I didn’t know what was happening. I knew. I knew. I still have not been to Kennebunkport.