Chương 62: Ch 35a – Memory: Grass

She doesn't bother with the buckle. Drags the leather strap over the back of the heel. Remembers at the last moment to discard the sandal gracefully not fling it carelessly aside. The grass is cool underfoot. Fresh. Natural. Relaxing. She removes the other sandal in the same manner. Wriggles her toes, enjoys their freedom. The big toe on her right foot is blighted by a purple bruise, slowly – very slowly – growing its way up and out. The toe is a victim of too many runs recently. Maybe she needs new shoes.

She'd meant to paint her nails, both toes and fingers, but had forgotten amongst the sudden flurry of meetings and the hectic end to the week. Tom won't care, she knows, they are beyond the scrutiny of early dating. Beside her he has finished unpacking the M&S cool bag. Dips and chips, olives and stuffed peppers, strawberries and grapes, are arranged on the blanket. He hands her a plastic cup of wine. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

"Not particularly cold, I'm afraid," he says.

"I think they'd just restocked the fridge. Everyone has had the same idea." His arm gestures to the park before them. The large stretch of grass is littered with couples and groups of friends. Some, organised as Tom has been, lounging on picnic blankets in a similar style, others gathered on the bare grass, impromptu post-work grabbed carrier bags of drinks and snacks shared between them. She sips the wine. Cool enough. Throws him a smile of appreciation. Leans back to prop herself on her elbows.

Dips her head back. Takes in the clear blue sky of a summer evening. Flexes her feet, lets the grass tickle at her toes. Breathes.