We sat on the bench by the river again tonight. An hour passed by happily.
Jude rocked gently to the music in his ears, flapped his hands, flicked his fingers in the evening sun. A couple of times I leant forward, just readjusting my position, and each time, he reached out, arm in front of me, softly pushing me back. He was worried I was getting up to leave. This was Jude’s way of telling me he wasn’t ready yet. The boy who last summer hardly left the house, wanting to be outside 🥹
So we stayed. The sun was warm, the water calm, and the world felt still for a while.
Families walked past. I held my breath when it included younger kids being loud. The music helped Jude cope with their sounds, where once it may have made him cry.
A dog came close behind us, Jude stood up, half smiling, half anxious. The dog ran back to his owner and Jude sat down again, when once it would have made him stomp and feel under threat.
When he was ready, he stood up, and beckoned me to follow. We made the 5 minute walk home, Jude smiling all the way. The most relaxed hour of my week.
Tonight was also a friend’s 50th birthday, an afternoon party in his local pub. In another reality, maybe me and Jude would have been there together. A couple of drinks, catching up with friends, a different kind of Saturday night.
But this is our reality, not that one. And on nights like tonight, it’s just as beautiful in its own way. Just as special. It’s a different life, not less. ❤️
Credit goes to the respective owner.
[𝘋𝘔 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭]