They sat together, watching birds pecking at unknown somethings in the grass.
They hadn’t been going out very long, but were comfortable with each other.
Him: So, what’s it saying?
Her: What?
Him: What is it telling the world, I mean?
Her: Eh?
Him: Your rod, with the balls on it.
Her: Oh! (She touches her eyebrow) this?
Him: Sure.
Her: It’s a barbell.
Him: OK. A barbell, but what’s it saying?
Her: It’s not saying anything.
Him: It must be saying something.
Her: (Elbows him) Are you having a go at me?
Him: No! I’m being friendly. (Gives a small smile) Honestly. Just wondered.
Her: Wondered what?
Him: You know.
Her: No. I don’t. What are you wondering.
Him: Like I said. What’s it saying? What do you want it to say? What is it telling the world? You know, about you?
Her: About me?
Him: Of course. Everything about you says something about you.
Her: (Cuddles closer). It does?
Him: Sure. Your clothes. Your hair. Their all giving out signals. Their all saying, ‘Hey! Look at me! This is who I am. This is me.’
Her: You mean, like the way you do your hair or whether you wear lots of bright colours or just grey things.
Him: Exactly! All those things. Hairstyle, makeup, all those things you choose to show the world.
Her: Yes. OK. I get it now.
Him: Right. Well then… what’s it saying?
Her: Dunno.