they're meeting at the park this time

the sun slashes at his eyelids

why can't it be raining?

the bright beauty of the day

stabs him

why can't it be raining?

he sees the clouds on the horizon and it brings a smile to his face

he's gotten better at smiling

smiling at his boss

at his parents

at his coworkers

it's almost as if he smiles when people expect it he can convince himself that we wants to

The air is changing

cool rain-slick sent sliding into his nostrils

he waits for what seems like hours while the park empties and the clouds gather

he checks his phone

:10:14 am:

him: -I want to see you again-

- the park 10:15?-

:read 8:12 am:

her: -I'll come-

-thank you for calling-

:read 8:15 am:

why did he bother

she's not coming

as the clouds burst and the rain begins to soak his clothes he turns his head and sees her

a blurry figure painted against a backdrop of rain

she walks over to him and smiles

it's nice to see you again

he takes her hand

And they watch the rain together

Thank you