I had a choice, hold onto what was NOT or embrace what IS. I kept quiet, ate chicken from a cardboard bucket, licking the salty spices from my fingers as he forgot to pack napkins. It was a lovely day, sitting quietly together listening to the river’s song. I even caught a fish, bigger than Sandy’s. Listening to his soothing snore, I was at peace. Sandy gave me the best day he could think of. He wanted the best for me and that meant everything. In that moment I knew what I had been wanting, his heart, which he gave. As I relished in his sweet intentions, Sandy stirred awake, rising and walking to his truck. He came back carrying a hand crank record player that we’d purchased at an antiques store years ago. I remember telling him it would be perfect for a romantic, French-style picnic.
