Miscellanea from the Lost Quarter and beyond.

Afternoon in the Park

She stood in the middle of the sidewalk, gaze cast across the adjacent park. A few people were gathered there, idling in the sunlight, but she didn’t seem to be looking at any of them. The day was beautiful, a few cirrus clouds floating on an achingly blue sky, the autumnal warmth of the sun inviting. Despite the warmth she was wearing a long tan trenchcoat, unbelted, a backpack slung over her shoulders and a purse at her side. She was looking up and off, perhaps at something in one of the trees that ringed the park. Only magpies and pigeons remained there, the other birds having started their migrations. Her phone was raised up as if to take a picture. So intent was her focus that she didn’t step out of the middle of the sidewalk to give room to passersby who glared at her in annoyance. 

Abruptly she sank into a crouch, arms resting on knees, phone still held out before her. She spoke in a strained voice, eyes intent on the screen. After a moment, long enough for a reply, she threw the phone on sidewalk. A sob escaped her and she frantically pressed one hand to her lips as though to contain it. With the other she clutched at the phone, staring down at it, her shoulders rising and falling with each breath.