They met one sunny morning on the beach, at a holiday resort.
He was there taking a break from an office job in the city. He was single with no plans to settle down. He liked what he did, but tended to run himself into the ground. The holiday was just what he needed.
She had just left a clerical position in order to take on a stint of serious study. The break was for her to rest up and prepare for what lay ahead. She was keen to improve herself and knew there was a lot of work in front of her.
They were both within three days of ending their week’s stay before flying back to the city and the lives they had waiting for them.
They hit it off straight away and spent the last days doing things together. They met each morning for breakfast and dined together each night. They talked about their work and study plans. They agreed that a week after getting back they would catch up and keep their friendship going.
At the last breakfast they discussed things they could do in a week’s time. They agreed to meet in the city’s main square and go on from there. He said he had been looking forward to going to the cinema that was still showing a good movie that he had not yet had a chance to see. It would still be on and wondered whether she would prefer an afternoon matinee performance or an evening show.
“I’m sorry” she said, with a pained expression. “I can’t do that.” She flapped her hands to make light of it. “It probably sounds silly but I can’t go into cinemas. I have phobias about closed spaces and crowds. I just can’t do it.”
“That’s a great pity” he said, looking despondent. “I’m a bit of a movie buff myself. I spend a lot of time in cinemas and movie houses watching the latest films on the big screen.”
“Never mind” she said. “We can spend a more healthy time in the fresh air. I belong to a bushwalkers club and we do some really great walks. I’m not sure what’s on that weekend but it’s bound to be interesting. I’ll find out more and let you know.”
“Ah!” he said, shaking his head and pouting. “That wouldn’t work I’m afraid. Walking through bushy areas with trees and plants for any extended period would bring on my hay fever. Wooded areas like that tend to have a high pollen count. When I get the fever it always hits me very hard, it just about cripples me for days.”
“OH!” She replied
“Yes, Sorry!” He said.
“Me too.” She said.
When breakfast was finished they went their separate ways, doing nothing together for the rest of the morning. They arrived at the airport for their early afternoon return flight. They saw each other, smiled and nodded, as they collected their tickets. On board they were each ushered to their ticketed seats.
They didn’t sit together.