Northern_Lights_2014

“I just thought, you looked like you needed a friend . . .” She plopped down next to him. When she wasn’t looking, the man turned his head and smiled, staring at the road between the sidewalks. He relaxed. Tapping her shoulder, he pointed up. They both smiled and watched the snow fall. Like falling angels, they danced down to them, kissing them softly upon their faces. She then introduced some topics she enjoyed, and he began to open himself to her. She talked about her noisy dog she never really liked, and when she was younger, how the tall buildings looked like giant mon- sters that glowed at night. Then, she talked about the ocean, “I want to cross the Atlantic Ocean someday!” She got up and began to dance around him. By his side on the ground, now was where the empty cup laid. “I want to be a sailor, and venture out and explore the world. But, I also want to be an actress! I want to be in movies!” She reached for the sky and began to laugh excitably. A sudden thought hit her and turning back she asked, “Do you think I am too young to love the ocean?” He chuckled, “I think you’re too young to begin to love anything.” “Am not,” she cried, “Father says I’m not too young for anything!” She crossed her arms and stared down at him. His hands rested in his lap and he smiled lightly. “Oh, your hands,” she mumbled, “Aren’t they cold?” “A little.” She looked at her mittens. Slipping them off, she handed them to him. “Here, you keep these. I can always tell my mother I lost mine.” He took hold of them. Observing them, his fingers brushed through the soft material. He smiled greatly, “Thank you. Thank you very much.” “You’re welcome,” she smiled, the wind began to blow lightly. Just then, her mother came out from the shop, looking frantically. Her friends, along from behind, called out for her. The girl bit her lip and turned back to the man. “Uh oh, looks like I have to leave. I think she said we’ll be coming here for a while. Will you be here tomorrow?” He smiled lightly at her, looking back down to the ground and up again, “Only the heaven knows. They decide what happens to me now . . .” The girl furrowed her brows and turned her head in wonderment, “What do you mean?” Before he could respond her mother caught sight of her and waited for the cars to pass before coming over. “Oh, I better go. You can tell me later tomorrow, promise?” He only nodded. The girl’s smile grew from ear to ear. She giggled before turning and waving good- bye, knowing she’ll see him again tomorrow. Smiling, he waved back. 19