She was an active woman in her late fifties with a happy disposition.
She was articulate and had an open, friendly manner. All things that would, under normal circumstances, attract a partner. For her, this was not the case. From early childhood she had suffered from Parry-Romberg syndrome. The symptom of this being her lopsided facial features. She, in her own way, had learned to live with it. She had long resigned herself to the goal of making the most of her life as a spinster. She had a part-time job in the city that she enjoyed and the volunteer work she did for the local charity shop she found rewarding.
It was her best friend, who also served in the shop that approached her with the idea. She said that a gentleman they had met on their travels was coming for a visit, and because she was so familiar with the city and would know all the right places to take such a person, and because he was blind, would she like to be his guide for the day. She was reticent at first, having never done such a thing, but the idea took hold as she realised it would be a kindness. The man himself was a retired public servant from Pakistan.
When the day came, they travelled in together by train and began to take in the sights. She had worked out an itinerary for the day. It was necessary to hold his hand and provide a running commentary on crossings and steps and other obstacles, which seemed to come to her quite naturally. Beyond this, she described their tour in great detail, giving full descriptions of everything she could see. They were obviously enjoying what was a unique experience for both of them. He was a polite and gracious man, with a soft warm hand, and with the holding of it she could feel something she had not felt before.
It was late afternoon. They were sitting on a park bench, and because city workers were making their way home, they decided to let the rush hour pass before returning to the train station. They spent the time telling each other about themselves. They were so engrossed in this that the time slipped away and she found herself describing the sunset. It was during this description that she realised for the first time that she was still holding his hand! Slightly embarrassed she asked if he minded.
That’s when they kissed.