Wells Penn

Margaret walked along the street, cars and buses passing her slowly, horns blaring and music slipping out into the busy night. The air was cold and damp. A flurry of snow was coming down, melting as soon as it touched the concrete sidewalk. She kept her head down, a scarf protecting her mouth and nose from the elements. The tips of her ears were pink as the wind passed by. Every block she walked, she saw white clouds of hot air rising from the subway vents. She passed many different people: an old woman and her grandson, a dad pushing his baby in a stroller, a group of girls off to dinner. It was evening, and yet the city was just starting to wake up. It was dark enough now to see the lights flickering through windows high above street level as people arrived home after a long day, eager to see their families. She hurried past each store, not stopping; she had plans she didn’t want to miss.

Across town, Paul glanced up at himself in the mirror. He wore a blue button-up shirt, black jeans, and fussed with his wavy blond hair. He stared for a minute, his brown eyes looking back at him, and decided it would have to be good enough. He had to leave right away if he didn’t want to be late. He left the bathroom and stepped into the living room of his apartment. He felt his pockets for his phone and wallet, then headed toward the door. Grabbing his puffer jacket as he stepped into the hall, he exhaled and walked to the elevator, bracing for the chilly night air. He had a date with Margaret; their third date to be exact, and the first time they would be out one on one. They had met through mutual friends, going on two double dates before this. He stood there excitedly, waiting for the elevator. He had big plans.

~~~

I glanced at myself in the mirror, analyzing each part of my face. Making a mental checklist, I made sure I looked my best. Fresh skin, no toothpaste stains. I glanced up at my hair once more and noticed a strand out of place. Running my fingers through it, I considered how much gel was too much. Best not experiment today. I stepped out of the bathroom and glanced out my window. Snowflakes had started to fall, so I decided to bring my coat. I ran hot, but the city could get cold this time of year. I pushed open the door after making sure I had my phone and wallet, stepping into the hallway of my building. I had always hated how slow the elevators in this old building were. I pressed the down button and thought about my upcoming date. I had met Margaret through my best friend, and we’d planned a few double dates. I really liked her and had decided tonight—our first one on one—I would ask her to officially be my girlfriend. As I heard a ding, I looked up, saw the elevator doors open, and stepped in.

I walked along the street, feeling like I was marching toward my own execution. A chill cut down to my bones as the wind moved quickly along the street. I hated the city. It was cold and wet, and in the winter any snow turned to dirty slush. I kept my eyes on my feet, trying to avoid the wind stinging my eyes and turning them red. My forehead and ears ached as the night grew colder. I had to occasionally glance up so I wouldn’t run into passersby. I watched as an impossibly old woman and child entered a store nearby, a father pushed a stroller, and a group of obnoxious girls hurried to a diner. Each step brought me closer to Paul. Sweet Paul who impulsively played with his hair. Paul who constantly and annoyingly asked invasive questions. Paul who wanted to move far too fast. Paul who would soon be single. And me—who only wanted this night to end.