We sat outside Cheryl’s cafe in shared silence.
As the sun sank most of the way down,
she fixed her eyes to the horizon
and I couldn't help staring at her.
The fading light lit her skin gold
and changed her umber eyes
to a fawn brown.
She caught me staring and she smiled warmly
then looked back.
I looked at the horizon too.
Her fingers reached out
and gently rubbed the side of my head.
She pointed "that cloud looks like a Walrus"
"Looks more like a lion, a red and orange lion.”
“Course you’d think that.”
“What's wrong with lions, they’re cool.”
“And dangerous.”
“You're saying I'm dangerous.”
“Nope, but you sure get into it alot.”
“If it makes you feel better I’m selling the motorcycle.”
The waitress came to our table.
“Two hot chocolate, green tea mochi
and a Hu chocolate bar.” She left.
The stars marched into a moonless night.
More people roamed the lit streets,
came into the cafe
and their chatter filled the air.
“I know you liked that motorcycle,” she said,
“but I know how these things end.”
“I know,” I said.
I reached out and rubbed her tummy
and she held my hand firm.
