Parker — later

I sat down. This in itself felt like progress.

The wall by the slipway has the right height. Low enough to leave easily, high enough to suggest intention. I had taken my hat off and placed it beside me, which I only do when I plan to stay a while. the sun was going in so I didnt feel the need for it so much now.

She came along the beach from my left. I recognised her walk before I recognised her face. Some people move as though they are keeping an appointment with themselves.

I stood. Then sat again. I am not sure why. Possibly to indicate that the standing had been provisional.

She said I was in her spot. There was an edge to it. I liked that she had an edge. It suggested she expected things to be as she left them.

I moved. She sat. I remained standing. This seemed appropriate, though I could not have said why. Balance reasserts itself.

We spoke of the sea. It was not doing much. I said this was its better mood. She disagreed and said she liked it full of energy. It suggested an anger – in both of them. I admired her for that.

When she left, she did not look back. I sat down again, though it felt like borrowing something. I had not known the wall belonged to anyone. Now that I do, I will think twice before choosing it, or maybe, just to be a tad cantankerous, I wont! Sitting, though, felt provisional now.

I noticed a small, pale stone near the wall. Smooth. Almost round. The sort of thing children decorate or people place on windowsills for no reason at all. I picked it up, then put it back.

It occurred to me that one might leave such a thing on the wall. Not as a message. Merely as evidence of having been there.

I decided against it. It seemed too soon to test whether something would be found.

www.letterinthepost.com