There is a plaza paved with cobblestones down a side street in the old town. There is a large building on the west side of the plaza so that it is shady in the afternoon. There is a sidewalk cafe in the plaza with wrought iron chairs, and tables with red checkered table cloths. Each table has a bud vase with a different kind of flower in it.
On this particular day, a certain young man was sitting at a table close to the door. He was nursing his second glass of wine and writing in his notebook. He wrote with a beautiful maroon glass fountain pen. He was frustrated. He had been sitting there for two hours trying to write something interesting, something that would justify the trouble of coming here and sitting in this quaint place that practically oozed atmosphere.
He wasn’t sure why but he looked up and there she was. She was absolutely radiant in a white blouse and khaki Bermuda shorts. There eyes met and she smiled. “Do you speak English?” she asked with standard British received pronunciation.
“I do,” he replied. “How may I help you?”
“I’m afraid I’ve gotten lost. Could you tell me the way to the train station?”
“I can but must you leave immediately?”
“Our train leaves at four.”
“Have something cool to drink and then I’ll take you there on my scooter. It is only two thirty and the train station is less than ten minutes from here by scooter and only twenty minutes or so on foot.” He gestured toward the other chair across the table from him.
“I can’t be long. My mother will be worried. I am a little thirsty though. Do they have any soft drinks?” She sat in the chair that he had indicated.
“I think they have some kind of lemonade or something like that. Rudy!” The waiter came immediately upon hearing his name.
“Yes, Mr. Howard?”
“Would bring the lady a lemonade, please?”
“Certainly! I’ll be right back with it.” He disappeared back through the door to the kitchen as quickly as he had appeared.
“My name is Howard Sutter. I am studying literature at the university here in town. What’s your name?”
“I’m Alice. You are very kind to help me.”
“Perhaps. I just don’t want you to run into some of the meaner sorts that sometimes hang out in this part of town.” Rudy returned with the lemonade. It was in a crystal glass with ice and an assortment of fruits hanging from the rim.
“Thank you!” Alice said to Rudy.
There will be more to this story. But that is where we pause for now. Sweet dreams, don’t forget to tell the people you love that you love them, and most important of all, be kind.