The Elderly Couple

I venture into the sunlight after an hour spent in my therapist’s office. I blink away the glare and begin walking towards my car. Half a block ahead, I see an elderly couple walking towards me. Both are small and frail. The man bears a halo of silver, his partner is crowned by a cloud of white. Their steps are painfully halting and slow.

They are holding hands.

As I approach, I hear them conversing quietly. Their conversation is muted, gentle and kind. They look at me and smile, then continue their private exchange.

As I pass them, I say “Good afternoon.” “Good afternoon, to you” they reply together. What they did not hear, for I only thought the words: “How I envy you!”

There they went, my dream incarnate, symbolizing all that I ever wanted, my highest aspiration: to venture gently through life, hand-in-hand with a beloved partner…till Death do us part.

Never had I felt the dream so close. So unattainable.